V. Swetha, M.V.S. Naidu, D. Vasu, Y. Reddi Ramu and Y. Vamsi
Abstract
Seven typical pedons in semi-arid region of Vedurukuppammandal in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh were studied for their morphological, physico-chemical and chemical characteristics to evaluate the suitability of soils for growing rice, groundnut and sugarcane. The soil belongs to Entisols, Inceptisols and Alfisols. Pedons (P1, P2 and P4) were marginally suitable (S3) for rice and moderately suitable (S2) for groundnut and sugarcane, whereas pedons (P3, P6 and P7) were not suitable for rice and moderately suitable (S2) for groundnut and sugarcane and pedon (P5) was moderately suitable (S2) for rice and highly suitable (S1) for groundnut and sugarcane. The soil suitability criterion varies from crop to crop and soil to soil. The soils in the study area exhibited major limitations viz., steep slope, wetness (excessive drainage), physical soil characteristics like texture, depth and soil fertility characteristics such as pH, organic carbon and CaCO3. Suitable conservation practices and remedial measures were suggested to improve the soil productivity on sustainable basis without deteriorating the soil quality. Potential land suitability classes were also suggested based on the possible improvement measures for these soils.