Response of Coriandrum sativum with variable soil pH of Typic Haplustalfs and Typic Heplustepts

Abstract

Some of the crops traditionally adopted by the farmers in a certain area and later on those areas recognized as bowl or
hot spots for a particular crop. Still there is a scope to achieve more yield in non-traditional areas than the potential
yield in traditional area. Therefore, present study was conducted under controlled conditions to evaluate the coriander
under various soil pH levels (6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0 and 8.5 ± 0.35). Data revealed that most of the growth and yield
parameter were at par up to pH 7.0 and reduced thereafter. Biomass accumulation was increased with increase in pH
up to neutral level and reduced thereafter. Seed produced by the Ajmer coriander-1 was 5-6 time lower with the
alkaline pH then the neutral to slight acidic pH. Harvest index was at par with pH acid to neutral and was lowest at pH
7.0. N and P content in seed and straw decreased with increase in pH. However, potassium content in seed increased
with higher levels of pH. Iron content in seed and straw increased with increasing levels of pH. However, zinc content in
seed increased with increase in pH and reduced down in straw with higher pH. Copper and Manganese content in
seed and straw decreased with increasing soil pH. The uptake of N and K was also increased up to pH 7.0 and
reduction took place beyond pH 7.5. However, P uptake was remained at par up to pH 7.0 and reduced after pH 7.5.
The total removal of iron and zinc increased up to pH 7.0 and lower down thereafter. Moreover, manganese and
copper accumulation decreased with increasing in soil pH. Chlorophyll content a, b and total decreased with increase
in soil pH. Beyond the pH 9.0, plant could not complete the life cycle and showed chlorosis. Therefore, soil pH is one of
the important factors to harvest yield potential of coriander. It can also inference that variety ACr-1 is most suitable in
slight acid to neutral pH soils than neutral to alkaline soil pH.