Taxonomical Classification of Arable Lands in the District Pulwama of Kashmir, India

N. Z. Rehman^*1, Masrat Maqbool², D. Ram³, J. A. Wani³

^{1 ,2} Division of Soil Science, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Shalimar Srinagar.

³Directorate of Extension Education, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Shalimar Srinagar.

⁴Division of Soil Science Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Shalimar Srinagar.

Corresponding author Email: zianaik@gmail.com

DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.12944/CARJ.5.1.04

Abstract:

Knowledge about morphological, physical and chemical characteristics of soil is an essential requirement for successful crop establishment and output in an area. Taking this concept into cognizance, nine representative soil profiles exposed in the study area were assessed for various properties. Results revealed that the topographical as well as soil morphological features were diverse thereby leading to development of different soil assets. The soils showed varying degree of profile development on foothills (A-C), low hill plateaus (A-Bw-C) and inland valleys (A-Bt-C) horizons, respectively. Particle size analysis revealed that the variation of sand, silt and clay content ranged from 11.7 to 60.6, 22.3 to 60.5 and 17.1 to 35.3 percent, respectively. Organic carbon ranged from 0.02 to 1.72 percent with a mean value of 0.42 percent. Bulk density and particle density ranged from 1.21 to 1.58 Mg m^-3 and 2.3 to 2.8 Mgm^-3, respectively. The soils were finally recognized to fall under the Entisol, Mollisol and Alfisol orders under taxonomical classification and II, III and IV classes under capability classification with limitations of slope, erosion and wetness. Proper soil managements and diversification of crops can decrease the risk of crop failures caused by such soil limitations.

Keywords:

Arable land; Characterization; Classification; Evaluation; Pulwama; Toposequence

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