Spatial distribution of micronutrients in soils of Patiala district – A GIS approach

A detailed study was undertaken in Patiala district to assess the micronutrient status of soil using Arc-info GIS. The 690 surface soil samples were analyzed for soil physico-chemical properties and DTPA-extractable micronutrients. About 11% (39,369 ha) of TGA of the district was deficient in Zn. Only 4 and 5% of the area was deficient in Mn and Fe, respectively. Deficiency of two or three micronutrients in combinations was sparsely distributed. Individually, Zn followed by Mn, Fe and Cu were found deficient in the district. Significant and positive correlation of all the micronutrient cations with soil organic matter and of Fe, Mn and Cu with clay content was observed. DTPA-Fe was negatively correlated (r=−0.251) with pH.