Soil spatial variability characterization: Delineating index-based management zones in salt-affected agroecosystem of India. (15th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Barman, Arijit; Sheoran, Parvender; Yadav, Rajender Kumar; Abhishek, Ramesh; Sharma, Raman; Prajapat, Kailash; Singh, Ranjay K.; Kumar, Satyendra
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental management. Volume 296(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10-15
• Subjects: Spatial variability -- Soil management zones -- Salt-affected soils -- Gypsum requirement -- Fertilizer recommendations -- Sustainable production; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; Environment -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Periodicals; 363.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.113243
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-4797

Abstract

Abstract: Farm level recommendation in salt-affected agricultural landscapes is practically difficult due to spatial variations in inherent soil salinity, diverse farming situations and associated land ownerships with small-scale production systems. This study presents spatial array analysis of 354 geo-referenced soil samples revealing widespread heterogeneity in soil sodicity and fertility status across salt-affected Ghaghar basin of Kaithal district in Haryana, India. Six principal components accounted for 73% of the total variability, and the most important contributors [electrical conductivity (ECe ), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), DTPA extractable copper (Cu) and boron (B), soil organic carbon (OC) and available phosphorus (AP)] as minimum data set were used to develop the soil quality index (SQI). Geostatistical analysis revealed Circular (ECe and AP), Exponential (SAR, OC and B) and Gaussian (Cu) as the best fit semivariogram ordinary kriging model with weak to moderate spatial dependence. Three soil management zones (SMZs) were delineated by grouping the entire area based on soil quality index (SQI). Fertilizer recommendations for rice-wheat cropping system in different SMZs were calculated using soil test crop response (STCR) equation to ensure balanced fertilization, resource saving and reducing environmental footprints. Gypsum requirement map was prepared for systematic allocation and distribution, and enabling farmers to precisely use the mineral gypsum in order to reclaim and reduce stresses led by sodic lands. The implications of this study showed zone-specific advocacy for gypsum application (as soil ameliorant) and balanced fertilization in sustainable restoration of sodic lands, improving nutrient use efficiency and stabilizing crop production in salt-affected regions of India and similar ecologies elsewhere. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Principal soil parameters identified for periodic monitoring and characterization of salt-affected soils. Inconsistent distribution pattern of soil properties was observed in semivariogram. Soil quality index was used to delineate the soil management zones. Zone-wise gypsum requirement and fertilizer scheduling addressed resource optimization and ecosystem sustainability.