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

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

Article Publishing History

Received: 13 Mar 2017
Accepted: 08 June 2017

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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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Rehman N. Z, Maqbool M, Ram D, Wani J. A. Taxonomical Classification of Arable Lands in the District Pulwama of Kashmir, India. Curr Agri Res 2017;5(1). doi : http://dx.doi.org/10.12944/CARJ.5.1.04

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Rehman N. Z, Maqbool M, Ram D, Wani J. A. Taxonomical Classification of Arable Lands in the District Pulwama of Kashmir, India. Curr Agri Res 2017;5(1). Available from: http://www.agriculturejournal.org/?p=2301

Introduction

The significance of a life supporting system in any region lies within the effective land use to give distributional patterns of crops. The rising food prices in the international market, progressive conversion of good lands to grow bio fuel crops, industrial and other non-agricultural uses demand effective soil resource management to ensure productivity, profitability and national food security.1 For sustainable use of soil resources, a detailed inventory is necessary to strengthen the sustainable development of a region. To achieve soil resource management in agro ecological regions, knowledge on morphological, physical and chemical characteristics and classification is an essential requirement. District Pulwama is a major part of Kashmir valley, India with respect to agricultural perspective2 and pertinent information about the arable soils is unavailable3 and hence the present investigation was carried out.

Materials and Methods

District Pulwama falls between 33o 46’ N to 33o 52’ N latitude and 74o 45’ to 75o 35’ longitude with a mean elevation of 1630 m amsl. The entire area is characterized by sub-humid temperate climate with a mean annual temperature of 14oC. The moisture and temperature regimes of the area are Udic and mesic, respectively. The natural vegetation of the area consists of trees like Salix spp., Populous spp., Planetarium orientalis, Roubinea spp. etc. The hill ranges are covered with forests and dominant species are Pinus sylvestris, Pinus walichiana, Cedrus deodara, Abies pindrow and Picea smitheana. The district is rich in horticulture and agriculture4 and the main crops include paddy, fodder, saffron (Croccus sativus), apple (Malus spp.) and condiments.

Fig-1: Profile Sites selected in District Pulwama Figure 1: Profile Sites selected in District Pulwama.
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Fig-2: LISS III image of District Pulwama Figure 2: LISS III image of District Pulwama.
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After a general traversing of the study area nine representative profiles were selected for study (Fig-1). Landforms were delineated on the basis of image interpretation of Resourcesat-1 LISS-III data and ground truth study i.e. geology, drainage pattern, surface features, slope characteristics and present land use (Fig-2). The reconnaissance survey was carried out in 1:50,000 scale using Survey of India toposheet as a base map of the same scale. The soil site description was made following the standard proforma of soil site description of NBSS&LUP soil bulletin no. 235. The detailed morphological description of these nine profiles was studied in the fields as per the guidelines in Field guide for Soil Survey.6 The soil samples collected from different horizons were air dried and grounded in a wooden pestle and mortar. Ambient soil was passed through 2 mm sieve and then subjected to various physical and chemical analysis. The particle size analysis was carried out by international pipette method7 using sodium-hexametaphosphate as a dispersing agent. The textural class was determined using the USDA textural triangle. Soil reaction (1:2.5 soil and water suspension) was determined by pH meter8 and electrical conductivity (EC) of soil water extract was determined with the help of conductivity bridge.9 Organic carbon (OC) was determined by chromic acid wet digestion method.10 Estimation of calcium carbonate was done by rapid titration method.7 Cation exchange capacity (CEC) was determined by Schollenberger and Simon (1945)11 method of leaching the soil with neutral normal ammonium acetate. The exchangeable cations were extracted with neutral normal ammonium acetate. Potassium (K) and sodium (Na) were determined by flame photometer while, calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer procedure.12 Bulk density (BD) and particle density (PD) were determined by Core sampler13 and Pycnometer method,14 respectively.

Table 1: Site characteristics of arable soils of district Pulwama.

