Soil Fertility Assessment Based on Primary, Secondary and Micronutrient Status under Different Land Use Systems in Arid Western Rajasthan, India

Abstract

Assessment of soil fertility status under different land use systems is essential for sustainable nutrient management, particularly in arid regions where soils are inherently poor in organic matter and nutrient holding capacity. The present study was conducted to evaluate the status of primary, secondary and micronutrients in soils under irrigated cropland, rainfed cropland and pasture land of Balesar block of Jodhpur district, Rajasthan, India. A total of sixty surface soil samples (0–15 cm) were collected and analysed for available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulphur, iron, manganese, copper and zinc using standard analytical procedures. The results showed that available nitrogen ranged from 50 to 150 kg ha⁻¹ and all soils were low in nitrogen irrespective of land use system. Available phosphorus was mostly in the low to medium category, whereas potassium was generally medium in all soils. Secondary nutrients such as calcium and magnesium were found to be sufficient in all land use systems, while sulphur ranged from medium to high. Among micronutrients, iron and manganese were mostly in the medium category, copper was sufficient in most samples, whereas zinc deficiency was observed in many soils, especially under rainfed and pasture land. Irrigated cropland showed comparatively higher nutrient status due to regular fertiliser application and organic inputs, whereas rainfed soils showed lower nutrient availability. The study revealed that the land use system significantly influences soil nutrient status and can be effectively used for fertility evaluation in arid soils.