Characterization, Classification and Fertility Status of Soils in Semi-arid Agro-ecological Region of Puttur Mandal in Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

Seven typical pedons in semi-arid ecosystem of Puttur mandal in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh were studied for their morphological, physicochemical characteristics and fertility status of soils. These soils were slightly acid to moderately alkaline (pH 6.5-8.3), non-saline and deep to very deep. Texture, organic carbon (OC), cation exchange capacity (CEC) and base saturation of the soils were found to vary from sand to clay, 0.15-0.49 g kg-1, 12.80-50.52 cmol(p+)kg-1 soil and 50.0-90.6%, respectively.  The soils were classified as Typic Haplustepts (pedons 1, 4, 5 and 7) and Ultic Haplustalfs (pedons 2, 3 and 6).  Soils were low to medium in available nitrogen (56.2-477.7 kg ha-1), low to high in available phosphorus (7.6-90.8 kg ha-1), medium to high in available potassium (137.7-442.0 kg ha-1) and deficient to sufficient in available sulphur (1.7-40.0 mg kg-1).  The DTPA extractable Zinc (Zn) was deficient (except in Ap horizon of pedons 1, 2, 3 and 5) whereas DTPA extractable copper (Cu), manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe) (except pedon 7) were sufficient.