Physicochemical assessment of bottom soils in Chandil and Hatia Dams: Implications for aquaculture and agriculture

Abstract

This study investigates the physicochemical properties of bottom soils in Chandil Dam (CD) and Hatia Dam (HD), two significant reservoirs in Jharkhand, India, to assess their suitability for aquaculture and agriculture. Soil parameters, including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), were analyzed across seven sampling sites at each reservoir. Chandil Dam soils exhibit near-neutral pH (mean 6.2857), higher organic carbon (mean 0.94314 Kg/hec), and nitrogen (mean 526.429 Kg/hec), indicating superior fertility and better conditions for aquaculture and agriculture. Conversely, Hatia Dam soils are more acidic (mean pH 4.74286) with lower nutrient content, requiring significant amendments to support productivity. While both reservoirs show potential for resource utilization, targeted management of HD soils and careful monitoring of both dams are necessary to ensure sustainability. These findings underscore the importance of soil quality assessments in optimizing land and water resource management.