SOILS OF : Their Kinds, Distribution, Characterization and Interpretations FOR OPTIMISING LAND USE

National Bureau of Soil Survey and ~and ~se ~Ianing (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) ¥. Nagpur-440 010 ~"i: Regional Centre, Bangalore - 560 024,

[n Co-operation with

Department of Agriculture, Lakshadweep Administration -673555 SOILS OF LAKSHADWEEP FOR OPTIMISING LAND USE SOILS OF LAKSHADWEEP : Their Kinds, Distribution, Characterization and Interpretations FOR OPTIMISING LAND USE

P. Krishnan L.G.K. Naidu V.M. Shamsuddin N.G. Raghu Mohan J. Sehgal M.Vclayutham

National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planing (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) ¥. Nagpur-440 010 ~"": Regional Centre, Bangalore - 560 024.

In Co-operation with

Department of Agriculture, Lakshadweep Administration Kavaratti-673555 . FORE\VORD

In order to meet the ever increasing food requirement of the growing population and depleting natural resources there is a need to produce more and more food from a unit area of land. For maintaining the soils in a state of high productivity on sustainable basis, there is a need of rational use of these soils and water resources with respect to their health for the sustenance of the society as a whole.

The burgeoning population has its effect in encroachment of the agriculturally potential areas near the cities for settlements and also to bring the marginal areas under plough through process of deforestation. This not only affects the area under plough but also degrades the marginal lands thus affecting the ecosystem.

Under these conditions, the knowledge of the soils. their extent distribution, characteristics and their use potentials gain prominence in optimising land u eon su tainablt; basis. Additionally the setting of National Land Resource CODllrussion at the Centre and I and Use Boards at 1he States signify the importance of 'oil re ouree maps at state and national level for developing the land use maps.

I am pleased to see that ational Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning is engaged in preparing the soil resource maps of different tates 011 1:250.000 scale and printing on 1:500,000 scale and of the country at 1:1 m scale. Soil maps of few states have already been released and distributed to the state agencies and others are in pipeline.

The present publication "Soils of Lakshadweepff is one of the series of publications being brought out by the ationa! Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (NBSS&LUP) in cooperation with Lakshadweep Administration, Department of Agriculture. This publication comprises the resource map and a soi Is bulletin indicating the kinds of soils, their problems, extent and distribution and potentia] land for optimising land u -'e. This publication forms a basis for developmental work in t.he field of agriculture, forestry. soil consen'ation to optimise land use on sustainable basis.

I, congratulate the team of devoted scientists and staff under the leadership of Director, NBSS&LUP and staff of Department of J\gricuiture, Laksbadweep Administration, to bring ou1 this publication for the benefit of our ociety. ~ ~ .1 (G .. Sing~ Dy. Director General (Solls) leAR, New Delhi PREFACE

