Studies on physical properties of red and black soil pedons in Kavalur-1 micro-watershed, Karnataka

Abstract

The physical properties of soil pedons of Kavalur-1 micro-watershed of northern dry zone (Zone -3) of Karnataka were investigated during 2016-17 for evaluation of soil resources for optimizing their use and enhancing the productivity of the watershed. The results indicated that Kavalur-1 micro-watershed has both red and black soils, though the former is dominant. The climate is semi-arid with a mean annual average rainfall of 572 mm. A detailed soil survey was conducted in Kavalur-1 micro-watershed using toposheets with 1:50,000 scale. Eighteen soil pedons were characterized in Kavalur-1 micro-watershed and studied for physical properties. Soil texture varied from sandy clay loam (scl) to clay (c). The average bulk density did not vary much between red and black soil pedons. In general, the bulk density was less in the surface horizon and increased with depth. The average maximum water holding capacity of red soil pedons was considerably lower (38.0%) than that of black soil pedons (45.7%). The maximum water holding capacity increased downward upto certain depth and further decreased in lower horizons, especially BC horizon. Special features like strong effervescence with dil. HCl was observed in pedon 3, 5 and 12. Slickensides and pressure faces were observed in pedon 9.