Soil fertility evaluation of Kuppambadur village in Ramachandrapuram Mandal, Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

Understanding soil fertility status is essential for guiding nutrient management and improving agricultural productivity in rural landscapes of Andhra Pradesh. To evaluate the nutrient profile and fertility constraints of local soils, a total of 200 geo-referenced soil samples were collected from Kuppambadur village in Ramachandrapuram mandal of Tirupati district. The samples were analysed for key physico-chemical and chemical properties to determine the existing soil health status. The results indicated that the soils of the study area ranged from slightly acidic to strongly alkaline and were non-saline in nature. Soil organic carbon levels were found to be low to medium. Available nitrogen was generally low, while available phosphorus ranged from low to medium. Available potassium showed a wider variation, falling within the medium to high range. Overall, the fertility assessment highlights significant nitrogen limitations and variable phosphorus availability, which may restrict optimal crop growth. These findings underscore the need for site-specific nutrient management strategies to enhance soil health and support sustainable agricultural production in Kuppambadur village.