Assessment of Soil Fertility Status and Nutrient Mapping in the Semi-Arid Nakhatrana Taluka, Kachchh District, Gujarat

DOI: 10.22161/ijeab.103.35

Abstract:
Soil fertility is the inherent capacity of soil to supply essential nutrients in adequate amounts and suitable proportions for plant growth. This study evaluates the physicochemical properties and nutrient status of the Nakhatrana Taluka in the Kachchh District, a semi-arid region characterized by erratic rainfall and saline-alkaline soils. A total of 800 soil samples were collected from six representative villages (Vang, Tal-layari, Virkhan, Devisar, Virani Moti, and Virani Nani) and analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), macronutrients (P, K), secondary nutrients (Ca, Mg, S), and micronutrients (Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn). The results indicate that the soils are non-saline (EC < 1.0 dS m-1) and neutral to moderately alkaline (pH 7.08–8.52). While the fertility indices for Organic Carbon (66.88% high), Phosphorus (44.88% high), and Potassium (56.50% high) suggest a robust macronutrient status, the soils exhibit critical micronutrient deficiencies. Specifically, 97.88% of samples were deficient in Iron (Fe), and significant deficiencies were observed for Zinc (Zn) and Manganese (Mn). The study concludes that while the macronutrient profile is favorable, sustainable crop production in Nakhatrana requires integrated nutrient management with a specific focus on micronutrient supplementation.

Keywords:
oil Fertility, Nutrient Index, Semi-arid Agriculture, Micronutrients, Kachchh, Soil Salinity

Article Info:
Received: 19 May 2025; Received in revised form: 14 Jun 2025; Accepted: 22 Jun 2025; Available online: 30 Jun 2025

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