Physico chemical and biological properties of post flood soils in the south central laterites of southern Kerala

Abstract

The south central laterites of Kottayam district was one of the worst hit areas during 2018 flood. The post-flood soils of the region required a site specific and detailed analysis of soil fertility parameters to understand the extent of damage. Surface soil samples were analysed for soil texture, particle density, WHC, pH, EC, organic carbon, available primary, secondary nutrients and acid phosphatase. The results showed that sandy clay loam was the predominant soil textural class in the area. Bulk density varied from 1.0 -1.6 Mg m-3 and maximum water holding capacity was less than 30 per cent for most of the area. Soils with moderately acidic pH increased compared to pre flood study. Organic carbon and available N were in high and medium range, respectively. The available P was reduced compared to pre flood soils while K was medium. Available Ca and S levels were sufficient. Mg deficiency was observed in 64.71 percentage of the samples in post flood area. A medium range of acid phosphatase activity was noticed in the region.