Distribution and correlation of Soil bacterial population and chemical properties in salt affected landuses of Kaithal and Fatehabad district of Haryana

Abstract

This study attempts to examine the relationship between soil bacterial population and physico-chemical properties of soil in Kaithal and Fatehabad district of Haryana. Soil pH in the study ranged from 7.7 to 10.32 in the selected sites. EC in the study ranged from 200 to 1780 μS/m at 25 °C. Organic carbon ranged from 0.10 to 1.32% in the present study. Majority of soil samples showed medium status of available nitrogen which ranged from 0.0005 to 0.02%. Soil phosphorus is most available for plant use at pH values of 6 to 7. Potassium content ranged from 0.001 to 0.05%. The present study revealed that bacteria isolated from bottom segment showed higher growth rate in anaerobic condition. A decreasing trend of total microbial population and organic carbon content of soil were found with increase in depth. The maximum number of bacterial colonies was observed at the depth of 0-30 cm. Gram’s staining Revealed that 0-30 cm depth was occupied by majority of Gram negative bacteria in Haryana. 30-60 cm depth was analyzed, there was a slight but significant difference in the bacterial population and majority were Gram positive. Simultaneously there was less variation with respect to colony morphology and pigment production as compared to the depth of 0-30 cm.