Abstract

Chemical Estimation of Soil Fertility Status in and around the Tea Gardens of Gohpur Sub-Division, Assam

Author(s): Joydev Dutta, Bhabajit Bhuyan and Abani Kumar Misra

Quantitative measures to monitor soil quality indicators such as soil pH and extractable N-P-K are more developed now and are still being explored as to how these measures affect nutrient levels and the chemical health of the soil. The present research is undertaken with a specific view to strengthen the national and local soil quality database by evaluating chemical indicators of soil quality for better soil management practices. As found out from the experimental results, soils in and around the tea gardens of Gohpur sub-division, Assam, generally have properties that make their management somewhat difficult. The long-term deterioration of soil under the tea gardens in the area has led to impoverishment of soil fertility. It is also observed that the soil health is not in accordance with the fertility rating chart given by ICAR (2005). Soil nutrient imbalance is the key issue that needs to be taken up in the area. A suitable socio-economic and policy environment to maintain and improve soil fertility is also lacking. The researchers feel that environmental aspects of soil quality of this area need serious attention in near future for better agricultural practices.