Distribution of DTPA-extractable micronutrient cations (Zn, Fe, Mn, and Cu) and its relationship with physico-chemical properties in soils of Birbhum district, West Bengal

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out for evaluation of the status of DTPA-Zn, Fe, Mn, and Cu in relation with physico-chemical properties in soils of Birbhum district, West Bengal. Total 90 surface soil samples were collected from three different blocks namely Md. Bazar, Nalhati and Bolpur. Collected soil samples were analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, textural class, Available P and DTPA-extractable micronutrients using standard analytical methods. In general, textural class ranged from sandy loam to sandy clay loam. Soils were strong to moderately acidic in reaction. Electrical conductivity was found in normal range. Soil organic carbon status ranged from 0.24 to 0.81% and was low in available P status. The status of available Zn was sufficient to high level while status of available Fe, Mn and Cu was high. The DTPA-extractable zinc content in the surface soils under study varied from 0.37 to 1.28 mg kg -1 with an average value 0.856 mg kg -1 . The available iron, manganese and copper contents in soils ranged from 36.8-45.1, 15.1-17.9 and 2.5-3.2 mg kg -1 respectively. From the correlation study it was found that soil pH significantly and negatively correlated with available zinc (r= -0.233*), iron(r= -0.42**) and manganese(r= -0.324*) whereas non-significantly with available copper (r= -0.132) content. Soil organic carbon showed significant and positive correlation with all the micronutrients except copper content. Non-significant and negative correlation was found between electrical conductivity and available micronutrients. Clay content correlated significantly and negatively with available Mn (r= -0.172*) and positively with available Zn (r=0.535**). Significant and negative correlation showed between available P with available Zn and Fe.

Availability of Cationic Micronutrients in Soils of Bankura District of West Bengal, India

“…One possibility for the positive link between Fe and soil OC is the development of Fe-organic chelates, which are comparatively more soluble. Additionally, this outcome was validated by the findings of Talukdar et al [21], Ray et al [22] and Nisab et al [23]. The study's available Fe content had a non-significant negative correlation (r=-0.141) with pH.…”