Soil Quality Indicators as an Assessment Tool to Maximize the Productivity of Pulse Crops | ...

The current study was conducted between 2017 and 2019 to assess the properties and fertility status of soils using physical, chemical, and biological indicators of soil quality in the major pulse-growing regions, which were divided into three categories: low yielding (less than 400 kg ha-1), medium yielding (400 to 700 kg ha-1), and high yielding (more than 700 kg ha-1). 300 samples were collected from these zones and analysed, with weight ages assigned to each soil quality attribute using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and those that explained at least 5% of the variance in the data examined using SPSS software. Medium and low yielding soils were moderately alkaline and neutral to slightly alkaline, respectively, while yielding soils were neutral to slightly alkaline (pH of 7.20 to 7.85). The average cation exchange potential of the low yield category was 12.2 c mol (p+) kg-1, while the medium and high yield categories had 21.8 and 36.9 c mol (p+) kg-1, respectively. The available nitrogen levels in the soils of the heavy, medium, and low yield zones were 282,234 and 138 kg ha-1, respectively. Sulphur deficiency was found in 88 percent of pulse-growing soil samples from low-yielding areas, indicating that further research is required. Higher values of soil attributes such as aggregate stability, cation exchange potential, organic carbon, available nitrogen, available potassium, and extractable micronutrients corresponded well with the high yield group, indicating the significance of these soil quality indicators for improving pulse productivity in low yield zones, according to the study's overall findings.

Please see the link - https://www.journalcjast.com/index.php/CJAST/article/view/31076