Spatial soil fertility capability classification of command area of Kandi Irrigation Project

An efficient and viable crop response system to soil amendments can be developed through Fertility Capability Classification (FCC) various soil types. It is based on both physical and chemical parameters of soil and it indicates limitation of soil to the type and nature of fertilization management. In present, detailed spatial study an attempt made to classify fertility capability for two pedons of each of identified five soil series namely “Balashpur”, “Chagran”, “Mahilawali”, “Nagal” and “Rampur” in commands area of Kandi II irrigation project under AIBP in Hoshiarpur district Punjab. According to FCC, the representative soil series were classified as “Balashpur” (LLdkm), “Chagran” (SSdebm), “Mahilawali” (LLdkm), “Nagal” (LLdb) and “Rampur” (SSdem). The condition modifiers in soil such as moisture stress (d), low nutrient reserve (k), low in soil organic carbon (m), indicates that all the soils are poor in soil fertility and available moisture content. “Chagran” and “Rampur” series covered an area of 36.16% have major constraints of sandy textural family, susceptible to excessive drainage and rapid permeability. Low nutrient and moisture holding capacity requires irrigation frequently at short interval and application of farm inputs at regular interval to sustain yield of crop. 28.16% of surveyed area was occupied by soils of fine loamy textural family possessing moderate nutrient and water holding capacity (“Mahilawali” and “Nagal” series). Whereas, 26.78% soils (“Balashpur” series) belongs to coarse textural family having low nutrient content and moisture holding thereby requiring careful management to extract high yield of crops.