Profile

Latitude

and

Longitude

Altitude

(m amsl)

Topography

(Land form type)

Slope

(%)

Erosion

Drainage

Depth of ground water

(m)

Natural vegetation

Present land use

P1 (Shikargah)

33o 53.657’ N

75o 08.209’ E

1800

Undulating

Hill slope

3-8

Slight

well drained

>10

Pinus, Ulmus, Populus, Salix, Ciderus

Cultivated single crop

(Apple)

P2 (Pinglish)

33o 55.345’ N

75o 07.603’ E

1717

Level Plain

Inland Valley

0-1

Very slow

Moderately well drained

5-10

Ulmus, Populus, Salix

Cultivated double crop

(Kharif – Paddy)

(Rabi- Mustard)

P3 (Chersoo)

33o 54.121’ N

75o 01.603’ E

1605

Level Plain

Inland Valley

0-1

No erosion

Somewhat poorly drained

1-2

Populus, Salix, Plantarinum

Cultivated single crop

(Paddy)

P4 (Barusu)

33o 59.366’ N

74o 55.862’ E

1779

Rolling

Foot Hills

8-16

Severe

Excessively drained

>10

Juglans, Wild Apricot, Chestnut

Cultivated single crop

(Almond)

P5 (Chandhara)

33o 54.345’ N

74o 53.862’ E

1617

Level

Inland Valley

0-1

Very slow

Well drained

>10

Salix and some wild grasses

Cultivated single crop

(Saffron)

P6 (Ladhoo)

33o 59.985’ N

75o 00.125’ E

1685

Nearly Level

Inland Valley

1-3

Very slow

Well drained

>10

Populus, Ulmus, Juglans, Chestnut, Salix

Cultivated single crop

(Maize)

P7(Kamrazipora)

33o 49.898’ N

74o 47.944’E

1940

Undulating

Low Hill Plateau

3-8

Slight

Well drained

>10

Acacia, Populus, Chestnut, Juglans, Salix

Cultivated double crop

(Kharif-Maize or Beans)

(Rabi-Oats or Mustard)

P8 (Uthmula)

33o 42.060’ N

74o 52.441’ E

1810

Nearly Level

Inland Valley

0-1

Very slow

Well drained

2-5

Morus, Populus, Ulmus, Juglans, Salix

Cultivated single crop

(Apple)

P9 (Pinglena)

33o 48.385’ N

74o 55.708’ E

1599

Level

Inland Valley

0-1

Very slow

Moderately well drained

2-5

Typhus, Populus, Ulmus, Juglans, Salix and other grasses

Cultivated double crop

(Kharif – Paddy)

(Rabi- Mustard)

 

The soils were classified taxonomically up to sub-group level following Keys to Soil Taxonomy.15 Moreover, considering limitations and potentials of the soils, Land Capability Classification was evaluated as per guidelines outlined by Klingebiel and Montgomery (1961).16

 Results and Discussion

Soil Morphology

The solum (A+B horizon) was moderately deep to deep in all the profiles except P4 which was shallow (Table-2). The colour hue was 10YR in all the profiles with a value of 2 to 5 and chroma from 1 to 4. In general, all the soils were characterized by brown colour mixed with shades of grey and yellow. The soil colour appears to be the function of chemical and mineralogical composition as well as the textural makeup of the soils and conditioned by topographic position and moisture regime.17 The various shades like dark brown, very dark brown, yellow brown colour in surface and sub-surface horizons of profiles indicate a good drainage condition of the soils.18 The structure of the surface soils varied from fine weak granular to medium moderate crumb which can be attributed to continuous soil manipulation and continuous addition of organic matter.19 The sub-surface horizons showed a definite structure of sub-angular to angular blocky which may be attributed to the increase in clay fraction and compaction.20

The consistence of the soils varied from slightly hard to hard (dry), friable to very firm (moist) and slightly sticky to sticky (wet). The increase in hardness, firmness and stickiness with depth is due to increase in compaction and clay content in sub-surface horizons.1 Slight to strong

Table 2: Morphological Properties of arable soils of district Pulwama

Profile

Horizon

Depth

(cm)

Boundary

Colour

(moist)

Structure

Consistency

Plasticity

Effervescence

Special features

P1 (Shikargah)

Ap

 

0-18

 

cs

 

10YR 4/3

(Brown)

m 2 gr

 

sh fr ss

 

sp

 

–

 

Many  fine roots

Bt1

18-47

ds

10YR 3/3

(Dark brown)

c 2 abk

 

h fi ss

 

sp

 

–

 

Few  fine roots

Bt2

 

47-75

 

dw

 

