Principal Component Analysis on Soil Fertility Parameters in Vegetable Growing Locations of Kottayam District of Kerala

Abstract

Present study utilizes Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of 13 soil testing variables obtained from 28 vegetable growing locations of Kottayam district and there were a total of 718 samples for analysis. Thirteen Principal Components (PCs) were generated and five PCs could explain the major share of variance (80%). Score plot was drawn based on PCA and the results indicated that none of the variables was predominant in Bharananganam, Kadanadu, Kozhuvanal, Kidangoor and Pallikkathode and also these panchayats had positive scores on both F1 and F2 when factor analysis was conducted. Boron (B), Copper (Cu) and Zinc (Zn) were predominant in Akalakkunnam, Kadalpalamattom, Meeaachil, Melukavu, Poonjar and Ramapuram panchayats. Elikulam, Erumeli, Karoor, Mundakkayam, Mutholi, Poonjar south, Thalapalm and Vakathanom were those panchayats where the contribution of Magnesium (Mg), Potassium (K) and pH was more. All other elements viz, Oxidisable Organic Carbon (OC), Sulphur (S), Phosphorus (P), Calcium (Ca), Manganese (Mn) and Iron (Fe) had significant importance in Ayarkkunnam, Aymanam, Chempu, Kaduthuruthy, Kurichi, Manjoor, Maravanthuruth, Puthuppally and Thalayazham panchayats.