Characterization and Classification of Soils of Nagaral-1 Micro-Watershed in Gadag Taluk, Karnataka
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Date
2017-06
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University of Agricultural Science, Dharwad
Abstract
A study was undertaken to characterize, classify and map the soil resources of Nagaral-1 micro-watershed in northern dry zone of Karnataka in order to assess their land capability, irrigability and suitability for crops and also to assess soil fertility constraints. Soil survey was carried out during April 2016 using IRS P6, LISS-IV image and cadastral map. Based on soil heterogeneity, fourteen profiles were studied for the morphological, physical and chemical properties and classified using Soil Taxonomy as Entisols, Inceptisols and Vertisols. Eight soil series were identified and mapped into 11 mapping units by GIS technique. The identified land capability sub-classes are; IIIsf, IIIesf, and VIs and have been mapped and indicated that 90 per cent of total geographical area is cultivable. Soil suitability evaluation for irrigation showed that, 90 per cent of the cultivable area was moderately suitable for surface irrigation with limitation of texture and ESP. The study area was moderately (S2) suitable for crops like wheat and pearlmillet. Whereas, cotton, pigeonpea, bengalgram, groundnut, rose, jasmine, maize, chilli, sorghum, soybean, sunflower, pomegranate, mango, sapota, guava and tamarind were marginally suitable (S3) with limitations of soil pH and organic carbon. Citrus crop is currently not suitable (N1) with limitations of rainfall and fertility. Sixty eight surface soil samples were drawn from the study area and analyzed at UAS, Dharwad for their fertility status and mapped by GIS technique. The soil pH was strongly alkaline to very strongly alkaline and free from salinity. Soil organic carbon and available phosphorus content were low to medium. Available nitrogen was low and potassium was high. Available sulphur was medium to high in range. Boron was deficient to excess, copper and manganese were sufficient while, zinc and iron were deficient. The fertility constraints identified in the micro-watershed are organic carbon, available nitrogen, iron and zinc.