P.V.R.M. REDDY*, K. VENKAIAH, K.V. NAGA MADHURI AND P. MAHESWARA REDDY

Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Institute of Frointer Technology, RARS, Tirupati.

ABSTRACT

The present study is an attempt to assess the spatial variability by generating thematic maps of available soil fertility status of Nandyal mandal in Kurnool District by GIS technique. Two hundred and forty three geo-referenced soil samples were collected from sixteen villages at random and analysed for soil fertility adopting standard procedures and mapped by Geographic information system. The pH of the soil samples was neutral to highly alkaline in reaction. Available nitrogen was generally low to medium whereas Phosphorous and potassium are available in all the three ranges i.e. low, medium and high. The available micronutrient viz., Iron, copper, zinc and manganese were deficit in 13.54 per cent, 18.76 per cent, 31.22 per cent and 16.83 per cent area respectively in these soils. The spatial variability of the various soil parameters helps the farmers to take up sustained crop management practices.

KEYWORDS:

Soil fertility, Spatial variability, Nutrient mapping, Geographic information system.