Land suitability evaluation for major crops adopted to tropical humid region of Kerala, India.

Abstract

Land suitability evaluation is a specific type of method to assess the land resources of an area for specific local crops rather than for a general use. Using the soil site suitability criteria, land resources of the Elamdesam block, Idukki ditrict, Kerala was assessed for their suitability for the major crops adopted. Results revealed that, paddy is highly suitable in 14.79 per cent, moderately suitable in 5.39 per cent and marginally suitable in 32.18 per cent of total geographical area. Coconut is highly suitable in 11.6 per cent, moderately suitable in 18.99 per cent and marginally suitable in 28.35 per cent of total geographical area and 5.44 per cent of total area is unsuitable. Arecanut is moderately suitable in 17.57 per cent; marginally suitable in 35.36 per cent of total area and 11.46 per cent of total area is unsuitable. Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) is highly suitable in 14.4 per cent of the area, moderately suitable in 29.74 per cent of total area and marginally suitable area is occurring in 20.23 per cent of total geographical area. Banana a plantain (Musa sp. L.) is marginally suitable area in 54.16 per cent of total geographical area and 10.22 per cent of total area is unsuitable. Pineapple is moderately suitable in 22.09 per cent of total area, marginally suitable area is occur in 37.52 per cent of total geographical area. Tapioca (Manihot esculenta L.) is moderately suitable in 12.27 per cent of total area and marginally suitable area is occurring in 32.96 per cent of total geographical area. Teak is moderately suitable in 23.4 per cent and marginally suitable in 35.54 per cent of total geographical area, respectively. However, paddy, coconut, arecanut, pepper, banana, pineapple, tapioca, teak are the major crops adopted in the tropical humid region of Kerala apart from rubber. Better yield of those crops can be achieved by correcting soil acidity including external mineral plant nutrient supplements along with soil conservation measures.