Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry 2018; 7(6): 1852-1856
E-ISSN: 2278-4136
P-ISSN: 2349-8234
JPP 2018; 7(6): 1852-1856
Received: 02-09-2018
Accepted: 04-10-2018
CH Ramulu
Department of Soil Science and
Agricultural Chemistry, Regional
Agricultural Research Station,
Warangal, Telangana, India
P Raghu Rami Reddy
Department of Soil Science and
Agricultural Chemistry, Regional
Agricultural Research Station,
Warangal, Telangana, India
Correspondence
CH Ramulu
Department of Soil Science and
Agricultural Chemistry, Regional
Agricultural Research Station,
Warangal, Telangana, India
Soil fertility status of regional agricultural
research station, Warangal (Telangana)
CH Ramulu and P Raghu Rami Reddy
Abstract
This study was carried out to determine the soil fertility status and preparing the soil fertility maps of the
Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Warangal. The total extent of farm area is 62 hactares
from which 64 soil samples were identified by GPS device and soil sampling was done to a depth of 0-20
cm by using soil sampling auger. The collected soil samples were analyzed to find out their Texture, pH,
EC, Organic carbon (OC), Available N, P2O5, K2O, Ca, Mg, S, B, Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mn. The soil fertility
status maps were prepared using the analyzed data. The observed data revealed that soil was grayish
brown in colour and sub-angular blocky in structure. The sand, silt and clay content were 35.72 ± 2.50%,
14.58 ± 0.61% and 49.69 ± 2.2%, respectively and categorized as three different classes of texture. The
soil was slightly alkaline in reaction pH (7.85 ± 0.07). The electrical conductivity (Ec) is 0.67 + 0.07
dSm-1. The organic carbon percent (OC %) was 0.70 + 0.04.The available nitrogen status(209±11 kg ha-
1)was low, whereas available phosphorus (49±2.2 kg P O ha-1) was medium and available potassium
2 5
(552±30 kg K2O ha-1) was high. The available zinc (1.24±0.23 ppm), copper (1.87±0.31 ppm), iron
(24.42+4.25) and manganese (9.59 + 1.49) were sufficient.
Keywords: Research farm, Warangal, soil testing and soil fertility maps
1. Introduction
The sustainability of any system has become major concern now a days. The evaluation of soil
fertility is perhaps the most basic decision making tool in order to impose appropriate nutrient
management strategies (Brady and Weil, 2002) [1]. There are various techniques for soil
fertility evaluation, among them soil testing is the most widely used in the world (Havlin et al.,
2010) [2]. Soil testing assess the current fertility status and provides information regarding
nutrient availability in soils which forms the basis for the fertilizer recommendations for
maximizing crop yields and to maintain the adequate fertility in soils for longer period. The
texture, structure, colour, bulk density, hydraulic conductivity, etc. are important soil physical
parameters. Similarly, soil reaction (pH) and electrical conductivity (EC) are physico-chemical
parameters and organic carbon percent (OC %), available macro and micronutrients are
important soil chemical parameters. The physical and chemical tests provide information about
the capacity of soil to supply mineral nutrients (Ganorkar and Chinchmalatpure, 2013) [3].
Spatial variation across a field become great challenge for assesses soil fertility of an area.
Describing the spatial variability of soil fertility across a field has been difficult until new
technologies such as Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Geographic Information Systems
(GIS) were introduced. GIS is a powerful set of tools for collecting, storing, retrieving,
transforming and displayingspatialdata (Burrough & Mc Donnell, 1998) [4]. Regional
Agricultural Research Station, Warangal is an important wing among the research stations of
PJTSAU in order to generate appropriate agriculture production technologies for central region
of Telangana state. The research of different field crops (rice, cotton and pulses etc) are being
carried out since longer period in the farm. Studies related to the soil fertility status of
Regional Agricultural Research Station, Warangal are scant. Therefore, it is important to
investigate the soil fertility status and it may provide valuable information relating crop
research. Considering these facts, the present study was initiated with the objective to assess
the soil fertility status of Regional Agricultural Research Station, Warangal.
2. Materials and Methods
2.1 Study area
The study was carried out at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Warangal (Figure 1). The
research farm is situated at the 180 01.077 N latitude 790 36.197 E longitude and an altitude of
259 m above mean sea level.
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Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry

all blocks of Regional Agricultural Research Station,

Warangal during May 2015. Altogether 64 soil samples were
collected by using soil sampling auger and spade. The exact
locations of the samples were recorded using a handheld GPS
receiver. The random method based on the variability of the
soil was used to collect soil samples.

