1Centre for Geo-informatics Research and Training, CSK Himachal Pradesh Agriculture University, Palampur, 176061, Himachal Pradesh
Department of Soil Science, College of Horticulture and Forestry, YSPUHF, Hamirpur, 177001, Himachal Pradesh
*Corresponding author's E-mail: rakeshsolan@gmail.com
Online published on 7 October, 2019.
About 420 geo-referenced soil samples (0–30 cm) were collected from apple orchards spread over 60 selected villages of Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh following stratified random sampling approach and GIS technique. The soil samples were analyzed for 14 physico-chemical parameters, namely pH, EC, soil organic carbon and available macro (N, P, K, Ca and Mg) and micro nutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, B and Mo). Different thematic maps were prepared using Arc GIS software version 9.3. The maps revealed that a major area of the district was slightly acidic to neutral in soil reaction (pH 5.53–7.55), non-saline and rich in organic carbon (0.84 to 5.5%). Available N and Ca were low in 15% and 18% area with overall fertility rating of high. Available P, K and micronutrients were sufficient but available N is the major constraint in apple orchards of Kinnaur district which warrants for soil test based integrated nutrient approach.
Geo-reference, Soil organic carbon, macro and micronutrients, thematic maps
