Status of micronutrient cations under various land use systems of Meghalaya

Surface soil samples from Ri-bhoi district of Meghalaya under various land use systems viz., bun cultivation, terrace, natural forest and valley land were analysed for available and total micronutrient status. Burning under bun cultivation resulted in decrease of available Fe, Zn and Cu whereas, available Mn increased by about four-fold on burning. Total micronutrients also increased on burning and a maximum increase of 44 per cent was recorded in total Mn. The level of available and total micronutrients after 3 years of bun cultivation was almost similar to their initial status. Highest amount of available forms of Fe, Zn and Cu and least amount of available Mn were noticed in valley land. Organic carbon content was positively correlated with available Zn and Cu.