Soil resources assessment for crop planning in Medak district, Andhra Pradesh.

Abstract

An attempt was made to assess the soil resources of Medak district and their fertility in Andhra Pradesh. Ten major soils covering 64 per cent area of the district were analysed for their physical and chemical properties. These soils were shallow to deep, calcareous with Vertic properties, medium deep red clay, medium deep red gravelly loam, shallow black gravelly clay, shallow red loam, alluvial clay and deep red clay. Soils were well to moderately well drained and differ widely in soil reaction (pH 5.0 to pH 9.3) but low in organic carbon. The CEC of soils varied from <6 cmol( + ) kg-1 to >40 cmol( + ) kg. Besides, one thousand seven hundred surface samples from 2.5 km grid interval were collected and analysed for macro and micronutrient status. About 43.2 per cent of area was low, 37.3 per cent medium and 13.2 per cent high for available nitrogen. Nearly 80.1 per cent area had low available phosphorus and 12.6 per cent as high. The available potassium was low in 41.3 per cent and medium in 50.9 per cent area. Based on the basis of soil morphology, fertility, physical and chemical properties and climate situation, suggestions were made for sustainable crop planning in the district.