10YR 3/2

(Dark grayish brown)

c 3 abk

 

vh vfi s

 

mp

 

e

 

few  medium roots

 

Bt3

75-90

–

10YR2/2

(Very dark grayish brown)

c 3 abk

vh vfi s

mp

e

Many  fine roots

P2

 (Pinglish)

Ap

 

0-29

 

cs

 

10YR 3/3

(Dark brown)

m 2 cr

 

sh fr ss

 

sp

 

–

 

Many medium roots

AB

 

29-55

 

cs

 

10YR 3/2

(Dark grayish brown)

m 3 sbk

 

h fi ss

 

sp

 

–

 

Few fine roots

 

Bt1

 

55-95

 

cs

 

10YR 3/2

(Dark grayish brown)

c 3 sbk

 

vh vfi s

 

mp

 

–

 

Very few fine roots

 

Bt2

 

95-133

 

ds

 

10YR 2/2

(Very dark grayish brown)

c 3 abk

 

vh efi s

 

p

 

–

 

–

BC

133-160

–

10YR 2/2

(Very dark grayish brown)

c3abk

vh vfi ss

sp

–

–

P3  

(Chersoo)

Ap

 

0-19

 

cs

 

10YR 3/2

(Dark grayish brown)

f 2 sbk

 

h fi ms

 

mp

 

e

 

Many fine roots

AB

 

19-57

 

cs

 

10YR 4/1

(Dark gray)

m 3 abk

 

vh vfi ms

 

p

 

es

 

Few fine roots and redox concentrations

Bt1

 

57-80

 

ds

 

10YR 3/2

(Dark grayish brown)

f 3 abk

 

vh vfi vs

 

p

 

es

 

Very few fine roots and redox concentrations

Bt2

80-110

–

10YR 4/2

(Very dark grayish brown)

f 3 abk

vh fi ss

sp

es

–

P4 (Barsu)

A

 

0-16

 

cs

 

10YR 4/3

(Brown)

f 1 gr

 

sh fr ss

sp

 

es

Few fine roots

AC

 

16-47

 

gb

 

10YR 3/2

(Dark grayish brown)

f 1 gr

 

sh fr ss

 

sp

 

es

 

Very few fine roots

C

47-72

–

10YR 3/4

(Dark yellowish brown)

f 2 sbk

l fr ss

sp

es

–

P5 (Chandhara)

Ap

 

0-20

 

cs

 

10YR 3/3

(Dark brown)

f 1 sbk

 

sh l ss

 

sp

 

–

 

Few fine roots

Bw1

20-43

dw

10YR 3/2

(Dark grayish brown)

m2 sbk

 

h l ss

 

sp

 

–

 

Few fine roots

Bw2

 

43-66

 

cs

 

10YR 4/3

(Brown)

m2 sbk

 

h vfr s

 

sp

 

e

 

Very few very fine roots

Bw3

66-190

–

10YR 5/4

(Light brown)

f 2 abk

h vfr s

sp

es

–

P6  

(Ladhoo)

Ap

0-22

cs

10YR 3/3

(Dark brown)

m 2 cr

sh fr ss

so

–

few fine roots

Bw1

22-42

gs

10YR 4/3

(brown)

m 2 sbk

sh vfr ss

so

 

–

Few very fine roots

Bw2

42-58

cs

 

 

10YR 3/3

(Dark grayish brown)

m 2 abk

h fi s

 

sp

 

–

Very few very fine roots

Bw3

 

58-93

–

10YR 3/2

(Dark grayish brown)

 

m 1 abk

h fi s

sp

–

Very few very fine roots

P7

(Kamrazipora)

Ap

0-21

cs

10YR 3/3

(Dark brown)

m 2 cr

h fr ss

sp

–

Fine few roots

Bw1

21-79

ds

10YR 3/4

(Grayish brown)

m 2 sbk

vh fr ss

sp

–

very few fine roots

Bw2

79-135

cs

10YR 3/2

(Dark grayish brown)

m 3 abk

eh vfi s

sp

e

Very few fine roots

BC

135-170

cs

10YR 3/3

(Dark brown)

c 3 abk

eh vfi s

p

es

–

C

170-194

–

10YR 3/3

(Dark brown)

vc 3 abk

eh vfi s

p

es

–

P8

  (Uthmula)

