Evaluations of Soil Fertility Status of Available Major Nutrients and Micro Nutrients in Vertisol of Indore District of Madhya Pradesh India

Abstract

Soil fertility is an important factor, which determines the growth of plant. In general soil chemical fertility and in particular lack of nutrient inputs is a major factor in soil degradation (Hartemink et al., 2010). The available nitrogen was measured by Jain and Singh 2014 from Madhya Pradesh, India its value ranges from 172 ±2.1 to 193.3 kgha -1 for red, and brown soil and 197±4.9 to 215±21 kgha -1 for black soil, 183±19 kgha -1 nitrogen investigate in yellow soil (Jain and Singh, 2014). Phosphorus is also part of every living cell in plant. It is one of the most important micronutrient essential for plant growth. Phosphorus is most often limiting nutrients remains present in plant nuclei and act as a energy storage. It helps in transfer of energy . Adequate phosphorus availability for plants stimulates early plant growth and hastens maturity. The soil with minimum leaching is known to contain high amount of phosphorus as compared to the soil with maximum leaching (Ashraf et al., 2012). Potassium is not an integral part of any major plant component but it plays a key role in a vast array of physiological process vital to plant growth from protein synthesis to maintenance of plant water balance (Sumithra et al., 2013). Soil characterization in relation to evaluation of fertility status of the soils of an area or region is an important aspect in context of sustainable agricultural production. Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur are important soil elements that control its fertility and yields of the crops. The use of plant nutrients in a balanced manner is the prime factor for efficient fertilizer program. Balanced nutrient use ensures high production level and helps to maintain the soil health. Because of imbalanced and inadequate fertilizer use coupled with low efficiency of other inputs, the response (production) efficiency of chemical fertilizer nutrients has declined tremendously under intensive agriculture in recent years. Variation in nutrient supply is natural phenomenon and some of them may be sufficient where others deficient. The stagnation in crop productivity cannot be boosted without judicious use of macro and micronutrient fertilizers to overcome existing deficiencies/imbalances. Soil fertility is determined by the presence or absence of nutrients i.e. macro and micronutrients. Soil fertility is the inherent ability of soils to supply nutrient elements to plants. Soil fertility is related to the amount of available nutrients. Some measure it by the yield capacity, and others look it to be a function of organic matter or even soil texture. In brief, soil fertility refers to the availability status of essential macro and micro nutrients in the soil (Tisdale et.al., 1993).