2025, Vol. 8, Issue 1, Part C

author(s)
Madivalappa V Dalawai, Jayaprakash R, Ravikumar D, Sridhar R and Shankar M

abstract
A study was carried out to assess the fertility status of soils under pomegranate orchards of Challakere taluk of Chitradurga district, Karnataka during the year 2023-24. A total of 100 soil samples at two depths (0-20 and 20-40 cm) were collected from different pomegranate growing orchards across Challakere taluk. The soil samples were analysed for various soil fertility parameters. The results indicated that at 0-20 cm depth, soil reaction was found to be slightly acidic to alkali (5.90 to 9.20), electrical conductivity (EC) ranged from 0.45 to 3.50 dS m^-1 and soil organic carbon (SOC) was low to medium in these soils and ranged between 1.50 to 7.20 g kg^-1. Available N (319.88 ± 65.84 kg ha^-1) and P (16.19 ± 6.18 kg ha^-1) were in the range of low to medium and available K (194.00 ± 82.28 kg ha^-1) ranged from low to high. Further, DTPA-extractable Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu was found to be sufficient in majority of the soil samples. Whilst, available boron ranged from 0.10 to 0.57 mg kg^-1 and was found to be deficient in majority of the samples. In majority of the samples exchangeable calcium and magnesium were found to be sufficient at both surface and surface, and the available sulphur was found deficient. At 20-40 cm depth, soil reaction was found to be slightly acidic to alkali, EC varied from 0.41 to 2.80 dS m^-1 and SOC was low in status. Majority of the samples were low in available N and P. Available K ranged from low to high. Majority of the samples were sufficient for exchangeable Ca and Mg, while available sulphur was found to be deficient. Soil samples were sufficient in DTPA-extractable micronutrients Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu. Deficient in available boron.