Author(s): Saha PB, Shahi DK, Kumar JP and Denre M

Abstract: To establish the fertility status in soils, a delineation programme was conducted in Deoghar district of Jharkhand (Subzone IVth of VIIth ACZ), India. Total 352 geo-referenced surface (0.0^-15.0 cm) soil samples were collected randomly from ten blocks of the district (Lat. 24019' to 24053', Log. 86050' to 87003' and Alt. 176 to 295 msl). Based on the analysis of collected soils, pH were strongly acidic to moderately alkaline in reaction (pH 4.80-8.10) with low electrical conductivity (0.01 to 0.77 dS m^-1) and organic carbon content varied from very low (0.17 g kg^-1) to high (15.30 g kg^-1) status with their mean values of 5.96 (pH), 0.13 dS m^-1 (EC) and 4.46 g kg^-1 (OC), respectively. The Nitrogen, phosphorus, potash and sulphur content were varied from 116.62 to 510.00, 0.56 to 365.68, 26.88 to 909.44 kg ha^-1 and 0.66 to 62.83 mg kg^-1 with their mean values of 255.41, 35.15, 134.49 kg ha^-1 and 13.44 mg kg^-1, respectively. While micronutrients i.e., Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu and B content were varied from 4.27 to 743.66, 0.04 to 12.62, 4.65 to 28.04, 0.00 to 6.24 and 0.01 to 6.35 mg kg^-1 with their mean values of 72.54, 1.35, 24.06, 2.35 and 0.88 mg kg^-1, respectively. Out of the nine analyzed essential nutrients, only Fe, Mn and Cu content were well sufficient while others nutrients i.e., N, P, K, S, Zn and B were observed emerging deficiency (45-67%) in this district. While deficiency of nitrogen has reached at alarming stage and 67% soils suffering from N deficiency in the district. On the other hand, heavy metals i.e., Pb, Ni, Co and Cd content range between 0.22-25.10, ND, 0.00-3.54 and 0.00-3.43 mg kg^-1 with their mean values of 5.03, ND, 1.42 and 1.64 mg kg^-1 respectively. As per considering the safe limit of Pb (20 mg kg^-1), Ni (10 mg kg^-1), Co (20 mg kg^-1) and Cd (5 mg kg^-1) in soil all the heavy metals have available below the safe limit and no risk for cultivation land and sustainable crop productions. Hence, deficiencies of N, P, K, Zn, B and S are most common in Deoghar district soils. Therefore, for successful and profitable crop production maintaining soil and plant health immediate need to give more attention to supply N, P, K, Zn, B and S fertilizers at village level and create awareness to use these fertilizers in judicious and scientific way among the farmers. In organic matter concern farmers of the Deoghar district should be encouraged to apply organic matters along with the balance use of fertilizers for optimum yield potential.

DOI: 10.33545/26174693.2024.v8.i5c.1071