A total number of 201 surface soil samples were collected encompassing the fields of Central Farm of Horticultural College and Research Institute, Periyakulam, Tamil Nadu. The GPS data (Latitude ºN and Longitude ºE) were recorded for each sampling site by using GPS-Garmin eTrex Vista HCX model. Field maps were collected and field number wise digitization was done. Soil samples were processed and anlaysed for soil physic-chemical and fertility parameters. Results indicated that soil samples were neutral to alkaline in reaction, non saline, and slightly calcareous to non calcareous in nature. Soil fertility groupings under percent category indicated that the soils were medium in soil organic carbon, low in available nitrogen, medium to high in available phosphorus, medium to high in available potassium, and low in available sulphur. With respect to DTPA extractable micronutrients, Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu were found to dominate by low to medium, low, high, medium to high categories, respectively. HWS-Boron was also recorded under the high category. The nutrient index values of the samples indicated a high status for organic carbon, available P and K, while medium for available N and adequate for available sulphur. With respect to micro nutrients, nutrient index values indicated that adequate for DTPA-Zn and very high for DTPA-Fe, Mn, Cu, and HWS-B. Thematic maps generated on the individual parameters depicted the spatial variability of parameters in the Central Farm of Horticultural College and Research Institute, Periyakulam. In the identified areas of poor fertility status, nutrient deficiency has to be eliminated by the application of organic and /or inorganic sources to maintain sustainable soil fertility status. Soil test-based fertilizer recommendations and micronutrients are to be followed to mitigate nutrient deficiencies and achieve sustained crop production and soil fertility.
SOIL FERTILITY STATUS OF FIVE MAJOR MULBERRY CULTIVATED DISTRICTS IN TAMIL NADU