2.3 Laboratory analysis

The collected soil samples were brought to laboratory shade
dried for two days removed stones, pebbles and plant roots
and arrived required sample size (500gm) by quartering
Fig 1: Layout Map of Regional Agriculture Research Station method after that sieved the samples with 2mm sieve for
(RARS), Warangal. performing analysis at soil science laboratory Regional
Agricultural Research Station, Warangal. The different soil
2.2 Soil sampling parameters tested as well as methods that adapted to analysis
The surface soil samples (0-20 cm depth) were collected from is shown in the Table 1.

Table 1: Methods adopted for the soil analysis

S. No Soil Parameters Units Methods adopted
1 Physical characters
Soil texture Hydrometer method (Bouyoucos, 1962) [5]
Soil colour Munshell-colour chart
Soil structure Field-feel
2 Physico-chemical characters
Soil pH Potentiometric 1:2 (Jackson, 1973) [6]
Electrical conductivity dSm-1 Potentiometric 1:2 (Jackson, 1973) [6]
3. Chemical characters
Organic carbon (%) Walkley and Black (Walkley and Black, 1934) [7]
Available nitrogen (kg ha-1) Subbaiah and Asija (1956) [8]
Available P2O5 (kg ha-1) Olsen’s method (Olsen et al., 1954) [9]
Extractable K2O (kg ha-1) Neutral Normal Ammonium Acetate(Jackson, 1967) [10]
Available Zn ppm DTPA (Lindsay and Norvell, 1978) [11]
Available Cu ppm DTPA (Lindsay and Norvell, 1978) [11]
Available Fe ppm DTPA (Lindsay and Norvell, 1978) [11]
Available Mn ppm DTPA (Lindsay and Norvell, 1978) [11]

2.4 Statistical Analysis 3.1 Soil Texture

Descriptive statistics (mean, range, standard deviation, Soil texture affects the soil sustainability. The sand, silt and
standard error, coefficient of variation) of soil parameters clay are the three components of soil texture. It affects
were computed using the Minitab 17 package. Rating (very absorption of nutrients, microbial activities, the infiltration
low, low, medium, high and very high) of determined values and retention of water, soil aeration, tillage and irrigation
were based on Soil Science Division, Khumaltar. The practices (Gupta, 2004) [14]. The percent sand of soil samples
coefficient of variation was ranked according to the procedure were ranged from13.33 to 71 with the mean value of 35.72
of (Aweto, 1982) [12] where, CV < 25% = low variation, CV and that of percent silt were 7.00 to 29.64 with a mean of
>25 ≤ 50% = moderate variation, CV >50% = high variation. 14.58 while the clay percent ranged from19.72 to 75.92 with a
Similarly, the nutrient index was also determined by the mean of 49.69 (Table 3). The coefficient of variation between
formula given by Ramamurthy and Bajaj (1969) [13]. the soil samples were 75.53, 25.04 and 44.3 for sand, silt and
Nutrient index (N.I.) = (NL × 1 + NM × 2 + NH × 3) / NT clay contents, respectively.
Where, NL, NM and NH indicates number of samples falling
in low, medium and high classes of nutrient status, Table 3: Soil separates status of Regional Agricultural Research
respectively and NT means total number of samples analyzed Station, Warangal.
for a given area. Similarly, interpretation was done as value Soil separates’ (%)
given by Ramamurthy shown on the Table 2. Descriptive Statistics
Sand Silt Clay
Mean 35.72 14.58 49.69
Table 2: Rating Chart of Nutrient index Standard deviation 19.57 4.89 17.56
S. No. Nutrient Index Value Standard error 2.50 0.61 2.20
1 Low <1.67 Minimum 13.88 7.00 19.72
2 Medium 1.67-2.33 Maximum 71.00 29.64 75.92
3 High >2.33 CV (%) 55.00 33.54 35.34

