Exchangeable Aluminium in Soils of Meghalaya and Management of A1³⁺ Related Productivity Constraints

The study reports on exchangeable Al²⁺ in dominant soil series of East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya state and the management implications of high exchangeable Al³⁺ in these soils. Soils of southern region of the district, with very high rainfall and shallow soils on steep slopes. analysed high exchangeable Al³⁺ in the surface as well as in the subsoil due to rapid leaching down of bases and residual enrichment of Al³⁺ in exchange complex. Exchangeable Al³⁺ of ten exceeded the critical limit of 60 per cent in many soil series. The management strategy for these soils include cultivation of Al³⁺ tolerant crops and crop varieties and liming to neutralize the exchangeabie Af+ or to keep its level within safer limits. Liming to raise the pH to neutrality is not recommended as it will adversely affect crop performance in soils dominated by low activity clay minerals.