Distribution of soil fertility constraints in citrus orchards of Vidarbha region of Maharashtra Gedam Mrunal R., Kuchanwar Ommala D.*, Bhoyar Kajal D., Kausadikar Padmaja H., Chilliwant Akansha, Gopal Kirtimala R. Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Dr. Punjabrao Krishi Vidyapeeth, Nagpur, 440033, Maharashtra, India *Corresponding author email: ommalakuchanwar@yahoo.com
Online Published on 14 February, 2024. Abstract Occurrence of multiple soil fertility constraints in citrus orchards is one of the many factors contributing towards citrus decline induced production unsustainability. As many fifteen orchards (Nagur mandarin budded on rough lemon rootstock) were identified from seven location viz., Ladgaon, Dhiwarwadi, Fetri, Lamdhan, Kalkuhi, Parsodi and Amnergondhi (Rithi). Analysis of soil samples (0-30 cm depth) from these orchards showed the distribution of multiple soil fertility constraints. Most of soils were observed having soil pH more than 7.5 with hardly any variation in EC. While , sol calcium carbonate content varied considerably , but values well within the safe limits (2.0-6.0% and 3.5-6.5% in 0-30 cm and 30-60 cm depth, respectively). The plant available N ranged from 250.88 to 398.68 kg /ha and 240.45 to 380.61 kg /ha in 0-30 cm and 30-60 cm soil depth, respectively. While , plant available P was observed in range of 11.85 to 26.36 kg/ ha in 0-30 cm and 11.63 to 24.35 kg /ha in 30 -60 cm depth. However , plant available K remained invariably high in all the locations , ranged from 300.49 to 483.13 kg/ ha in 0-30 cm and from 280.20 to 460.84 kg/ ha in s30-60 cm depth . On the other hand , available S ranged from 10.25 to 15.24 kg /ha and 8.36 to 14.84 kg /ha in 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm depths, respectively. While, DTPA -extractable micronutrient showed a differential distribution , being comparatively higher at 0-15 cm than 15-30 cm depth. The DTPA extractable micronutrient Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn in 0-15 cm depth , ranged from 4.59 to 7.74 mg/ kg, 2.81 to 9.70 mg/ kg, 1.03 to 3.70 mg /kg and 0.46 to 0.85 mg /kg , respectively , with corresponding values of 4.00 to 6.34 mg/ kg, 2.01 to 8.61 mg/ kg, 1.00 to 2.36 mg /kg and 0.45 to 0.79 mg/ kg in 15-30 cm depth. Top Keywords Nagpur mandarin, Soil properties, Organic carbon, Fertility constraints, Micronutrients, Macronutrients. Top |