Ap

0-22

cs

10YR 3/3

(Dark brown)

m 2 cr

sh fr ss

sp

–

Few fine roots

Bw1

22-54

ds

10YR 3/2

(Dark grayish brown)

m 2 sbk

h fi ss

sp

–

Few fine roots

Bw2

54-82

gs

10YR 4/2

(Grayish brown

c 2 sbk

vh efi ss

sp

–

Few medium roots

Bw3

82-120

–

10YR 2/1

(Very dark brown)

vc 3 abk

vh efi s

sp

–

few fine roots

P9  (Pinglena)

Ap

0-29

cs

 

10YR 2/1

(Very dark brown)

f 2 cr

 

sh fr ss

sp

–

Medium fine roots

Bt1

29-64

ds

10YR 3/3

(Dark brown)

m 2 abk

vh fi s

p

–

 

Few fine roots

Bt2

64-120

–

10YR 3/2

(Dark grayish brown)

m 3 abk

vh fi s

p

 

–

Very few fine roots

 

Symbols used in Morphological characterization of (Table-2) soils

Boundary

Structure

Effervescence

Texture

Consistency

b

:

 broken

1

:

 weak

e

:

 slight

sl

:

 sandy loam

h

:

 hard

c

:

 clear

2

:

 moderate

es

:

 strong

scl

:

 sandy clay loam

sh

:

 slightly hard

d

:

 diffused

3

:

 strong

sil

:

 silt loam

vh

:

 very hard

g

:

 gradual

f

:

 fine

sicl

:

 silty clay loam

l

:

 loose

s

:

 smooth

m

:

 medium

l

:

 loam

vfr

:

 very friable

w

:

 wavy

c

:

 coarse

cl

:

 clay loam

fr

:

 friable

cr

:

 crumb

fi

:

 firm

gr

:

 granular

vfi

:

 very firm

sbk

:

 sub-angular blocky

ss

:

 slightly sticky

abk

:

 angular blocky

s

:

 sticky

ms

:

 moderately sticky

vs

:

 very sticky

so

:

 non-plastic

sp

:

 slightly plastic

mp

:

 moderately plastic

p

:

 plastic

 

Soil Characteristics

Physical characteristics

The detailed physical characteristics of the soils are presented in table-3. Perusal of the data reveals that the sand, silt and clay content are in the range of 11.7 % to 60.6 %, 22.3 % to 60.5 % and 17.1 % to 35.3 % with mean value of 32.14 %, 42.01 % and 25.84 %, respectively. All profiles showed a decrease in sand fraction down the depth except P3 and P6 which showed an increasing trend that can be attributed to the in situ weathering of the parent material. The silt fraction showed a decrease with depth in all the profiles except P3 with an increase in silt fraction down the depth which may be due to the less weathering intensity and alluvial depositions of the parent material.21 Clay exhibit a decrease down the depth in P4 which may be attributed to the less intense weathering due to low rainfall, severe erosion and sparse vegetation.18 The bulk density and particle density ranged from 1.21 to 1.58 Mgm-3 and 2.3 to 2.8 Mgm-3, respectively with a regular increasing trend with the depth. The increase in bulk density may be attributed to the increase in organic matter and more compaction of finer particles in deeper layers caused by over-head weight of surface soil.17 The increase in particle density could be attributed to increase in total sand fraction in sub-surface horizon.22

 Chemical Characteristics

In general, the soils were neutral to slightly alkaline in reaction with the pH variation from 6.49 to 8.42 (Table 4). The pH showed a regular increase with the depth in all the profiles which can be attributed to decrease in organic matter, leaching of bases and accumulation of calcium carbonate at sub-surface horizons of the profiles.23 EC of the soils showed non-saline nature and ranged between 0.01 to 0.19 dSm-1 with a regular increase with the depth in all the profiles, attributed to the leaching of soluble salts.19

The organic carbon content of these soils showed a conspicuous variation within the profile which was higher in surface than in the sub-surface horizons. It ranged from 0.02 to 1.72 percent with a mean value of 0.42 percent. The higher values in surface horizons may be due to the continuous organic manuring, addition through vegetation and low mineralization rates in these soils.19

The exchangeable calcium was dominant cation in all the soil profiles followed by magnesium, potassium and sodium with their values ranging

Table 3: Physical properties of arable soils of district Pulwama.

