Soil Physico-Chemical and Biological Properties vis-à-vis Yield Gap Analysis in Mango cv. Langra Orchards in Lucknow.

Abstract

Soil physico-chemical and biological properties were assessed in Mango cv. Langra orchards of farmers’ field in surrounding the ICAR-CISH, Rehmankhera, Lucknow and related with the productivity of orchards. Generally, orchards with higher productivity level had registered higher amounts of nutrients, biological activities and lower physical constraints. Soil samples at three depth (0-10, 10-20 and 20-30 cm) were collected from the tree basin were subjected to laboratory analysis during 2017-19. Data showed that enzymatic activities varied across orchards and depths. The dehydrogenase activity was estimated @ 1.14 (0-10 cm soil depth) to 0.16 (20-30 cm soil depth) μg TPF g-1 h-1 and fluorescein diacetate activity @ 386.89 (0-10 cm) to 161.11 (20-30 cm) μg fluorescein g-1 h-1 respectively. The soil reaction of the orchard indicated higher than near neutral values of 7.6; available P, K and soil organic carbon decreased down the depths (27.97 to 10.77 mg kg-1, 116.95 to 76.62 mg kg-1 and 0.45 to 0.34%) at top soil (0-10 cm) to subsoil (20-30 cm) respectively. Wide coefficient of variations in micronutrient contents was noted. Depth wise variability in soil physical properties was estimated. The study inferred enormous scope to enhance yield in mango cv. Langra under subtropical condition of this region with improved management of soil moisture.