Analytical Study on Soil Fertility Status Along With Elevation Gradient and Depth of Chitwan–mustang Track, Nepal

Abstract

The distribution of soil properties under different elevations and soil depths was evaluated by taking soil samples from peripheral agricultural land of Chitwan to the Mustang roadway track with the integrated use of the Geographical Information System (GIS). Soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (N), available phosphorous (P2O5), available potassium (K2O), and soil ph. were determined on 10 samples each from 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm soil depths of each categorical elevation (194-604 masl, 604-1399 masl, 1300-2846 masl) were analyzed (Total 60 samples). The highest SOM (4.21%) was recorded at surface soil (0-15 cm) of elevation 1300-2846 masl. The highest total nitrogen (0.245%) was also found at the surface layer of elevation 1300-2846 masl. Phosphorous and Potassium were highest at the surface layer of elevation 1300-2846 masl. The available nutrients Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium were medium in range and decrease with the increase in depth, which might be due to in-situ in a corporation of leaf litters, residue, etc. as well as applied manure on the surface. In general, the study result revealed altitude did not impose any significant effect in aggravating soil reaction and phosphorous. Whereas soil depth affected significantly not only ph. but also SOM and available potassium. Thus, the study concludes the increasing trend of primary nutrients with increasing elevation and decreases with increasing depth.