Effect of moisture and calcium carbonate content on chemical properties of soil and yield of cotton in Nanded District of Maharashtra

Abstract

Twenty four fields was finalized and forty eight soil samples (0-30 & 30- 60 cm depth) was collected for laboratory analysis at square formation stage. The pH, EC and organic carbon content in soil varied from 7.4 to 8.1, 0.1 to 0.3 dSm-1 and 0.32 to 0.89 per cent respectively in 0-30 cm depth, whereas 7.6 to 8.4, 0.2 to 0.4 dSm-1 and 0.26 to 0.80 per cent respectively in 30-60 cm depth. The calcium carbonate content varied from 9.4 to 29.4 per cent in 0 - 30 cm soil depth, whereas 6.1 to 32.9 per cent in 30 - 60 cm soil depth which was found increased with depth. Soil fertility status was found low to high and which was found significantly affected by CaCO3 and moisture content in soil at square formation stage. The highest yield of cotton was recorded at Typic Haplusterts and lowest was recorded in Typic Ustorthents. However, significant positive correlation of yield of cotton with available N, followed by Mn, B, K, Mg, Fe and Zn and significant negatively correlated with the CaCO3 and significant positive correlation with soil moisture content at square formation stage, indicating soil moisture and CaCO3 content in soil is the yield reducing factor.