Characterization and Classification of Oil Palm Growing Soils of Khammam and Bhadradri Kothagudem Districts of Telangana

Author: M. Pragnya, M. Ram Prasad, G. Jayasree and I.V. Srinivasa Reddy

Download PDF

Abstract

Five distinctive soil profiles (pedons) from the oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) cultivation areas in Khammam and Bhadradri Kothagudem districts of Telangana were analyzed and categorized. The findings revealed that these soils ranged from sandy loam to sandy clay in texture and had moderate permeability. They were slightly acidic to neutral in pH, non-saline, with medium to high organic carbon content, a mixture of mineral types, moderately deep to very deep, and moderately to well-drained. Bulk density increased with depth, ranging from 1.39 to 1.63 Mg m-3. Cation exchange capacity and soil pH did not exhibit a consistent pattern with depth. The levels of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) were rated as low to medium for N, medium to high for P, and medium for K, respectively. The available N, P, and K decreased with increasing soil depth. Based on these soil characteristics, the soils can be classified at the order level as Alfisols and Inceptisols, and at the subgroup level as Kanhaplic Rhodustalfs, Typic Haplustalfs, Typic Haplustepts, and Vertic Haplustepts.

Keywords

Characterization, Classification, Oil palm-growing soils

Conclusion

In summary, the study findings indicate that the soils used for oil palm cultivation in the Khammam and Bhadradri Kothagudem districts of Telangana exhibit a texture ranging from sandy loam to sandy clay, with moderate permeability. These soils tend to be slightly acidic to neutral in pH, non-saline, and have a medium to high organic carbon content. They also display a mixed mineral composition, are moderately deep to very deep, and show moderate to well-drained properties. The bulk density of these soils increases with depth, ranging from 1.39 to 1.63 Mg m-3. In terms of nutrient content, nitrogen (N) levels are generally low to medium, phosphorus (P) levels are medium to high, and potassium (K) levels are medium. Additionally, the availability of N, P, and K decreases with increasing soil depth. Based on these soil characteristics, the soils have been classified up to the subgroup level.

References

-

How to cite this article

M. Pragnya, M. Ram Prasad, G. Jayasree and I.V. Srinivasa Reddy (2023). Characterization and Classification of Oil Palm Growing Soils of Khammam and Bhadradri Kothagudem Districts of Telangana. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(9): 932-937.