ISSN Print: 2381-1013  ISSN Online: 2381-1021
American Journal of Agricultural Science  
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Soil Fertility Mapping and Assessment of the Spatial Distribution of Sarlahi District, Nepal
American Journal of Agricultural Science
Vol.7 , No. 1, Publication Date: Feb. 4, 2020, Page: 8-16
576 Views Since February 3, 2020, 334 Downloads Since Feb. 3, 2020
 
 
Authors
 
[1]    

Razan Malla, Soil Science Division, NARC, Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal.

[2]    

Shankar Shrestha, National Sugarcane Research Program, Jitpur, Bara, Nepal.

[3]    

Dinesh Khadka, Soil Science Division, NARC, Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal.

[4]    

Chet Raj Bam, JV Universal Geo-spatial Solution Pvt. Ltd., Jay Shikhar International Pvt. Ltd., Khaptad Infra Engineering Pvt. Ltd, Kathmandu, Nepal.

 
Abstract
 

The knowledge of spatial variability of soil properties across a field is very important for efficient use and management of the resource. A detailed soil fertility inventory study using Global Positioning System (GPS) and Geographical Information System (GIS) was conducted in 25 Village Development Committees (VDC) of Sarlahi district of Nepal during the year 2017. Those VDCs were Babargunj, Basantapur, Bela, Belhi, Bhaktipur, Brahmapuri, Chandranagar, Dhankhel, Farahadwa, Gamhariya, Gourishankar, Haripurwa, Jingadawa, Kabilasi, Kisanpur, Laxmipur (Kodraha), Malangawa, Mohanpur, Musauli, Narayanpur, Noukailawa, Parsa, Salempur, Sangrampur, and Tribhuwan Nagar. A total of 131 geo-referenced composite soil samples from a depth of 0-20 cm was collected from these VDCs. Soils were analyzed for mechanical composition, pH, soil organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium and micro-nutrients zinc and boron. Ordinary kriging interpolation method was used to prepare the fertility maps. The results reveal that 75% of the soils were found to be sandy loam in texture. The majority of the soils were found to be moderately acidic in soil reaction. Soil organic matter was medium in most of the soils. Also, total nitrogen and phosphorus were found to be low in content in the study area. The soils were moderately rich in case of available potassium. Micronutrients boron and zinc were low overall. The generated fertility maps may be helpful to stakeholders for planning, monitoring and evaluating the soil fertility status for sustainable crop production.


Keywords
 

GIS, GPS, Ordinary Kriging, Soil Fertility Maps, Sarlahi District


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