Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, Bihar, 834006.
* Present address: Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, S.K.N. Col1ege of Agriculture, Jobner, Rajasthan, 303 329.
The indices of P availability in two dominant soil series. (Dumka and Laxmipur) of Palamau region of Bihar were determined. Total P content of Dumka and Laxmipur soil series ranged from 278 to 1888 mg kg−1 and 123 to 557 mg kg−1, respectively. Available Pin Dumka soil series varied from 19.4 to 175.2 mg kg−1 (Bray P1) and 6.4 to 60.9 mg kg−1 (Olsen P). Soils had similar lime and phosphate potentials. Fixation of added P ranged from 46 to 79 per cent. Organic carbon, clay content and lime potential were found to be the major factors in effecting variations in available P status in acid soils and fixation of added phosphorus.
P fixation, soil properties, acid Alfisols