India is an agriculture based country where about 75 percent of its population is IOvolved In fanning Since agriculture forms the backbone of the country's economy. the soils on which the crops grow, gain a vital importance, Soils are the prime finite natural resources who~e proper management helps to the socia-economic development of the country, as such is facing great problems of increasing population that demands more and more food from a unit area With the increasing demand for food, fodder and fibre, there is over use or faulty planlllng of land use that results in soil health hazards such as soil degradation thereby declining the soil quality During the green revolution in 1970's with the introduction of high yielding varieties, with the increase in irrigation facilities. associated with high usage of fertilizers and pesticides, the productIOn showed an increasing trend This increase is always associated \~itlr tire pollution and environmental degradation At present, majority of the land resources are degraded and needs an immediate attention and care before they loose their resilienc(' Thus. developing the strategies to slow down the degradation processes or anleliorate the soils to bring back normalcy are the major issues today, In order to estimate the extent of problem and potential areas for agriculture, a systematic resource inventory on I 250.000 scale was planned and undertaken with the cooperation of State Department of Agriculture and State Agricultural Universities The maps provide information on the kinds, extent and the distribution of different soils, (heir nature, characteristics, problems and potentials so as to de~elop strategies not only to increase agricultural production on sustainable basis but also to maintain the ecological balance such that the future generation may not ask the question "here is the land, but where is the soil" The soil resource maps of different states along with their te"1 are bemg brought out In the form of "Soils of India Series" For the of Lakshadweep, detailed soil survey was carried out using cadastral maps. The islands are the main coral reserves of the country and supports a fragile ecosystem prone to degradation if used without taking into consideration, the potentials and limitations of the soils Ten soil series were identified and their phases depicting surface texture, slope and erosion were delineated on soil maps Thematic maps on depth, drainage, slope, erosion, surface texture, particle size classes and potential land use were generated using GIS The Soils were classified as per Soil Taxonomy, for understanding the taxa internationally Soil maps on scale 0f 1.8000 and thematic maps on scale J 16.000 were generated and handed over to the user agency The text in Bulletin contains a note on "How to Use The Soils Bulletin" . The report contains I: 16,0001 1 32.000 scale soil and thematic maps for nine islands and 1:2000/1 :4000 scale soil and thematic maps for the smallest island of . The Bulletin, will be of immense use for different laml users including farmers, extension workers, administrators and planners for rationalising land use It will also help research workers in undertaking research on established soils and in transferring agro-technology to similar soils in the region The Soils Bulletin will go a long way to ensure increased agricultural production on sustainable basis,

~. Vd<--'1~ 11:::'c.w­ M,Velayutham Director. NBSS & LUP Nagpur RESEARCH PROJECT TEAM

Project Leader P.Krishnan

Project Associate L.G.K,Naidu

Regional Coordinators

NBSS&LUP Department 01 Agriculture Bangalore Lakshadweep Administration

P.S.A.Reddy V.M.Shamsuddin V.A.K.Sarma N.G.Raghu Mohan

Chief Coordinator J,Sehgal CONTRIBUTORS

NBSS A LUP Dept. of Agrlcultur. 1JaJgaIOte. LakshadwHp Admlnlstrot/on

Field investigation and Field investigation Compilation

B.T.Shivalah K.P.Kunhikoya K.Sundara K.v.Sayed Mohammed Koya C.P.Koya Map and Report layout T.Homees O.G.Hassan M.Ramesh AC.Hameed M.Suharabi Cartography

Prabhakara K.S.Satyanarayana K.Sujatha

Laboratory Analysis

R.A.Nasre ArtlKoyal S.G.Anantwar K.M.Gopalakrlshna

Map Generation

K.M.Nair S.Srinivas P.Chandramathl ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The project of Soil Resource Dr. T. Bhattacharyya, Scientist Mapping of Lakshadweep was achieved (SS) and In-charge, Technical Cell for utilising the help from scientists, valuable suggestions. Dr. P. Chandran administrators and technicians. The help Scientist, Mr. Shekhar Nimkhedkar of the following is grateful! y Technical Officer for their help and Mr. acknowledged. L.S. Bahilani for his Technical Assistance. Sri. S.P. Agarwal, lAS, former Administrator and Sm!. Nalini Sm!. V.S. Sharda and Sm!. P. Jayaseelam, lAS, fonner Collector-cum­ Prabhavathamma for secretarial help. Development Commissioner, for the interest they have shown in initiating the Sri. S.K. Dohtare, former AAO projec!. and Sri. A. Muthuraman, AAO, Sri . G. Jagadeeshaiah, Sm!. Y.L. Sri. G.S. Chima, lAS, Sathyalakshamma, Smt. R. Gayatri Devi, Administrator and Sri. Vijayan, lAS Sri. J. Sampath and KUffi. P. Collector-cum-Development Chandrakala for administrative support Commissioner, for the support they have at Regional Centre, NBSS & LUP, extended in getting the work completed. Bangalore.