Profile

Horizon

Depth

(cm)

Bulk density

(Mg m-3)

Particle density

(Mg m-3)

Porosity

(%)

Sand

Silt

(%)

Clay

(%)

Textural class

Coarse Sand

(%)

Fine sand

(%)

Total sand

(%)

P1 (Shikargah)

Ap

0-18

1.25

2.3

45.65

1.1

23.3

24.4

53.1

22.5

sil

 

Bt1

18-47

1.37

2.5

45.20

0.9

24.1

25.0

50.2

24.8

sil

 

Bt2

47-75

1.39

2.5

44.40

0.1

28.1

28.2

43.1

28.7

cl

 

Bt3

75-90

1.46

2.5

41.60

0.7

29.3

30.0

40.5

29.5

cl

 

P2 (Pinglish)

Ap

0-29

1.36

2.3

40.87

1.8

47.9

49.7

30.2

20.1

l

 

AB

29-55

1.32

2.3

42.61

1.4

49.4

50.8

28.1

21.1

l

 

Bt1

55-95

1.37

2.5

45.20

1.1

43.1

44.2

26.5

29.3

cl

 

Bt2

95-133

1.41

2.7

47.78

0.8

41.8

42.6

24.2

33.2

cl

 

C

133-160

1.49

2.8

46.79

0.7

51.7

52.4

24.1

23.5

scl

 

P3 (Chersoo)

Ap

0-17

1.21

2.3

47.39

1.2

30.1

31.3

40.4

28.3

cl

 

AB

17-57

1.37

2.5

45.20

0.9

28.5

29.4

39.4

31.2

cl

 

Bt1

57-80

1.39

2.5

44.40

0.7

25.4

26.1

38.6

35.3

cl

 

Bt2

80-110

1.43

2.5

42.80

0.5

21.5

22.0

51.7

26.3

sil

 

P4 (Barsu)

A

0-16

1.29

2.3

43.91

2.7

51.8

54.5

27.3

18.2

sl

 

AC

16-47

1.40

2.5

44.00

3.1

53.2

56.3

25.9

17.8

sl

 

C

47-72

1.45

2.5

42.00

3.5

57.1

60.6

22.3

17.1

sl

 

P5 (Chandhara)

Ap

0-20

1.25

2.3

45.65

2.5

23.0

25.5

53.2

21.3

sil

 

Bw1

20-43

1.36

2.5

45.60

1.7

22.5

24.2

51.1

24.7

sil

 

Bw2

43-66

1.39

2.5

44.40

0.9

26.4

27.3

44.5

28.2

cl

 

Bw3

66-190

1.46

2.5

41.60

0.5

27.3

27.8

42.9

29.3

cl

 

P6 (Ladhoo)

Ap

0-22

1.30

2.4

45.83

1.3

16.5

17.8

60.5

21.7

sil

 

Bw1

22-42

1.38

2.5

44.80

1.8

12.5

14.3

60.0

25.7

sil

 

Bw2

42-58

1.46

2.5

41.60

0.5

11.2

11.7

60.3

27.7

sicl

 

Bw3

58-93

1.48

2.5

40.80

0.6

24.4

25.0

47.1

27.9

cl

 

P7 (Kamrazipora)

Ap

0-21

1.32

2.5

47.20

2.4

24.7

27.1

52.6

20.3

sil

 

Bw1

21-79

1.37

2.5

45.20

1.6

22.4

24.0

51.2

24.8

sil

 

Bw2

79-135

1.42

2.5

43.20

0.9

26.4

27.3

45.5

27.2

cl

 

BC

135-170

1.47

2.5

41.20

0.4

27.5

27.9

43.8

28.3

cl

 

C

170-194

1.49

2.5

40.40

0.8

33.0

33.8

34.9

31.3

cl

 

P8 (Uthmula)

Ap

0-22

1.27

2.3

44.78

1.6

26.9

28.5

50.3

21.2

sil

 

Bw1

22-54

1.41

2.3

38.70

0.9

29.1

30.0

47.6

22.4

l

 

Bw2

54-82

1.45

2.5

42.00

0.8

30.8

31.6

48.1

20.3

l

 

BC

82-120

1.48

2.5

40.80

0.3

35.0

35.3

40.2

24.5

l

 

P9 (Pinglena)