3. Results and Discussion 3.2 Soil Colour

The soil fertility status in the study area with respect to Soil colour reflects on the transformation and translocation n
texture, structure, colour, pH, EC, organic carbon, primary occurred in the soil due to chemical, biological and physical
nutrients, secondary nutrients and micronutrients were attributes. It shows water drainage, aeration and organic
assessed and the results obtained are presented and discussed matter content in the soil. In the majority of the study area,
in the following headings. grayish brown (10YR 6/1) colour was observed.
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3.3 Soil Structure
Soil structure refers to the pattern of spatial arrangement of
soil particles in a soil mass (Brady & Weil, 2004) [1]. In the
majority of the area, sub angular blocky structure was
observed.
3.4 Soil pH
Soil pH is important chemical parameter of soil that affects
Table 4: Soil physico-chemical and chemical characteristics of soils of Regional Agricultural Research Station, Warangal
Descriptive Statistics pH Ec(dS/m) OC (%) Available N(kg/ha)
Mean 7.85 0.67 0.70
Standard deviation 0.57 0.55 0.31
Standard error 0.07 0.07 0.04
Minimum 6.15 0.07 0.25
Maximum 8.92 2.50 1.85
CV (%) 7.26 82 44
3.5 Soil EC
Soil electrical conductivity varied from 0.07 to 2.50 dS/m
with mean value of 0.67 dS/m which means soils are non-
saline alkali (Table-4). The soil Ec showed high variability
among the soil samples (82%).
3.6 Organic Carbon
Organic carbon is important source of plant essential nutrients
after their decomposition by microorganisms. It supplies plant
nutrients, improve the soil structure, water infiltration and
retention, feeds soil micro-flora and fauna, and the retention
and cycling of applied fertilizer (Johnston, 2007) [15]. The
organic carbon content was varied from 0.25 to 1.85% with a
mean value of 0.70% (Table 4). It indicates that the organic
carbon content was low to high and variability is high among
the soil samples (44%). Therefore, incorporation of organic
carbon adding materials is imperative for organic carbon
improvement in soils.
3.7 Available Nitrogen
Nitrogen is taken up by plants in greatest quantity next to
carbon, oxygen and hydrogen, but in the tropics for crop
production it is one of the most deficient elements (Mesfin,
1998) [16]. The available nitrogen content was ranged from 75
to 352 kg/ha with a mean value of 209 kg/ha (Table 4). This
indicates low to medium content of available nitrogen. The
nitrogen content is not satisfactory. Therefore, regularly
nitrogen adding organic and inorganic materials should be
incorporated to make nitrogen balanced in soils. High
variability (42%) in available nitrogen was observed among
the sampled soils (Fig-2).
3.8 Available phosphorus
Phosphorus is the master key to agriculture. The growth of
both cultivated and uncultivated plants is limited by
availability of P in the soils (Foth and Ellis, 1997) [17]. The
available phosphorus (P2O5) was ranged from 21 to 113 kg/ha
with a mean value of 49 kg/ha (Table 4). This showed
medium to high status of available phosphorus. Available
phosphorus showed high variability (36%) among the tested
soil samples (Fig-2).
3.9 Available potassium
Next to N and P, Potassium (K) is the third most important
essential element that limit plant productivity. The available
potassium (K2O) content was ranged from 165 to 992 kg/ha
with a mean value of 552 kg/ha. This suggests high status of
nutrient availability (Brady and Weil, 2004) [1]. The pH of soil
was varied from 6.15 to 8.92 with a mean value of 7.85
(Table 4). This indicates neutral to strongly alkaline in
reaction due to which the availability of various nutrients for
plants (rice, wheat, maize, vegetables etc.) may be reduced.
Therefore, periodically gypsum incorporation is imperative
for reduction of soil pH. The soil pH showed low variability
(7.26%) among the soil samples.
Available P2O5(kg/ha) AvailableK2O (kg/ha)
209 49 552
88 18 239
11 2.2 30
75 21 165
352 113 992
42 36 43
extractable potassium. High variability (70.01%) in
extractable potassium was determined among the soil samples
(Fig-2).
Fig 2: Major nutrients (N, P, K) map of RARS, Warangal
3.9.1 Available calcium, magnesium and sulphur
Calcium is a secondary nutrient important for cell division in
plants. The available calcium content was ranged from 5.4 to
20.4 m.e/100g soil with a mean value of 12.56 m.e/100g soil.
The available magnesium content ranged from 5.0 to 15.7
m.e/100g with mean value of 8.25 m.e/100g soil. The
available sulphur content ranged from 8.25to 29 ppm with
mean value of 16.52 ppm. Overall the calcium, magnesium
and sulphur availability in the soil is sufficient for crop
growth.
3.9.2 Available zinc
Zinc is essential for several biochemical processes in plants,
such as cytochrome and nucleotide synthesis, auxin
metabolism, chlorophyll production, enzyme activation, and
the maintenance of membrane integrity (Havlin et al., 2010)
[2]
. The available zinc content was ranged from 0.14 to 2.86
mg/kg soil with a mean value of 1.24 mg/kg soil (Table 5).
This indicates deficient to sufficient of available zinc. There
may have high possibility of khaira disease in rice if it is
deficient in rice grown soils etc. Therefore, different organic
and inorganic sources of zinc should be applied in the field
regularly to reduce zinc stress in plants. The available zinc
showed high variability (73%) among the soil samples (Fig-3).
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3.9.3 Available copper
Copper is also important micronutrient for plants and required
for lignin synthesis and acts as a constituent of ascorbic acid,
oxidase, phenolase and plastocyanin (Havlin et al., 2010) [2].
The available copper content varied from 0.54 to 4.28 mg kg-1
soil with the mean value of 1.87 mg kg-1 soil (Table 5). This
indicates sufficient status of available copper is there in soil.
High variability (65%) in available copper was recorded
among the soil samples (Fig-3).
3.9.4 Available iron
Iron is an essential micronutrient for almost all living
organisms because of it plays critical role in metabolic
processes such as DNA synthesis, respiration, and
photosynthesis (Rout & Sahoo, 2015) [18]. The available iron
content ranged from 4.29 to 49.72 mg kg-1 soil with a mean
value of 24.42 mg kg-1 soil (Table 5). In overall, available
iron status was low to high in the soils of RARS Warangal.
There may have high possibility for stress of iron toxicity as
well deficiency of antagonistic elements in plants. Therefore,
nutrients like potassium, phosphorus etc. should be applied in
adequate amount for reducing iron toxicity stress in plants.
Available iron showed high variability (71%) among the soil
samples (Fig-3).
3.9.5 Available Manganese
Manganese plays an important role in oxidation and reduction
processes in plants (Mousavi et al., 2011) [19]. The available
manganese content ranged from 1.56 to 81.48 mg kg-1 soil
with the mean value of 9.59 mg kg-1 soil (Table 5). This
indicates high status of available manganese. The available
manganese showed high variability (62%) among the studied
soil samples (Fig-3).

