GPS-GIS based soil maps of micronutrients status in organic farms at college of agriculture, Pune (M.S.), India

Abstract

A global positioning system (GPS) based soil survey conducted during the year 2014-15 at Division of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Pune with an objective to generate soil maps of micronutrient status in organic farm at College of Agriculture, Pune using GIS software. The geo-referenced 125 soil samples from a depth of 0-15 cm were collected and analyzed for pH, EC, OC, CaCO3, Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu and categorized as per criteria followed in six tier ratings. The content of available Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu and B in organic farm were ranged from 5.96 to 11.70, 5.62 to 16.68, 1.06 to 3.68, 3.36 to 7.64 and 0.33 to 0.69 mg kg-1 respectively. Soil micronutrient maps showing the spatial distribution were prepared in Arc Info GIS. The maps of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu and B nutrients clearly indicated the deficiency of nutrients constrained in soil for crop production. Based upon the coefficient of determination between micronutrients and soil properties a positive correlation observed between organic carbon and Mn, Cu and Zn. The CaCO3 content in the soil showed negative and significant correlation with available Fe and Mn.