Geo Spatial Assessment and Micronutrient Mapping of Calcareous Soils in Muzaffarpur District, Bihar, India
Sanjay Kumar Singh
*
Department of Soil Science, Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dholi, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar, India.
Techi Tagung
Department of Soil Science, Post Graduate College of Agriculture, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur)-848125, Bihar, India.
Ajeet Kumar
*
Department of Soil Science, Sugarcane Research Institute. Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur)-848125, Bihar, India.
Pankaj Singh
Department of Soil Science, PDUCH&F, Piprakothi, East champaran, Bihar (845429), India.
Harendra Singh
Department of Agronomy, Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dholi, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar, India.
Sumedh R. Kashiwar
Zonal Agriculture Research Station, PDKV, Akola, Maharastra, India.
Sanjay Tiwari
Department of Soil Science, Post Graduate College of Agriculture, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur)-848125, Bihar, India.
A.K. Singh
Department of Soil Science, School of Agricultural Science, Nagaland University, Medziphema-797106, Nagaland, India.
Shweta Kumari
Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Dr. Kalam Agricultural College, Kishanganj, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur, India.
Y. V. Singh
Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, BHU, Varanasi, U.P., India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The soil fertility maps created using GIS are valuable tools, with the geo-coordinates of soil samples recorded using a Garmin GPS device and then imported into the base map through ArcGIS software. The analyzed soil fertility data covers sampling sites in the Minapur, Kanti, and Marwan blocks of Muzaffarpur district, Bihar. A total of 40 geo-referenced composite soil samples were collected from various locations, with multiple soil fertility parameters assessed using standard prescribed methods. The results indicated that the soil had an alkaline reaction, with a pH value above 7.5. The soil organic content ranged from low to medium. DTPA-extractable available zinc (Zn) levels varied between 0.14 and 0.79 ppm, with an average of 0.42 ppm. Copper (Cu) levels were below the critical limits, while iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) were found in relatively medium concentrations.
Keywords: Soil fertility maps, GPS, muzaffarpur, micro nutrients, GIS