Studies on fertility status of rubber growing soils in Kottayan taluk

Abstract

To assess the fertility status of the Rubber growing soils of Kottayam Taluk analytical data of five locations in Kottayam Taluk viz, Kooropada, Thiruvanchoor, Meenadam, Kottachira and Amayannur covering 200 small holdings including their case history were studied and the study revealed the following. All the soils tested were lateritic and acidic. Generally organic matter status was medium to high. Phosphorus and pottasium status were very low and Magnesium status medium to high. Tapioca intercropped areas showed depletion of nitrogen status. There was no depreciation of Phosphorus and Pottassium status in intercropped areas. Areas with leguminus ground covers showed better nitrogen status. Response to fertiliser was pronounced in the first four years and response was poor from 5th year onwards. All the small holdings were planted with modern high yielding clones and the trend is to follow Boards recommendation for manuring.