Depth-wise distribution of macronutrients (N, P, K, S) and their correlation with soil properties in selected soil profiles of Birbhum district of West Bengal, India

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to assess the vertical distribution of macronutrients viz., nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and sulphur (S) in relation to soil properties in five selected soil profiles, one each from Suri II (P1), Rampurhat II (P2), Md Bazar (P3), Nalhati I (P4) and Sainthia (P5) block of Birbhum district of West Bengal. These five soil profiles were collected from the paddy growing areas of Birbhum district. The soil texture varied from silt loam to silt. Based on the fertility ratings, pH of soils was strongly acidic to neutral in nature. Its value ranged from 5.01-7.07. Electrical conductivity (EC) value ranged from 0.06-0.12 dS/m. Its values were in safe limits (