Soil quality assessment and GIS based mapping in post-flood soils of kole wetlands of Kerala

Soil quality assessment and GIS based mapping in post-flood soils of kole wetlands of Kerala

Authors

  • P. Safnathmol MSc Agriculture (soil science and Agricultural Chemistry) College of agriculture, Vellanikkara
  • K. Rajalekshmi Assistant professor, Dept. of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of agriculture,vellanikkara,Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur-680656
  • A. Latha Professor (Agronomy) and Head, Agricultural Research Station, Mannuthy, Thrissur—680656

Keywords:

flood, kole land, minimum data set, soil quality, wetlands.

Abstract

Kerala state experienced a devastating flood in 2018, causing significant damage to the agricultural sector. Great damage resulted in the soil environment of kole lands (AEU 6). The georeferenced soil samples collected from post-flood soils of kole lands were analysed for different physical, chemical, and biological quality indicators. A minimum data set was formulated using principal component analysis (PCA), and the weighted additive method found the soil quality index. Among the 24 parameters studied, nine parameters, viz., particle density, porosity, exchangeable acidity, available Ca, S, N, Fe, Zn, and B, formed the minimum data set for soil quality index assessment and it varied from 0.28 to 0.78. The relative soil quality index varied from 25.93 to 72.22 per cent. The organic carbon had been shifted towards medium to high from low to medium after the flood. The high content of available phosphorus before flood had changed to medium to high after flood. Among the secondary nutrients, deficiency of available magnesium was severe in kole lands. Available boron was deficient in all the soil samples. Thematic maps were prepared using ArcGIS package to provide ready information about soil fertility status, which could serve as a decision making tool for cultivation of rice.

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Published

03-05-2023

How to Cite

Safnathmol, P., Rajalekshmi, K., & Latha, A. (2023). Soil quality assessment and GIS based mapping in post-flood soils of kole wetlands of Kerala. Journal of Tropical Agriculture, 60(2). Retrieved from https://jtropag.kau.in/index.php/ojs2/article/view/1206

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