Assessment and Mapping of Micronutrient Cation Distribution in Agricultural Research Station Soil: A Geospatial Approach

Abstract

Aim: The objective was to construct fertility maps of the area, specifically focusing on micronutrient cations. The research aims to provide valuable insights into the spatial distribution of micronutrients, aiding in the development of targeted agricultural practices and informed decision-making.
 Study Design: Soil sampling, soil analysis and soil mapping.
 Place and Duration of Study: Agricultural Research Station, Ummedganj-Kota in 2019 and 2020
 Methodology: The study involved the collection of 300 soil samples, with precise coordinate’s locked using GPS technology. Soil variability maps for soil micronutrient Zn,Fe, Mn and Cu were generated by using Arc GIS 10.5 on the basis of latitude and longitude of sample site by using hand GPS device and analyzed sample data. 
 Results: The available-Zn of the soils ranged from 0.03 to 4.39 mg kg-1 with a mean value 0.61 mg kg-1, the soil falls under low (64.67%) to medium (30.33%) in available Zn. The available-Fe of the soils ranged from 1.09 to 12.54 mg kg-1 with a mean value 4.29 mg kg-1, the soils fall under low (58.00%) and medium (31.67%) categories for available Fe. The available-Mn of the soils ranged from 2.27-22.31 mg kg-1 with a mean value 5.74 mg kg-1, the soils of the farm falls under medium (28.33%) to high (69.34%) in available Mn. The available-Cu of the soils ranged from 0.32-2.25 mg kg-1 with a mean value 1.09 mg kg-1, the soil comes under high (57.00%) and very high (30.33%) categories for available Cu.
 Conclusion: Spatial variability map it was found that a high amount of Zn, Mn, Fe present in the soil of field number 14 and 12A compared to other fields. The possible cause behind this may be due to adoption of organic farming practices in field number 14 and execution of integrated farming system modules in field number 12A from some year.