Spatial assessment of soil nutrient status and its relationship with soil properties in cotton-growing regions of Parli Tahsil

Abstract

A systematic survey was conducted during 2024-2025 to evaluate the physicochemical properties, macronutrient and micronutrient availability, and their interrelationships in cotton-growing soils of Parli Tahsil, Beed district, Maharashtra. A total of 25 geo-referenced surface soil samples (0-30 cm) were collected from five representative villages and analyzed for fertility status, with results spatially visualized using Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques. The soils were found to be neutral to alkaline in reaction (pH 7.1 to 8.1), non-saline (EC 0.12 to 0.29 dSm⁻¹), and low to moderate in organic carbon (0.21 to 0.69%), with calcium carbonate content ranging from 8.52 to 12.06%. Available nitrogen (156.0 to 500.0 kg ha⁻¹) and phosphorus (10.09 to 20.30 kg ha⁻¹) were generally low to moderate, whereas potassium (210.0 to 320.0 kg ha⁻¹) levels were consistently high. Exchangeable calcium and magnesium ranged from 11.3 to 45.6 and 7.2 to 28.3 cmol(p⁺) kg⁻¹, respectively, while available sulphur (10.0 to 75.3 mg kg⁻¹) varied from moderate to high. DTPA-extractable micronutrients were recorded as Fe (2.80 to 8.00 mg kg⁻¹), Mn (4.20 to 9.20 mg kg⁻¹), Zn (0.13 to 0.91 mg kg⁻¹), and Cu (0.15 to 0.95 mg kg⁻¹). Nutrient Index Values (NIV) classified nitrogen (1.36) and phosphorus (1.60) in the low to medium categories, while potassium (2.96) was in the high category. Correlation analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between EC and potassium (r = 0.652) and between EC and DTPA-Cu (r = 0.487). These findings highlight substantial spatial variation in soil fertility parameters and underscore the importance of targeted nutrient management strategies for improving cotton productivity in Parli Tahsil.