To assess the micronutrient status of soils under different land uses in Chambal ravines a study was conducted at CSWCRTI, Research Centre, Kota. A total of 80 surface and sub-surface samples, representing eight different land use systems were analyzed for DTPA-extractable micronutrients status and soil properties in Chambal ravines. The DTPA-extractable micronutrients in soils showed wide variation under different land uses. The DTPA-Mn and Cu recorded the highest (23.85 mg kg−1) and the lowest values (0.12 mg kg−1), respectively. Content of micronutrients was in the order Mn > Fe> Zn > Cu. Mean value of DTPA- Mn, Zn, Fe and Cu in surface soils varied from 6.98 to 23.85, 0.44 to 1.41, 2.14 to 11.59 and 0.23 to 2.88 mg kg−1, respectively. Mean value of DTPA- Mn, Zn, Fe and Cu in sub-surface soils varied from 5.01 to 23.03, 0.44 to 1.29, 1.49 to 10.24 and 0.12 to 2.58 mg kg−1, respectively. The DTPA- Mn, Zn and Fe showed negative correlation with pH and EC of soils, whereas Cu exhibited positive correlation. Manganese, Zn, Fe and Cu showed positive correlation with organic carbon. Micronutrient content was low in agricultural fields and ravine lands as compared to the other land uses. Results of the study indicate that iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) deficiencies are the major disorders in agricultural fields (marginal land) along the Chambal ravine systems.
Available micronutrients, Fe and Zn deficiency, ravine land