Ap

0-29

1.35

2.3

41.30

0.8

28.3

29.1

42.3

28.6

cl

 

Bt1

29-64

1.45

2.5

42.00

0.7

31.1

31.8

35.4

32.9

cl

 

Bt2

64-120

1.58

2.5

36.80

0.5

30.0

30.5

34.4

35.1

cl

 

from 3.87 to 4.61 cmol (p+) kg-1, 0.40 to 0.47 cmol  (p+) kg-1, 0.10 to 0.29 cmol (p+) kg-1 and 0.07 to 0.42 cmol (p+) kg-1, respectively. The content of these exchangeable cations showed irregular trends with soil depth which can be attributed to the root distribution of principal crops and prevalence of weathering of clay minerals.24 The calcium carbonate content was present in   meagre amounts in most of the profiles while as P3 and P4 had considerable amount of calcium carbonate (Table-4).

Cation Exchange capacity of the soils showed little variation between and within the profiles. Profiles P1, P5 and

Table 4: Chemical properties of arable soils of district Pulwama.

Profile

Horizon

Depth

(cm)

pH

(1:2.5)

EC

(dSm-1)

OC

(%)

CaCO3

(%)

CEC

(cmol(p+) kg-1)

Ca

(cmol(p+) kg-1)

Mg

(cmol(p+)kg-1)

K

(cmol(p+) kg-1)

Na

(cmol(p+) kg-1)

Base

saturation

(%)

P1 (Shikargah)

Ap

0-18

6.55

0.01

1.06

0.00

9.12

4.51

0.47

0.26

0.42

62.06

 

Bt1

18-47

6.44

0.03

0.38

0.00

9.46

4.23

0.45

0.13

0.10

51.90

 

Bt2

47-75

6.86

0.04

0.35

0.30

9.78

4.35

0.44

0.13

0.11

51.43

 

Bt3

75-90

7.20

0.05

0.09

0.70

9.98

4.40

0.42

0.10

0.12

50.50

 

P2 (Pinglish)

Ap

0-29

6.55

0.08

1.51

0.00

9.35

4.34

0.44

0.27

0.13

54.13

 

AB

29-55

7.21

0.04

0.20

0.00

8.42

3.91

0.43

0.20

0.13

54.82

 

Bt1

55-95

7.28

0.06

0.16

0.00

9.11

4.43

0.44

0.17

0.10

56.33

 

Bt2

95-133

7.31

0.08

0.06

0.00

9.35

4.31

0.45

0.16

0.11

53.85

 

C

133-160

7.44

0.12

0.02

0.10

8.37

4.09

0.44

0.13

0.09

56.78

 

P3 (Chersoo)

Ap

0-17

7.56

0.12

1.72

0.80

9.45

4.61

0.44

0.17

0.07

55.59

 

AB

17-57

7.82

0.17

1.30

2.10

9.67

4.04

0.45

0.15

0.35

51.35

 

Bt1

57-80

8.28

0.19

0.71

2.80

9.82

4.44

0.44

0.14

0.29

54.20

 

Bt2

80-110

8.30

0.15

0.20

4.70

8.88

3.92

0.42

0.11

0.12

51.43

 

P4 (Barsu)

A

0-16

7.65

0.07

0.37

3.20

10.50

3.97

0.42

0.19

0.10

44.47

 

AC

16-47

8.27

0.09

0.06

4.30

9.40

4.48

0.40

0.19

0.07

54.19

 

C

47-72

8.38

0.10

0.02

7.80

8.70

4.39

0.42

0.14

0.12

58.83

 

P5 (Chandhara)

Ap

0-20

7.21

0.06

0.38

0.00

8.87

4.07

0.44

0.29

0.13

55.45

 

Bw1

20-43

7.83

0.07

0.11

0.12

8.79

4.18

0.46

0.22

0.08

56.18

 

Bw2

43-66

8.13

0.11

0.05

1.30

9.05

4.08

0.42

0.18

0.14

53.27

 

Bw3

66-190

8.42

0.12

0.02

2.10

9.39

4.21

0.43

0.15

0.13

52.34

 

P6 (Ladhoo)

Ap

0-22

7.70

0.09

0.94

0.00

9.67

4.43

0.43

0.14

0.13

53.00

 

Bw1

22-42

7.62

0.08

0.92

0.00

9.23

4.13

0.42

0.12

0.13

51.94

 

