Soil-site suitability evaluation for soybean in Southern Saurashtra region of Gujarat

The soil-site suitability for soybean cultivation was evaluated in southern Saurashtra region of Gujarat. The study suggests that the soils at higher elevation have low pH, EC, CaCO₃and ESP than lower elevation. The soils at higher elevation have the major soil constraints like shallow depth, fine texture, pH and poor soil fertility (low OC) whereas at lower elevation have high pH, poor drainage as well as soil fertility (low OC) and high bulk density. The soils over hill slope and upper piedmont area belongs to Lithic Ustorthents are currently not suitable for soybean cultivation. The soils over upper piedmont belong to Typic Haplustepts and lower piedmont belongs to Vertic Haplustept, Typic Haplustepts and Typic Ustorthents are moderately suitable. The soils over piedmont plain area belongs to Typic Haplustepts and Fluventic Haplustepts are moderately suitable whereas Fluventic Calciustepts are currently not suitable for soybean. The soil over coastal plain belongs to Fluventic Haplustepts (P₈) and Calcic Haplustepts are moderately suitable whereas Fluventic Haplustepts (P₁₂) are marginally suitable for soybean cultivation.