Land evaluation of a pilot site in coastal agro-ecosystem of North Karnataka

A study was carried out in Mirjan village of coastal agro-ecosystem of Karnataka to find out the potential and constraints of these soils through land capability classification and soil suitability evaluation. The mapped soils from the study area were matched with criteria for land capability classification and soil site suitability evaluation. In the land capability map, three classes have been differentiated viz., IIIs, IVs and Vs. As depicted in the map, majority of the area was classified under non-arable category followed by IVs and then by IIIs category. According to suitability classification, class III land was found to be suitable for coconut, arecanut, cashew and rubber. Class IV land was moderately suitable for cultivation of paddy and cashews and marginally suitable for coconut and arecanut. Class V land was marginally suitable for plantation crops.