Macronutrients Fertility Status of Soil in the Nira Command Area of Baramati Tehsil, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the chemical properties and nutrient status of soils in the Nira river command area of Baramati tehsil. A total of 105 geo- referenced soil samples were collected across the region using a Global Positioning System (GPS). After collection, the samples were air- dried, ground and sieved (2 mm sieve) before analysis and analyzed using standard analytical methods. The results revealed that the soils were predominantly moderately alkaline, with pH values ranging from 7.99 to 8.83 with a mean of 8.25. Electrical conductivity (EC) ranged between 0.10 and 0.95 dS m⁻¹ with a mean of 0.53 dS m⁻¹, indicating that all soils were within the normal range for crop growth. Organic carbon content was generally low to moderate, varying with a mean of 0.54%. Calcium carbonate content ranged from 3% to 12.95% with a mean of 7.14%, showing moderate to very high accumulation in the soils. he analysis of available macronutrients revealed a significant deficiency in nitrogen, with values ranging from 57 to 196 kg ha⁻¹ and an average of 130 kg ha⁻¹. Phosphorus content exhibited considerable variability, ranging from 10.07 to 39.31 kg ha⁻¹ with a mean of 23 kg ha⁻¹, indicating a status that varied from low to very high. Potassium levels were also highly variable, spanning from 118.4 to 850 kg ha⁻¹ and averaged 437 kg ha⁻¹. Most of the samples fell into the very high category for potassium.