Distribution and Status of Inorganic forms of Nitrogen in Subtropical Agroclimatic Zone of Jammu & Kashmir State

Nitrogen status of soils of subtropical region of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) state was evaluated by studying both surface and profile samples from different locations. In surface soil samples, the total N ranged from 460 to 1830 ppm, available N 75.43 to 599 kgha⁻¹, NH₄⁺- N 5.40 to 30.10 ppm and (NO₂⁻ and NO₃⁻) - N 2.80 to 16 ppm. In general, the depth wise distribution of different forms of N showed a decreasing trend with increasing depth. C:N ratio ranged from 4.19 to 13.77 and mostly narrowed with increasing depth. pH did not show any significant relationship with any form of N. Organic carbon gave a significant positive correlation with all forms of N in both surface and profile samples. Clay content did not show a significant relationship with different N forms but showed a positive relationship with total N in surface soil samples.