The study was undertaken in 2020-2021 aiming to assess the physical properties of soils from Darjeeling district, West Bengal. Soil samples were collected from 9 different villages at profile depths of 0-15cm, 15-30cm and 30-45cm. The data revealed that the selected soil samples varied from brown to “yellowish brown colour in dry condition” while “dark brown colour predominated in the wet condition”. “Domination of textural class, sandy clay loam” was seen in more than six villages. The value of specific gravity augmented with depth and ranged from “1.61 Mg m-3 to 2.57 Mg m-3”. The water holding capacity and pore space percentage varied from “61.53 to 76.92% and 50 to 61.1%” respectively. The values of bulk density and particle density did not show much variation with depth but significant difference was found due to site with respect to particle density. Owing to the paucity of information on layered characteristics of soil physical properties in various sites of

Physical properties, soil analysis, Darjeeling, bulk density, water holding capacity.

It can be concluded that the soils of Darjeeling district have a good physical condition which favours the cultivation of most crops. Lighter soil colour was observed in the surface layer while the subsurface was characterized by darker colour. Soil texture showed high clay percentage. The bulk density values were considerably low and increased with increase in depth. The particle density also increased with depth. Low specific gravity values indicate high organic matter content. Good water holding capacity and pore space percentage is indicative of high clay content and thus makes Darjeeling terrace farms suitable for cultivation of paddy, maize, millet, ginger, buckwheat, cardamom, oranges and guava and vegetables such as cabbage, squash, spinach and a variety of other crops since these soil conditions are favorable for the growth of most crops.

Rai, A., Thomas, T., David, A.A. and Khatana, R.S. (2021). Assessment of Physical Properties of Soils of Darjeeling District, West Bengal, India. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 13(2): 480-487.