Bw2

42-58

7.54

0.13

0.54

0.15

9.31

3.87

0.43

0.11

0.16

49.06

 

Bw3

58-93

7.72

0.19

0.28

0.19

9.87

4.20

0.42

0.13

0.34

51.55

 

P7 (Kamrazipora)

Ap

0-21

7.38

0.07

0.46

0.00

8.25

4.27

0.45

0.22

0.23

62.71

 

Bw1

21-79

7.33

0.12

0.31

0.00

8.99

4.10

0.44

0.20

0.16

54.60

 

Bw2

79-135

7.63

0.10

0.27

1.50

8.75

4.06

0.43

0.22

0.13

55.30

 

BC

135-170

8.13

0.05

0.07

4.70

9.13

4.27

0.44

0.19

0.13

55.17

 

C

170-194

8.31

0.11

0.09

8.90

9.12

4.03

0.45

0.16

0.10

52.01

 

P8 (Uthmula)

Ap

0-22

6.49

0.05

0.86

0.00

8.75

4.54

0.42

0.17

0.08

59.06

 

Bw1

22-54

6.68

0.02

0.18

0.00

9.12

4.29

0.44

0.15

0.17

55.60

 

Bw2

54-82

6.90

0.03

0.15

0.00

8.97

4.48

0.44

0.15

0.16

58.27

 

BC

82-120

7.20

0.08

0.02

0.00

9.87

4.16

0.43

0.12

0.14

49.53

 

P9 (Pinglena)

Ap

0-29

7.16

0.05

1.29

0.00

7.23

4.14

0.43

0.14

0.21

68.08

 

Bt1

29-64

7.33

0.07

0.06

0.00

9.12

4.42

0.44

0.13

0.16

56.43

 

Bt2

64-120

7.41

0.08

0.02

0.00

9.23

4.48

0.44

0.11

0.17

56.35

 

P9 showed an increasing trend, P2, P3, P6, P7 and P8 showed irregular patterns while as P4 showed a decreasing trend of CEC with the depth. The different distributional patterns of CEC within the depths may be attributed to the presence of organic matter19 and illuviated clay.25

Soil Classification

On the basis of morphological and physico-chemical characteristics, the soils of the study area were classified into taxonomical units as per Keys to Soil Taxonomy15 into three major orders i.e. Alfisol, Mollisol and Entisol. Profile P1 was classified as Alfisol while P2, P3, P6, P8 and P9 as Mollisols and the profiles P4, P5 and P7 were classified under Entisol order. The soils were classified up to sub-group level (Table-5).

The soil of Shikargah (P1) was classified under the order Alfisol due to the presence of ochric epipedon and kandic endopedon and was further sub grouped as Typic Kandiudalf.

Table 5: Taxonomical Classification of arable soils of district Pulwama.

Profile

Diagnostic Horizon

Order

Sub-order

Great group

Sub-group

Epipedon

Endopedon
P1 (Shikargah)

Ochric

Kandic

Alfisol

Udalfs

Kandiudalfs

Typic Kandiudalfs
P2 (Pinglish)

Mollic

Argillic

Mollisol

Udoll

Argiudoll

Oxyaquic Argiudoll
P3 (Chersoo)

Mollic

Argillic

Mollisol

Udoll

Argiudoll

Aquic Argiudoll
P4 (Barusu)

–

–

Entisol

Psamments

Udipsamments

Lithic Udipsamments
P5 (Chandhara)

Ochric

–

Entisol

Orthents

Udorthents

Typic Udorthents
P6 (Ladhoo)

Mollic

–

Mollisol

Udoll

Hapludoll

Typic Hapludoll
P7 (Kamrazipora)

Ochric

–

Entisol

Fluvents

Udifluvents

Typic Udifluvents
P8 (Uthmula)

Mollic

–

Mollisol

Udoll

Hapludoll

Typic Hapludoll
P9 (Pinglena)

Mollic

Argillic

Mollisol

Udoll

Argiudoll

Oxyaquic Argiudoll

 

Table 6: Land capability classification of arable soils of district Pulwama.

