Flood deposits rich in micro-nutrients

  • | Friday | 14th September, 2018

As for micro nutrients, the phosphorus content (30.9 kg/ha) and available potash (352 kg/ha) is higher in the accumulated soil. Samples also had high metal content - Iron (357 ppm), manganese (119 ppm) and copper (5.09 ppm). It need to be mixed with preexisting soil which are lateritic and of sandy loam texture,” said Shinoj Subramanian, scientist-in-charge, KVK-Ernakulam.The pH of the soil samples is in the range of 5.9 - 6.0, which indicates slightly acidic nature. But the soil, once it dries out, cannot be used directly since it gets hard and non-porous. Alternatively, addition of cocopeat or river sand reduces the hardening of the silt.Organic carbon, which determines the nitrogen level in the accumulated soils ranges from 1.85 to 1.9% which is high.

KOCHI: Soil deposited by the rivers during the recent floods is acidic in nature and need to be neutralized with laterite or loamy soils before agricultural use, scientists said.A preliminary survey by scientists of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra-CMFRI, found huge deposition of riverine alluvium on the banks of Periyar, in and around Aluva, from where samples were taken.“Soil deposits with heavy silt and clay content having high nutrient value, have been found in thicknesses varying from 5 cm to 35 cm. But the soil, once it dries out, cannot be used directly since it gets hard and non-porous. It need to be mixed with preexisting soil which are lateritic and of sandy loam texture,” said Shinoj Subramanian, scientist-in-charge, KVK-Ernakulam.The pH of the soil samples is in the range of 5.9 - 6.0, which indicates slightly acidic nature. Agriculturists said one kg lime or dolomite needs to be mixed in the accumulated soil before it is added to pre-existing soil in the region.When a team of multidisciplinary experts from KVK, agriculture department and Kerala agriculture university visited homes and farms in Alangad, Karumaloor, Chendamangalam and Chittettukara, they found that banana, arecanut, pepper and vegetable cultivation have been affected. “But two varieties of plantain - Palayamkudam and Njalipoovan - were not damaged which indicate that they are flood-resistant. However, this needs to be studied,” said Shoji Joy Edison, KVK.In the case of nutmeg trees, young trees planted in the last five years were lost while the bigger trees survived.Since the soil with high silt and clay content is prone to getting hard, agriculturists are suggesting adding 25 tonnes of farm yard manure or compost per hectare in banana plantations and vegetable farms. In paddy fields, the quantum is five to eight tonnes per hectare.Perennial crops like nutmeg, coconut etc also require one kg lime/ dolomite and farmyard manure at 25kg per tree along with accumulated riverine alluvium. Alternatively, addition of cocopeat or river sand reduces the hardening of the silt.Organic carbon, which determines the nitrogen level in the accumulated soils ranges from 1.85 to 1.9% which is high. As for micro nutrients, the phosphorus content (30.9 kg/ha) and available potash (352 kg/ha) is higher in the accumulated soil. This warrants necessary reduction in fertilizer while growing crops in the next season. Samples also had high metal content - Iron (357 ppm), manganese (119 ppm) and copper (5.09 ppm).

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