Status of Available Major Nutrients in Soils of Banaskantha District

Soils of Banaskantha district are neutral to moderately alkaline in reaction (pH2.5-7.84) with low soluble salt content (EC 0.35 dS/m). More than 89 per cent soil samples were found to be soluble salt content under safe limit. The organic carbon content in soils of Banaskantha district was low (0.30 per cent). More than 90 per cent soil samples were low in organic carbon content indicating poor fertility of soil.The available nitrogen content in these soils ranged from 47.00 to 376.3 kg/ha with a mean value of 228.4 kg/ha. In general, 84.01 per cent soil samples were deficient while 14.92 per cent soil samples were medium in available nitrogen status. The available phosphorus content in soils ranged from 15.6 to 95.8 kg/ha with a mean value 45.8 kg/ha. Out of total 556 soil samples, 17.44 per cent were found low, 67.64 per cent were medium and remaining 14.92 per cent were high in available phosphorus status. The available potassium content in soils varied from 107.5 to 873.6 kg/ha with a mean value of 288.4 kg/ha.