Table 5: Available micronutrients status of soils of Regional Agricultural Research Station, Warangal
Descriptive Statistics Available Zn (mg kg-1 soil) Available Cu (mg kg-1 soil) Available Fe (mg kg-1 soil) Available Mn (mg kg-1 soil)
Mean 1.24 1.87 24.42 9.59
Standard deviation 0.9 1.22 17.00 5.96
Standard error 0.23 0.31 4.25 1.49
Minimum 0.14 0.54 4.29 1.56
Maximum 2.86 4.28 49.72 81.48
CV (%) 73 65 71 62

3.9.6 Available boron
Boron is required by plants for their cell wall structural
integrity (Havlin et al., 2010) [2]. The available boron content
ranged from 0.15 to 2.61 mg kg-1 soil with a mean value of
0.56 mg kg-1 soil. This indicates low content of available
boron. Therefore, regularly boron adding organic and
inorganic materials should be incorporate to maintain boron
adequate in soils. High variability (91.9%) in available boron
was observed among the soil samples.

Fig 3: Micronutrients (Zn, Cu, Fe & Mn) map of RARS, Warangal

Table 6: Nutrient indices of studied parameters of Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Warangal,
Number of samples
S. No Parameters Nutrient index value Remarks
Low Medium High
1 Organic Carbon 18 26 19 2.0 High
2 Available Nitrogen 42 21 0 1.33 Low
3 Available phosphorus 0 44 19 2.30 High
4 Available potassium 0 13 50 2.79 High
5 Available Zn 49 11 3 1.26 Low
6 Available Cu 25 23 15 1.84 High
7 Available Fe 30 20 13 1.73 High
8 Available Mn 22 28 13 1.86 High
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4. Conclusion 16. Mesfin A. Nature and management of Ethiopian soils.

Overall, the colour of soil was grayish brown and structure Ethiopia: Alemaya University of Agriculture, 1998, 272.
was sub-angular blocky. Soils were slightly acidic to strongly 17. Foth HD, Ellis BG. Soil fertility (2nd edition). LLC.,
alkaline in reaction, non-saline to saline in nature and it is USA: Lewis CRC Press, 1997, 290.
advisable to apply gypsum periodically for its amelioration. 18. Rout GR, Sahoo S. Role of iron in plant growth and
Overall the calcium, magnesium and sulphur availability in metabolism. Review of Agriculture Science. 2015; 3:1-
the soils is sufficient for crop growth. The available nitrogen 24.
and zinc status were low. The organic carbon, available 19. Mousavi SR, Shahsavari M, Rezaei M. A general
phosphorus, potassium, copper, iron and manganese were overview of manganese (Mn) importance for crops
higher. The crops (rice, cotton and other crops etc.) may production. Australian Journal of Basic and Applied
suffer from deficiency of low and toxicity of very high plant Sciences. 2011; 5(9):1799-1803.
available nutrients. Thus, proper nutrient management
strategy should be adopted especially for these nutrients.
Considering the status of soil organic carbon and low
available nitrogen the practices like manure or compost
incorporation, crop residue retention, green manuring etc. can
be suggested for its improvement. From this study, it can be
concluded that for enhancing the efficacy of the agricultural
research (rice, cotton and pulses etc.) the future research
strategy should be based on the soil fertility status of the farm.

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