Characterization, classification and mapping of soils of Charkhi Dadri district in Haryana
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Date
2023-05
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CCSHAU, Hisar
Abstract
A systematic investigation on “Characterization, classification and mapping of soils of
Charkhi Dadri district in Haryana” was carried out. For this 140 geo-referenced surface (0-15 cm) soil
samples were collected from the study area and analyzed for mapping fertility parameters using
ArcGIS v 10.5, and five representative pedons were excavated to classify the soils according to Soil
Taxonomy (Soil Survey Staff, 2006). Soil texture which affects soil hydraulic properties and soil
strength varied from sand to sandy loam with majority (46.43 per cent) of the area under sand. About
72 per cent of the total area of the district shows pH between 7.5 to 8.5 whereas 93 per cent was found
in electrical conductivity (EC) range <0.8 dS m-1. Calcium carbonate varied from traces to more than
10 per cent. Spatial distribution maps indicate that 100 per cent of the area was under low N category
whereas 75.71 per cent was low in organic carbon (OC). The available phosphorus and potassium were
under medium category in 80.00 and 81.43 per cent area of Charkhi Dadri district, respectively. Cation
exchange capacity (CEC) varied from 2.21 to 14.39 cmol(p+) kg-1 and was positively correlated with
clay and OC. Calcium was dominant cation on exchange complexes.
All the studied pedons showed a decreasing trend in value and chroma with depth resulted
from lower organic matter and presence of CaCO3 except pedon 1 that had less profile development.
The texture of the pedons varied from sand to sandy loam in surface and sandy to loam in deeper layers.
Soil structure was predominantly sub angular blocky except surface layers of pedon 1 having single
grained structure. The consistence varied from non-sticky to sticky and non-plastic to plastic. Bulk
density of studied pedons varied from 1.18 to 1.55 Mg m-3. Infiltration rate was observed to be high and
varied from 8.02 to 14.50 cm hr-1. These soils were slightly alkaline to highly alkaline in reaction (7.31
to 8.87), non-saline to highly saline (0.07 to 3.85 ds m-1), non-sodic (ESP <15%) except B1 horizon of
pedon 4 having ESP 16.56 %. Calcium carbonate was found down the depth in all pedons except
pedon 1. CEC of the soils varied from 3.17 to 13.35 cmol(p+) kg-1. Calcium were the dominant cations
on the exchange complex followed by Magnesium, Sodium and Potassium. The soils were low to
medium in organic carbon (0.07 to 0.57 per cent) and low in available nitrogen (21.95 to 195.65 kg ha-1)
in different horizons and decreasing trend was noticed with depth. Soils were low to medium and low
to high in available phosphorus and potassium, respectively. The DTPA extractable Zn, Fe, Cu and Mn
varied from 0.15 to 0.66, 1.03 to 3.40, 0.14 to 2.70 and 3.88 to 10.28 mg kg-1, respectively. Depending
upon variation in particle size distribution and mineral constituents, these soils were classified as sandy
to fine loamy family and mixed mineral class, respectively. Considering the presence of ustic soil
moisture regime, hyperthermic temperature regime and degree of profile development, the soils were
classified into Typic Ustipsamments (pedon 1), Typic Ustorthents (pedon 2) and Typic Haplustepts
(pedon 3,4 and 5).