Characterization of Fe-toxic Soils and Affected Plants in Meghalaya

Iron toxicity problem was noticed to be highly site specific, complex and variable in nature even within the small units. By and large, it originates under the conditions of high active Fe content (>1.25%), high organic matter (>2.98%), shallow water table (40 cm) and imveded drainage conditions. Apart from these, iron toxicity was also caused by water coming from the hill slopes containing appreciable amounts of soluble iron and suspended organic matter. Soils in general were found deficient in available P, Zn, K, B and Cu.