Detailed characterization of soils of Punjab was carried out. Data for various soil characteristics are presented agro-eco-subregion wise. The descriptive statistics on soil characteristics indicated that the pH of the soils varied from 6.77 to 9.30 (mean = 7.93). The electrical conductivity (EC) ranged from 0.14 to 4.57 dS m−1 (mean = 0.63 dS m−1). The organic carbon (OC) ranged from 0.0 to 1.55% (mean = 0.57%). Calcium carbonate varied from 0.5 to 10.46% (mean = 3.94%). Available K ranged from 33.6 to 1192 kg ha−1 (mean = 280.57 kg ha−1). Available P ranged from 1.12 to 238 kg ha−1 (mean = 42.77 kg ha−1). The exchangeable Ca2++Mg2+ ranged from 1.2 to 14 cmol(p+)kg−1 [mean = 5.68 cmol(p+)kg−1], Na+ ranged from 0.12 to 3.06 cmol(p+)kg−1 [mean= 0.41 cmol(p+)kg−1] and K+ ranged from 0.05 to 3.65 cmol(p+)kg−1 [mean = 0.41 cmol(p+)kg−1]. Cation exchange capacity (CEC) ranged from 1.87 to 15.5 cmol(p+)kg−1 [mean = 6.54 cmol(p+)kg−1]. Exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) varied from 0.03 to 33.13 (mean = 6.55%). The DTPA-Zn ranged from 0.07 to 3.06 mg kg−1 (mean = 1.10 mg kg−1). Organic carbon, silt, EC and pH were the important factors in controlling the Zn availability. The GIS-aided thematic maps indicated that 10% of the total geographical area of Punjab was affected by the Zn deficiency based on the existing critical limits.
Punjab, DTPA extractable zinc, GIS, mapping
