Spatial Variability of Soil Fertility Parameters in Jirang Block of Ri-Bhoi District, Meghalaya

Abstract

Spatial variability of soil fertility parameters is important to know the distribution of fertility status in a particular area. Surface soil samples from Jirang block, Ri-bhoi district of Meghalaya were analysed for soil reaction, organic carbon, available macro- and micronutrients status. The spatial variability maps were generated for soil parameters by regularised spline technique in ArcGIS 10.0. Soil pH varied from extremely acidic to moderately acidic. The maximum area of soil was under moderately acid (59.3% area) followed by extremely acid (27% area), very strongly acid (6.9% area) and strongly acid (6.9 % area). Soil organic carbon content varied from medium (40% area) to high (60% area). The available nitrogen content was high in 54.5 % area where as available phosphorus was medium in 67.8 % area. Available potassium content was low in 67.5 % area. The micronutrients status was sufficient. The multimacronutrient map (N, P and K) showed 25.4% area was deficient in either all or more than one macronutrient which was classified as high prioritized zone. The multi-micronutrient map (Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu) showed maximum area under low prioritized zone (80.5% area).