Assessment and correlation of soil Physico-chemical properties with nutrient availability in Sendra block of VNMKV, Parbhani

Abstract

Soil is a fundamental natural resource that supports agricultural productivity, environmental quality, and ecological sustainability. Accurate evaluation of soil properties is crucial for effective land-use planning and informed agricultural management. The present study was undertaken to assess the soil fertility status of the Sendra Block, VNMKV Parbhani through the integration of conventional soil analysis and geospatial techniques. A total of 80 surface soil samples were systematically collected and analyzed for key physico-chemical parameters and nutrient availability. The results indicated that the soils of the study area are predominantly dense in nature with textures ranging from clayey to clayey loam. The assessment of soil physical properties revealed that bulk density ranged from 1.32 to 1.62 Mg m⁻³ (mean: 1.47 Mg m⁻³), particle density from 2.62 to 2.65 Mg m⁻³ (mean: 2.64 Mg m⁻³), and porosity between 29.51% and 41.92% (mean: 34.64%), indicating moderate compaction with adequate pore space. The soil pH varied from 7.05 to 7.97 (mean: 7.69), classifying the soils as neutral to moderately alkaline. Electrical conductivity (EC) ranged from 0.14 to 0.43 dS m⁻¹ (mean: 0.26 dS m⁻¹), suggesting non-saline conditions. Organic carbon content ranged from 0.16% to 0.57% (mean: 0.41%), reflecting low organic matter levels in Sendra Block. Calcium carbonate ranged between 5.21% and 13.7% (mean: 9.95%), categorizing the soils as moderately to strongly calcareous. Nutrient analysis indicated low nitrogen availability (108.17-190.34 kg ha⁻¹, mean: 123.69 kg ha⁻¹), low to medium phosphorus content (5.35-15.32 kg ha⁻¹, mean: 8.54 kg ha⁻¹), and high potassium levels (555.86 - 997.92 kg ha⁻¹, mean: 817.04 kg ha⁻¹). Sulphur ranged from 5.17 to 14.74 mg kg⁻¹ (mean: 9.62 mg kg⁻¹), indicating a low to medium status. Among the micronutrients, iron ranged from 1.44 to 4.91 mg kg⁻¹ (mean: 3.76 mg kg⁻¹), copper from 1.07 to 2.79 mg kg⁻¹, manganese from 7.43 to 15.16 mg kg⁻¹ (mean: 12.44 mg kg⁻¹), zinc from 0.28 to 0.94 mg kg⁻¹ (mean: 0.66 mg kg⁻¹), and boron from 0.34 to 0.84 mg kg⁻¹ (mean: 0.54 mg kg⁻¹), reflecting medium to high availability across all 80 soil samples. Correlation analysis revealed significant relationships between phosphorus and pH (r = 0.244), sulphur and pH (r = -0.269), and zinc and calcium carbonate (r = 0.227).