Profile

Capability class

Land suitability

Remedial Suggestion
P1 (Shikargah)

IIes

 Land suitable for cultivation with moderate restrictions Proper fertility management, Cover crops, Mulching, Conservation of crop residues and animal manures and green manuring, Good land for Apple, Cherry and Peach.
P2 (Pinglish)

IIs

 Land suitable for cultivation with less restrictions Proper fertility management, Crop rotation, Green manuring, Suitable land for paddy and other cereals.
P3 (Chersoo)

IIws

 Land suitable for cultivation with moderate restrictions Proper drainage and fertility management, Paddy cultivation is best.
P4 (Barusu)

IVes

 Cultivable land with severe restrictions. Terracing, moisture conservation, Green manuring, Fertility management, Floricultural nursery establishment, and Plantation of Apricot are well.
P5 (Chandhara)

IIs

 Land suitable for cultivation with less restrictions Moisture conservation, Fertility management, Almond and Saffron cultivation.
P6 (Ladhoo)

IIs

 Land suitable for cultivation with less restrictions Proper irrigation and fertility management, Cultivation of cereal crops.
P7 (Kamrazipora)

IIIes

 Land suitable for cultivation with moderate restrictions Moisture conservation, Cover crops, Mulching, Fertility management, Almond and Saffron cultivation.
P8 (Uthmula)

IIs

 Land suitable for cultivation with moderate restrictions Good land for Apple, Cherry and Peach Proper with proper fertility management, Conservation of crop residues and animal manures and Green manuring,.
P9 (Pinglena)

IIws

 Land suitable for cultivation with moderate restrictions Proper drainage and fertility management, paddy cultivation is best.

*e: slope limitation, s: soil limitation, w: wetness limitation

The soil profiles of Pinglish (P2), Chersoo (P3) and Pinglena (P9) showed mollic epipedon and argillic endopedon in each and were classified under order Mollisol. The profile P2 and P9 were found to be saturated with water for 20 or more consecutive days in a year and were classified under Oxyaquic Argiudolls at sub-group level.

Profile P3 showed aquic conditions throughout the year with redoximorphic features in sub-surface horizon and was thus sub-grouped under Aquic Argiudoll. The soil profiles of   Chandhara (P5) and Kamrazipora (P7) showed ochric epipedon and no distinct endopedon and were classified under Entisol order. Profile P5 was classified under Typic Udorthents sub-group due to non-fluvial nature of soils while as profile P7 showed distinct fluvial nature and hence classified under Typic Udifluvents at sub- group level. The soil profile of Ladhoo (P6) and Uthmula (P8) showed the presence of only mollic epipedon characteristics with a base saturation of  >35 percent throughout the profile and were categorized as Mollisols.  These profiles were keyed out as Typic Hapludolls at sub-group level. Profile Barsu (P4) showed neither an epipedon nor any endopedon, hence qualified for Entisol order. Due to the presence of rock fragments in profile and sandy loam texture throughout the depth and presence of lithic contact, hence the profile was classified under Lithic Udipsamments sub-group.

Land capability classification

Land Capability Classes, on the basis of criteria,16 were framed as per according to site features studied in the field, morphological and physico-chemical characteristics. Three capability classes II, III and IV were found to be prevalent in the study area (Table-6).

The land capability sub-classes indicate that the soils are moderately well to fairly good cultivable with limitations of slope, physical conditions, erosion and wetness. The inclusion of adaptable crops like almond and saffron in Kamrazipora (P7), floriculture crops and apricot in Barsu (P4)and crop rotations and green manuring, conservation of crop residues and animal manures, cover crops, incorporation of leguminous crops etc. in others pave a way to overcome the limitations of topography, wetness and physical conditions in order to maximize the productivity and profitability out of the soils to enhance better economy of the area.

In conclusion, the varying degree of profile development reflects the different degree of weathering intensity. Soils are having neutral to slightly alkaline reaction. Electrical conductivity is under normal range. Profiles show clay illuviation but the low values of CEC depicts low active clays. The presence of higher organic matter in surface horizons of some profiles reflects good physico-chemical properties.  The land capabilty classes viz: II, III and IV in the study area reveals that the soils are cultivable but hold some limitations for use and hence an alternate option was provided.

Acknowledgements

I am highly thankful to Amal Saxena, T. A. Nazki, Shakeel Ahmad Mir, S. K. Raina, Mushtaq ahmad wani, M. Ayoub Bhat and Aijaz ahmad sheikh who helped me at every phase to carry out this research work successfully.

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