SOIL FERTILITY AND SALINITY STATUS OF GUJRAT DISTRICT

Abstract

Extensive studies have been carried out to assess the fertility and salinity status of soils in Gujrat district for the provision of guidelines to farmers and researchers for better crop production. A total of 10149 soil samples from July 94 to June 2001 were collected, analysed and classified for texture, pH, salinity, sodicity, organic matter and available phosphorus contents. Soil texture of 20 percent samples was sandy loam, 52 percent loam and (he rest 28 percent clayey. The pH value of 89 percent samples were less than 8.5 whereas 11 percent had equal/ greater than 8.5. As regards salinity, 83 percent samples were normal and the rest 6, 5 and 6 percent were saline, saline-sodic and sodic, respectively. From the fertility status point of view, 81 percent samples were poor both in organic matter and available phosphorus contents.