Optimizing soil fertility and foster productivity of mango: An appraisal on soil fertility status and development of nutrient delineation maps of India

Delineation of soil nutrient deficiencies and superimposing specific crop is indispensible for realizing potential yields of fruit crops especially mango and correcting nutrient deficiencies in early stages. Studies were carried out to delineate soil nutrient status of mango growing regions of India. Based on the categorization of area and production of districts from each leading mango growing state, crop boundary map was prepared. Nutrient deficiency/sufficiency levels in each district were identified based on soil test data, by superimposing each district data; nutrient delineation maps were prepared and demarcated the boundaries with respect to predictable response to specific nutrient. Out of 126 districts, 78 districts showed zinc deficiency, the deficiency varied from 50–65% in Andhra Pradesh, 75% in Uttar Pradesh and 45–50% in Gujarat and Maharashtra. These maps would helpto plan strategic guidein realizing potential yields in mango by formulating appropriate region specific fertilization schedule.