National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, Regional Centre, Hebbal, Bangalore 560 024, Karnataka.
The study has been conducted with the objectives of agribusiness prospecting for grape cultivation by characterization, mapping of soils, studying of land use requirements, evaluating the economic viability of grape cultivation and delineating the potential area for grape in Rajanukunte watershed. The soil survey and mapping have resulted in delineation of seven soils series, one on the mound, one in the valley and five on the pediment surface. The land-use requirement of grape has been matched with land qualities for delineating the potential areas. The temperature, relative humidity, soil texture, depth, pH, drainage and gravel content have been used in suitability evaluation. The rainfall and humidity during flowering and fruiting period have been suitable, with the added advantage of nearness to market in Bangalore city. The suitability assessment has shown that about 48.5 ha of land (8.58%) in the watershed is marginally suited, about 242.42ha of land (42.91%) is moderately suited and 149.73 ha (26.5%) is highly suitable for grape cultivation. Evaluation of investment in grape vineyards has revealed the net present value as Rs 357512/ha, the pay back period as 3 years and internal rate of returns as 40 per cent. The investment in grape vineyards has been found financially viable. The suitability evaluation has revealed that characteristics like pH, gravels and drainage are the major soil limitations. However, as the crop is perennial and widely spaced, the limitations can be overcome by soil manipulation and input management.
