Nutrient status of soils from Karveer Tehsil of Kolhapur District, Maharashtra

Present investigation was undertaken to assess macro and micronutrient status and fertility index of Karveer tehsil of Kolhpur district during the year 2013–2014. The soils in general were slightly to moderately acidic and slightly alkaline having pH range of 5.7 to 8.6. The EC of soils ranged from 0.07 to1.2 dSm⁻¹ and most of the soils had normal EC, suitable for good plant growth. The soils were moderately high in organic carbon content (0.43 to 1.08 per cent with the mean value of 0.74 per cent). High organic carbon content in soils might be due to regular application of farm yard manure and trash management practices adapted by farmers in the region. The calcium carbonate content in these soils ranged from 0.6 to 20.5 per cent with an average of 6.1 per cent. Soils were low in nitrogen, low to medium in phosphorus and high to very high in potassium. The soils showed deficiency of available sulphur and silicon status. Most of the soils were sufficient in available iron, manganese and copper, whereas at some places zinc deficiency was observed. Negative significant correlation between soil pH with available N and K was observed. Calcium carbonate was negatively and significantly correlated with available K, available S, Si, Fe, Mn and Cu. The soils of Karveer tehsil showed high fertility index with respect to organic carbon, available K, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu, medium fertility index for available P and S and low for available N.