Evaluation of the fertility status of flooded soils in the Saharsa District, Bihar

Abstract

The sampling location was Saharsa, which is one of Bihar's most flood-prone area Flooding is the leading source of soil degradation in the district. The current study was carried out in the Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry laboratory at Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences. 27 samples were collected from several farmer's fields, and composite sampling was carried out from three depths of 0-15, 15-30, and 30-45 cm. The results revealed that the texture was sandy loam to sandy clay, bulk density ranged from 1.11 to 1.59 Mg/m³, particle density ranged from 2.22 to 2.85 Mg/m³, pore space ranged from 52.60 to 66.50 % and water holding capacity ranged from 61.11 to 78.12 %. The pH ranged from 6.58 to 7.65, E.C. from 0.17 to 0.39 dS/m,(Due to Flooding) Soil Organic Carbon ranged from 0.74 to 1.20 %, Soil has acceptable Bd, Pd, pore space, and water holding capacity. As a result of the beneficial electrical conductivity for plants, the pH of the soil is neutral to alkaline. Sodium is low to medium in range. Low to medium levels of macronutrients are found in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulphur. By employing the proper management techniques and supplying the soil with enough nourishment for plant growth, farmers must maintain the health of their soil.