Micronutrient Status of Vegetable Growing Pockets in Cold Desert Area of Himachal Pradesh

Studies on the soils from vegetable growing pockets in cold desert area (high hills dry temperate zone) of the state showed that 38 to 42, 22 to 34 and 42 to 65 per cent samples were deficient in DTPA-extractable Fe, Mn and Zn, respectively in Spiti Valley. Whereas, the deficiency of these micronutrients varied from 16 to 21, 18 to 23 and 11 to 42 per cent in Kinnaur soils. Simple correlation studies also indicated significant and negative correlation of Fe and Mn with soil pH and CaCO₃ and significant and positive correlation with soil organic carbon content. Copper was also significantly and positively correlated with organic carbon. Zinc showed significant and negative relationship with soil pH.