Available nutrient status of some red soils (Alfisols) from different regions in Kerala

Abstract

study was made on the available nutrient status of sixty surface samples collected from red soil (Alfisols) series identified in different regions in Kerala. Among the major nutrients, Bray 1 extractable phosphorus recorded high values for all the soil series. Nitrogen was low to medium in Vellayani, Cheriniyoor and Beypore, while it was medium in Chirakkal, Bharanikkavu and Kunhimangalam series. Low to medium levels of available potassium was observed in Chirakkal, Bharanikkavu, Beypore and Cheriniyoor series while Kunhimangalam and Vellayani series showed low levelsof available potassium. All the soils showed high phosphorus fixing capacity. DTPA extractable iron and manganese were more than adequate in the surface soils of all the soils investigated. Zinc was deficient to adequate in Vellayani, Bharanikkavu and Kunhimangalam series and marginal to adequate in Cheriniyoor, Beypore and Chirakkal series. Copper was deficient to adequate in Vellayani, Cheriniyoor and Kunhimangalam series while, adequate levels were observed in Bharanikkavu, Beypore and Chirakkal series.