Dr. S. Vadivelu, Senior Scientist, Dr. S.B. Dandin and his for his critical review and suggestions associates at KSSDI, Talgatpura, for improving the quality of this report. Bangalore for help in analysis of available nutrients. CONTENTS Page 1, INTRODUCTION

2, GEOGRAPHICAL SmlNG 3 2,1 Location and extent 3 2,2 Historical background 6 2,3 Geology 6 2,4 Physiography 6 2,5 Drainage 7 2,6 Climate 7 2,7 Natural Vegetation 9 2,8 Land utillisation and c ropping pattern 9 2,9 Agricultural services 10 2,10 Socio-economic condition 10 3, METHODOLOGY 11 3,1 Field investigations 11 3,2 Laboratory investigations 11 3,3 Preparation of soil map 11 3,4 Preparation of thematic maps 11 4, SOILS 13 5, LAND EVALUATION 19 5,1 Land capability 19 5,2 Land irrigability 19 5,3 Problem and potential soils 19 5,3, 1 Soil depth 20 5,3,2 Surface soil texture 20 5,3,3 Slope 20 5,3,4 Soil erosion 20 5,3,5 Drainage 20 5,3,6 Particle-size classes 20 5,3,7 Land use 20 5,3,8 Suggested landuse 21 5,4 Nutrient and pest management 23 5,5 Water management 23 5,6 Sea erosion control 24 5,7 Industry 25 5,8 Tourism 25 6, SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS 27 References 29 Appendix I Series descriptions, Physical and chemical properties 33 Appendix II Available nutrients 62 Appendix III Analysis of water samples 64 Plates Soil and Thematic maps of Islands ( 35 Plates) LIST OF FIGURES Page 1 Location Map - Union Territory of Lakshadweep 4 :1 An Island with lagoon and coral reef - Chetlat 5 3 Climatic diagrams 8

LIST OF TABLES

Location and Extent 3 2 Climatic data - Lakshadweep 7 3 Suggested Land Use 22 Chap. 7 INTRODUCTION

The union tenitory ofLakshadweep has present and other islands have helipads . a total of 36 islands located in the , Soil surveys are carried out to generate now called Lakshadweep sea. at a distance primary data on soils for use by research ranging from 287 km to 483 km from workers, extension specialists and land use The language of the people is which planners. Knowledge of soils in respect of the indicates that the original settlers were from the spatial distribution, characteristics, problems and coast The people of island are potentials and their suitability for various uses, ethnically different from other islanders and had been of great interest to various user speak Mahl, the language spoken in . agencies. The Directorate of Agriculture, Though the land area is extremely small Lakshadweep had desired to have detailed (32 km' ), the lagoon area of 4,200 sq km, inventory of soils for better management and territorial waters of 20,000 sq km and an land use planning. To fulfill this need, a memo­ economic zone of 4,00,000 sq km give the randum of understanding was signed with islands a lot of strategic and economic impor­ National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use tance. Of the 36 islands, only 10 are inhabited Planning to initiate soil survey. The field work and Bangaram is developed as an international was started in April 1991 Considering the total tourist resort The clean bluish lagoon and geographical area of the inhabited islands, a whitish coral sand of the beaches and facilities high intensity survey on 1: 8000 scale, with for training in water sports like wind surfing, phases of soil series as mapping units, under the water skiing, rowing , sailing and diving delight National project of Soil Resource Mapping of the tourists Butterfly fish (Chaetodon auriga), India was carried out. sooty' tern bird (Anous stolidus piletus), and The main objectives of the project were.

~readfruit tree (Artocarpus incisal are declared (i) To prepare detailed soil maps often state symbols of Lakshdweep.The islands are inhabited islands of Lakshadweep on I 16,000 connected by air ( Aeroplane I Helicopter) and scale. sea ( ship). Only Agatti has an areodrome at (ii) To prepare various interpretative maps for use by planners. (iv) To delineate problem and potential (iii) To provide basic data for soil-based areas for better management of the limited soil agro - technology transfer. resources.

