Study of Soil Chemical Properties, Available Sulphur and Micronutrients Status of Soils in Solapur District of Maharashtra

The aim of this study was to evaluate available sulphur and micronutrients (Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn and B) status of soils. The present study mainly focused on testing of soil samples in Solapur District in Maharashtra to determine their level of micronutrients and to provide information to farmers and extension functionaries. A survey was conducted in 2019-20 by All India Co-ordinated Research Project on Micro and Secondary Nutrients and Pollutant Elements in Soils and Plants under Department of Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola, (M.S.) in a view to have proper assessment of secondary and micronutrient status in soil of the district. In the present investigation different chemical properties, available sulphur and micronutrients status was assessed in GPS based three hundred seven surface soil samples (0-20 cm) from 11 blocks in Solapur district of Maharashtra. The pH, EC, OC and CaCO3 of soils collected from the study area varied from 6.30 to 8.75, 0.02 to 0.59 dS m -1 , 1.75 to 17.75 g kg -1 and 2.67 to 13.37 percent, respectively. Results further indicated that the 45.60, 76.55, 95.44, 70.03, 9.12 and 0.65 per cent soil samples were found to be deficient in S, Zn Fe, Mn, Cu and B, respectively. The nutrient index values are low for zinc (1.27), iron (1.05) and manganese (1.32), medium for sulphur (1.84) and whereas high nutrient indices were observed for copper (2.48) and boron (2.77). The results obtained in the present study clearly showed a large variability in chemical properties of soil across the Solapur district. This information could aid in decision making for application of plant nutrients for higher monetary returns to the farmers.