Assessment of Physico-chemical Properties of Soil from Different Blocks of West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

The study of nutrient status in West Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh was carried out in 2022-2023. Representative soil samples were collected covering three mandalas of West Godavari division before sowing of crop. The soil samples were analysed for their Physico-chemical Properties. The samples were taken from different blocks and depths like 0-15cm,15-30cm and 30-45cm. There are many reasons leading to soil quality deterioration, including changes in land use types from forest to arable land and the consequences from intensive land use. The colour of soil changes between the three depths at all the locations. There was also a difference in colour of dry and wet soils was dark brown to dark yellowish brown. Results show that soil Bulk Density varied from 1.31 to 1.48 % Mg m-3, soil Particle Density varied from 2.44 to 2.57 % Mg m-3, Percent of Pore Space from 43.09 to 48.21 %, Water Holding Capacity from 35.73 to 44.24 % respectively. Soil pH varied from 77.25 to 8.92 % and EC is 0.18 to 0.37 % respectively while soil Organic Carbon varied from 0.28to 0.55 % and Available Nitrogen varied from low to medium i.e., 216 to 323 % kg ha-1 Available Phosphorous varied from medium to high range i.e., 14.05 to 25.71 % kg ha-1. and Available Potassium was found to be medium range i.e.,137.00 to 236.00 % kg ha⁻1, Exchangeable Calcium and Magnesium low from 3.34 to 5.66 % (meq 100g-1) and 1.36 to 2.74 % (meq 100g-1) respectively. Results show that the soil samples of the areas of Eluru division were found to be mildly alkaline and non-saline.