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Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences

Year: 2000 | Volume: 3 | Issue: 12 | Page No.: 2082-2086
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Authors

M. Shoaib Malik

M. Kaleem Abbasi

Nazir Rahim

Keywords

Research Article

Laboratory Study of Physical-chemical Characteristics and the Nutrient Status of Soils Collected from Rawalakot Azad Jammu and Kashmir

M. Shoaib Malik, M. Kaleem Abbasi and Nazir Rahim
The study was carried out to evaluate the physical-chemical properties and the nutrient status of three soils collected around Rawalakot Azad Kashmir. For this purpose soil samples from 0 to 15 and 15 to 30 cm depth were taken and analysed for textural class, organic mater content, pH, CaCO3, ECe, NO3-N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn. The texture analysis showed that the soils under study were silt dominant and the proportion of silt ranges from 60 to 92%. The pH values ranged from 5.77 to 6.69 indicated that soils are slightly acid to neutral. The organic matter content was 0.87 and 1.03%, which is in the range of low to medium. The soils were found to be non-calcarious as the calcium carbonate was in between 0.6 to 0.9%. The electrical conductivity of the saturation extract (ECe) was negligible. The concentration of NO3-N and available P was extremely low ranging from 0.89 to 1.9 and 0.41 to 1.03 mg kg1, respectively indicated a substantial need of N and P through fertilization. Out of three soils studied, two were found low in available K. The concentration of calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese and copper were medium to high while Zn seemed to be low in one of the three soils tested. It was concluded that soils of Rawalakot are deficient in organic matter content, available N, phosphorus and potassium. The deficiency of these major elements is perhaps the main limiting factor in the agricultural production of this region. Application of N, P and K through chemical fertilizers is highly recommended. In addition, use of organic manures will be highly beneficial not only to enhance the fertility status of soils but also to improve the physical conditions of the soils.
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