Physico-chemical Characterization and Taxonomic Classification of Soil Profiles in a Toposequence Located in RRTTS and KVK Farm, Keonjhar, Odisha, India
Prava Kiran Dash *
Regional Research and Technology Transfer Station, Mahisapat-759013, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India and Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha-751003, India.
Soumya Ranjan Patra
Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha-751003, India.
Antaryami Mishra
Regional Research and Technology Transfer Station, Mahisapat-759013, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India and Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan University, Bhubaneswar- 751029, India.
Jatiprasad Barala
Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan University, Bhubaneswar- 751029, India.
Sirla Abhishek
LRI-REWARD, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha-751003, India.
Moruboyina Aditya Kishore
LRI-REWARD, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha-751003, India.
Truptimayee Pattnaik
Department of Basic Science and Humanities, Gandhi Institute of Excellent Technocrats, Gangapatana, Bhubaneswar, Odisha -752054, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The study investigates the physico-chemical characteristics and taxonomic classification of soil profiles along a toposequence at the RRTTS and KVK farm, Keonjhar, Odisha. Three distinct land types - upland, medium land, and lowland - were selected for the study, representing varying topographic positions. The investigation focused on soil properties such as bulk density, particle density, pH, organic carbon content, electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity (CEC), base saturation, and available macro and micronutrients. Results indicated that bulk and particle densities were lower in upper horizons and increased with depth, while soil pH exhibited an increasing trend with increasing depth, likely due to the movement of basic cations during intensive rainfall. Organic carbon content was higher in surface horizons and declined with depth, whereas available potassium increased with depth, attributed to parent material and clay content. The exchangeable cations, primarily calcium and magnesium, dominated the soil profiles. The soils were classified into Loamy-skeletal, mixed, hyperthermic Typic Ustorthents (Pedon 1), Fine-loamy, mixed, hyperthermic Udic Haplustalfs (Pedon 2), and Fine-loamy, mixed, hyperthermic Udic Paleustalfs (Pedon 3). The study concluded that different landforms within the toposequence require specific land-use planning and conservation measures to enhance soil productivity and sustainability. Upland areas are recommended for plantation and agroforestry, medium land for crop production, and low land for paddy cultivation and pisciculture. Tailored conservation strategies, including contour cultivation and water harvesting, are essential to mitigate soil erosion and optimize land use in the region.
Keywords: Soil characterization, taxonomic classification, toposequence, land-use planning, soil conservation, Keonjhar, Odisha, India