Block Wise Spatial Distribution and Mapping of Cationic Micronutrients in Soils of Jhargram District of West Bengal

Aims: This investigation is aimed to conduct a delineation study to know the spatial distribution of available cationic micronutrients (Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn) in red and lateritic soils of Jhargram district of West Bengal and their relationship with soil chemical properties.

Study Design: Spatial distribution.

Place and Duration of Study: Geo-referenced 253 surface soil (0-15 cm depth) samples were collected from eight blocks (Gopiballavpur- 1, Gopiballavpur- 2, Nayagram, Jhargram, Sankrail, Jambani, Binpur- 2 and Binpur- 1) of Jhargram district of West Bengal, India during 2017- 2018.

Methodology: Grid based detailed block wise soil sampling has been carried out in long term crop growing fields of Jhargram district of West Bengal.The collected soil samples were analyzed and their cationic micronutrient status were depicted through nutrient index and fertility maps. Geographical information system (GIS) is an important tool to identify the risk areas. In our study Arc Info GIS has been used to prepare the spatial distribution maps of available cationic micronutrients and soil chemical properties (pH and organic carbon) of different blocks of this district.

Results: The pH, organic carbon content, available Zinc, Copper, Iron and Manganese content in soils were in the range of 3.68-7.6, 0.15-2.01 (%), 0.56-5.52, 2.4-11.76, 31.6-208.4 and 6.32-99.74 mg kg-1, respectively, with the mean value of 4.97,0.64 (%),2.21, 5.75, 114.68 and 41.87 mg kg-1 respectively. The lowest zinc content has been recorded from the soils of Gopiballavpur- 2 block.

Conclusion: The calculated NIV and spatial distribution maps clearly indicated that there is no deficiency of Iron, Manganese and Copper in this region. Zinc status did not resemble with other cationic micronutrient status which was mostly low to medium with some patches of deficiencies. Soil pH has significant positive relation with Iron. Copper has significant positive relation with soil organic carbon.