Vol. 8, Issue 1 (2020)

The pH of soils of Chandgad tehsil varied from 5.01to 7.21, most of the soils were found to be moderately acidic (57.15%) while EC varied from 0.04 to 0.70 dS m^-1, the soilswere found to be normal (100 %) in salinity. The Calcium Carbonate content of soils of Chandgad tehsil varied from 0.51 to 3.07 per cent, the area was barely calcareous (33.77%), slightly calcareous (50%) and moderately calcareous (16.23%). Organic Carbon content varied from 0.31 to 1.12 per cent and categorized as low (24.02%), moderate (24.03%), moderately high (21.42%), high (19.50%) and very high (11.03%).

The soil available Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium in Chandgad tehsil ranged from 143.21 to 420.26, 1.03 to 20.6 and 102.8 to 293.6 Kg ha^-1, respectively. The soils were low (35.71%) and moderate (64.29%) in available Nitrogen. In respect of available Phosphorus very low (40.26%) low (46.75%) and moderate (12.99%). In case of available Potassium low (24.68%), moderate (9.74%), moderately high (36.36%) and high (29.22%). The exchangeable Calcium and Magnesium ranged from 10.00 to 25.00 and 2.25 to 12.50 cmol (p⁺) Kg^-1, respectively. The soils were sufficient (25.32%), deficient (74.68%) and sufficient (13.63%), deficient (86.37%) in exchangeable Calcium and Magnesium, respectively. The exchangeable sodium ranged from 0.13 to 0.97 cmol (p⁺) Kg^-1.

The available sulphur varied from 5.12 to 35.93 mg Kg^-1. The soils were low (26.62%), moderate (22.73%), moderately high (23.38%) and high (27.27%) in available Sulphur content.

The pH was significantly and positively correlated with exchangeable Calcium and Magnesium. EC was non-significant and positively correlated with Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium and Manganese. The organic carbon was significantly and positively correlated with Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium and Sulphur. Calcium carbonate was significantly correlated with calcium, magnesium and Sulphur.

The fertility index of Chandgad tehsil for Organic Carbon, available Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium was medium (2.02), low (1.32), low (0.86) and medium (1.85), respectively.