Mapping and assessment of post flood soil fertility changes in humid tropics of Kerala, India
Abstract
Flood triggers great variation in soil environment with drastic changes in soil fertility posing a threat to crop productivity. This study aimed to evaluate the fertility of soil in the post-flood scenario of a midland laterite terrain in Thrissur District of Kerala. Soil samples (0-20cm) were collected from flood-affected regions and analyzed for various physico-chemical and biological attributes. Soil organic carbon content was medium to high (>0.75%), contributing to improved soil physical properties. Available phosphorus, potassium, calcium and sulphur were found to be high whereas available nitrogen was low in 53% samples and deficiency of boron and magnesium was recorded in 79% and 67% samples, respectively. Soils being acidic in reaction (pH<6.5), available micronutrients viz.iron, manganese, zinc and copper were high. Modification in the soil environment restricted microbial activities, leading to a low content of microbial biomass carbon and dehydrogenase activity. Spatial distribution of critical soil parameters was illustrated using thematic maps. The fertility status was expressed in terms of nutrient index (NI) of the primary nutrients, which was low (<1.67) with respect to nitrogen and high (>2.33) for both phosphorus and potassium. Sustainable practices may be adopted in each site to upholdsoil fertility and maintain its productivity with special attention to nitrogen economy.
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