Assessment of soil properties and nitrogen status in western part of Yavatmal district in Vidarbha region

The present investigation was carried out to assess the soil chemical properties and nitrogen status in the western part of Yavatmal district in Vidarbha region. A total of 80 surface soil samples were collected from eight talukas, namely Ner, Darwha, Yavatmal, Digras, Arni, Pusad, Mahagaon and Umarkhed, at a depth of 0–15 cm. The collected soil samples were analysed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), available nitrogen, ammoniacal nitrogen (NH₄⁺-N) and nitrate nitrogen (NO₃⁻-N) to evaluate the chemical characteristics and nitrogen status of the soils. The soil pH ranged from 7.23 to 8.10, with mean values of 7.48–7.76, indicating neutral to moderately alkaline soils. Soil EC showed low values, with mean values ranging from 0.21–0.32 dS m⁻¹, indicating non-saline conditions. Organic carbon ranged from 2.99–6.21 g kg⁻¹, with mean values of 4.30–4.84 g kg⁻¹, indicating low to medium status. Calcium carbonate ranged from 3.25–10.62%, with mean values of 8.11–9.43%, indicating calcareous soils. Available nitrogen ranged from 145.35–198.98 kg ha⁻¹, with mean values of 173.67–184.47 kg ha⁻¹, and was low in all samples. Ammoniacal nitrogen ranged from 13.60–26.80 mg kg⁻¹, with mean values of 19.28–23.17 mg kg⁻¹. Nitrate nitrogen ranged from 12.20–24.60 mg kg⁻¹, with mean values of 17.39–21.10 mg kg⁻¹, showing variation among the talukas. Overall the soils of the western part of Yavatmal district were characterized by neutral to moderately alkaline reaction, low electrical conductivity, low to medium organic carbon and moderate calcareousness. The low status of available nitrogen observed across the study area indicates the need for proper nitrogen management to maintain soil fertility and sustain crop productivity. The findings emphasize the importance of balanced fertilization, regular soil testing and incorporation of organic residues for improving nitrogen availability and maintaining the chemical fertility of soils in the region.

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