Effect of Land Use System on Micronutrient Status of Soils in Kupwara District Under Temperate Conditions of Kashmir, India

Abstract

Total and DTPA- extractable cations and their relationship with some important soil physico-chemical properties were investigated in eight different land use systems of Kupwara district in Kashmir during the year 2009-2010. The total Zn, Cu, Mn and Fe showed a wide variation under land use systems. The total micronutrient content was in the order Fe> Mn > Zn > Cu. Mean values of DTPA - Zn, Cu, Mn and Fe in the surface soils varied from 0.54 - 2.4, 31.0 - 45.0, 19.6 - 37.4mg kg· 1 and 18.1 - 36.2 mg/kg respectively. Mean values of DTP A - Zn, Cu, Mn and Fe in the surface soils varied from .32- .88, .19 to .40, 11.6- 28.6 mg kg1 and 16.5 - 33.0 mg/kg respectively. The total Zn and Fe showed significant positive correlation with OC, clay and CEC of soils, w whereas total Mn and Cu exhibited positive correlation with clay, CEC and OC respectively. All DTPA micronutrients exhibit significant negative correlation with pH and positive correlation with OC and CEC. A significant and positive correlation exhibited between clay and DTPA- Zn, Cu and Fe. DTP A- micronutrients were low in agricultural and forest soils on steep slopes as compared to other land uses.