Soil fertility status and nutrient index for primary nutrients in Western Ghats and Coastal Karnataka under different agro-ecological systems

Abstract

Study was undertaken in Western Ghats and Coastal area in Karnataka state, India with the aim of evaluating the fertility status of soils using nutrient index approach, mainly for primary nutrients. Based on fertility ratings, pH of soils was strongly acidic to moderately acidic. Electrical conductivity was normal (<1.0 dS m-1). Soil organic carbon was medium to high. Primary nutrient statusi.e., N, P and K were low in >60 % samples. Whereas, >80 % of samples were low in exchangeable Ca, Mg and available S content. Among the micronutrients Cu and B were found to be low in >70% of samples, whereas Fe, Mn and Zn were adequate in >85 % of samples. Nutrient index value for major nutrients (available N, available P and available K) was found to be low (<1.67 range).