Studies on Genesis, Characterization and Classification of Soils in Semi-arid Agro-ecological Region: A Case Study in Banaganapalle Mandal of Kurnool District in Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

Seven typical pedons representing major land forms in semi-arid agro-ecological region of Banaganapallemandal in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh viz., plains and uplands developed from dolomite andgranite-gneiss parent material under varying land use were studied for their morphological characteristics,physical and physicochemical properties and soil genesis. These soils were slightly alkaline to stronglyalkaline (pH 7.9 to 8.7) in reaction, non-saline, deep to very deep in depth and had isohyperthermictemperature and ustic soil moisture regime. Texture, organic carbon, CEC and base saturation were rangedfrom sandy clay loam to clay in surface and sub-surface, 0.04 to 0.75%, 21.8 to 51.2 cmol(p+)kg-1 and 51 to99%, respectively. Soils were low to medium in available N, medium to high in available P, low to high inavailable K and high in available S. The DTPA-extractable Zn and Fe were deficient, whereas, DTPAextractableCu and Mn were sufficient. Pedons 2, 6 and 7 were grouped under Entisols and were classifiedas Typic Ustorthents and Lithic Ustorthents whereas pedons 1, 3, 4 and 5 were placed under Inceptisols andwere classified as Vertic Haplustepts and Typic Haplustepts. All the soils of the study area fall underagricultural land with land capability classes ranging from II to IV. Further, the lands have limitations ofslope and erosion. On the basis of major soil constraints, suitable land use plan for Banaganapalle mandalhas been suggested for their sustainable management.