Mapping of Chemical Characteristics by GIS and Fertility Status of Jalgaon District Maharashtra, India

A study was conducted to assess the available macro and micro nutrient status of soils of Jalgaon District by GIS technique.

Total 450 soil samples (0-22.5 cm) drawn during 2019-2020 from the 15 Tehsils of Jalgaon district of Maharashtra. The soil samples were analyzed for their fertility status and mapped by geographic information system (GIS) technique. The exact locations of soil samples were recorded with the help of GPS. Samples were analyzed for soil pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon content, calcium carbonate content, available macro nutrients viz. N, P, K, S, and micronutrients like Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn.

Soil pH of the Jalgaon district varied between 6.79 to 8.85 with an average of 7.74, while electrical conductivity was 0.14 to 2.38 dSm^-1 showing slightly acidic to alkaline nature of soil and most of the soils are safe in total soluble salt content. Organic carbon content was very low to very high (2.35 kg^-1) and soils are non- calcareous to highly calcareous (1.25-184.76 g kg^-1) in nature. The average nitrogen content (210.76 kg ha^-1) shows the soils are medium in nitrogen availability. The phosphorus was low to medium (4-162 kg ha^-1), however wide spread deficiency of P was noticed. The soils are rich in potassium (653.58 kg ha^-1). The average sulphur content (13.43 kg ha^-1) shows the soils are low in sulphur availability. Available iron and zinc content was low to medium (0.12-85.4 and 0.20-3.4 mg kg^-1, respectively) while copper and manganese content was sufficient (1.88 and 25.42 mg kg^-1, respectively).

Soils are becoming saline and sodic in some part of Jalgaon district. The area of phosphorus deficiency is increasing. The fertility maps developed are useful for proper management of fertilizers by the farmers of Jalgaon district Further, the use of GPS-GIS based technique for soil sampling is new land mark, which will enable the further researchers and University Officials to monitor the changes in soil fertility status for years to come.