Impact of physicochemical soil characteristics of on cotton yield

Inter-correlation statistical studies among soil properties can result in establishing relationships between soil properties and crop yield. The objective of this study was to compare statistical methods of examining relationships between cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) yield, quality and soil properties.Soil and plant samples were collected from 1-ha grids from various regions of Rajkot region in Gujarat,India. Statistical results are presented from correlation and regression analyses between cotton yield and the properties of pH, electrical conductivity, % moisture, % porosity, %gravel content, salinity, gravimetric water content, bulk density and percentage clay. Correlation coefficients of -0.79, -0.70, -0.68, 0.62, -0.73, 0.35, -0.64, -0.69 and -0.70 respectively, were determined. A site-specific response model of cotton yield was developed based on ordinary least squares regression analysis. The response model indicated that salinity, percentage clay, electrical conductivity, pH, gravel content, percentage porosity were the most significant soil properties influencing cotton yield at the study site.