Pedochemical characterization of rubber growing soils of north eastern upland zone of Kerala
Satisha G C
Pedochemical characterization of rubber growing soils of north eastern upland zone of Kerala - Placrosym XVII, 2006, Kochi, India. Journal of Plantation Crops, 34 (3). Indian Cardamom Research Institute (Spices Board), Idukki, India, pp.323-329.
Typical pedons developed on different geomorphic conditions namely hill and upper ridges, residual hill, pediments, undulated plain with hummocks, intervening basins and valley in Rubber Research Station, Padiyoor representing north eastern upland zone of Kerala were studied for their morphology and pedochemical characteristics, together with assessment of their potential for rubber cultivation. The soils in general were moderately deep to very deep and they had sub-angular blocky surface horizons. The soils contained higher amounts of clay fractions irrespective of geometric conditions. The clay content in soils of upper ridges varied from 48 to 70 per cent while in soils of lowlands/valley, it range between 32 to 70 per cent. Despite the high clay content, the soils were well drained with goos soil-water-air relationship indicating favourable edaphological property for rubber cultivation. The soils were strongly acidic and considerably high in organic matter contents that showed a decreasing trend with depth. Per cent base saturation of the soils was low to moderate ( 17 to 76;) and the cation exchange capacity (CEC) of the soils was low, varied from 5.4 to 15.0 cmol (p+)/kg suggesting that they are subject to very rapid decline in fertility demanding specific management measures to maintain soil fertility. The presence of 1:1 layer silicate clays (kaolinite) and oxides of Fe and Al in the clay fraction indicates poor release of nutrients through mineral weathering to meet the demands of rubber for rapid growth and high yield.
Geomorphic units
Kerala
Pedochemical characteristics
Soil morphology
Pedochemical characterization of rubber growing soils of north eastern upland zone of Kerala - Placrosym XVII, 2006, Kochi, India. Journal of Plantation Crops, 34 (3). Indian Cardamom Research Institute (Spices Board), Idukki, India, pp.323-329.
Typical pedons developed on different geomorphic conditions namely hill and upper ridges, residual hill, pediments, undulated plain with hummocks, intervening basins and valley in Rubber Research Station, Padiyoor representing north eastern upland zone of Kerala were studied for their morphology and pedochemical characteristics, together with assessment of their potential for rubber cultivation. The soils in general were moderately deep to very deep and they had sub-angular blocky surface horizons. The soils contained higher amounts of clay fractions irrespective of geometric conditions. The clay content in soils of upper ridges varied from 48 to 70 per cent while in soils of lowlands/valley, it range between 32 to 70 per cent. Despite the high clay content, the soils were well drained with goos soil-water-air relationship indicating favourable edaphological property for rubber cultivation. The soils were strongly acidic and considerably high in organic matter contents that showed a decreasing trend with depth. Per cent base saturation of the soils was low to moderate ( 17 to 76;) and the cation exchange capacity (CEC) of the soils was low, varied from 5.4 to 15.0 cmol (p+)/kg suggesting that they are subject to very rapid decline in fertility demanding specific management measures to maintain soil fertility. The presence of 1:1 layer silicate clays (kaolinite) and oxides of Fe and Al in the clay fraction indicates poor release of nutrients through mineral weathering to meet the demands of rubber for rapid growth and high yield.
Geomorphic units
Kerala
Pedochemical characteristics
Soil morphology