2 Chop.2 GEOGRAPHICAL SETTING

2.1 Location and extent sq .km respectively. The capital of union Lakshadweep ,comprising of36 islands, is Territory of Lakshadweep is Kavaratti. The located in the Arabian sea, now called total geographical area of the inhabited islands is Lakshadweep sea, between 72° to 74° E 26.32 sq .km . The location and extent of the longitudes and 8° to 12° N latitudes, with a total inhabited islands and the international tourist geographical area of32 sq km (Fig I). Of the resort, Bangaram , are given in Table I. and 36 islands, only 10 are inhabited. Of the inhabited Figure.l . Figure 2. shows an island ( Chetlat) islands, is the largest and Bitra the with lagoon and coral reef which are smallest, with geographical area of 4. 84 and 0.1 characteristic feature of all islands.

Table 1. Location and extent Island Area Latitude Longitude sq.km. I. Agatti 2.71 10°48' -10"'S3'N 72°09'_72°13'E 2. Amini 2.59 II °06'-11 °07'N 72°42'-72°4S'E 3. Andrott 4.84 10048'-IOo- sO'N 73 °38'-73°42'E 4. Bangaram 0.58 1005s'-IO"s8'N 72°17'-72°20'E 5. Bitra 0.10 11 036'N 72°10'E 6. Chetlat 1.04 11 041'-11 043'N 72°41 '-72°43'E 7. Kadmat 3.13 Ilo ll'-11016'N 72°4S'-72°48'E 8 228 10003'- 10006'N 73°37'-73°3 9'E 9. Kavaratti 3.63 10032'-10"35'N 72°37'_72°40'E 10. 1.63 II °28'-11 °30'N 73°0' II . Minicoy 4.37 8°15'-8°19'N 73°0 I '-73°0s'E

3 . ~ v f!­ i a • .~.

c a ~ g :§ 1) ~ q; 0 .~ 0 .c. > 1) 1) u. '"-<>:. 0 c: 'c E ~ 0 0 e '" .c. :§ :§ 0 Lf " .c. &. 1/)"•• -:: .c. "6 0 S §:;: z 0 g E '? g, Y' ~ .i'" .$- t l a: \J.)

Q

Q

Fig 2. An Island wHh Lagoon and Coral Reef - Chetlat

5 2.2 Historical background Pleistocene ice sheets. Emergence of coral reefs The history of these islands indicates that (hard calcareous skeletons of Polypus) is the the original settlers were Hindus from Malabar, result of growth of species like corals and clams who were supposed to have reached the islands when the island mountain tops slowly sank in after 600 A.D The conversion of the people to the ocean The coral species cannot work at Islam is attributed to St. Vbaidullah who came to greater depths and hence this theory is generally the islands from Arabia, in seventh century A.D. accepted The main reef builders today are the Initially the islwds were under the control of Madreporarian corals of class Zoantharia of princely states of Chirakkal (who were instru­ Phylum ('oelen/era/a. Some geologists believe mental in initiating settlement) and Arakkal of that islands are a buried continuation of the and then Tippu Sultan and finally under Aravalli mountain chain stretching southward British, from 1799 until independence. The from Rajasthan but this view does not have islands formed a part of erstwhile Madras much support. The present day shape of the Presidency for sometime and in 1956, became islands is attributed to the winds and currents a Union Territory with capital at Calicut. In which wash away heaps of sand and trellise 1964, the administrative offices were shifted to them with a shape. Kavaratti and in 1973 these islands were named 2.4 Physiography as Lakshadweep The islands have a coral reef, stretching 2.3Geo!?QY from north to south. The islands lie near the Charles Darwin (1890) postulated that eastern side of the reef whereas on the western the subsidence 0[\ olcanic islands resulted in the side lie extensive lagoons intervening between formation of fringing reef and continual sub­ the shore and the reef (except in Andrott, which sidence allowed the reefs to grow upwards, is east to west oriented and has a very indistinct when the volcanic isbnd became completely lagoon on the southern side; Amini also has submerged, an was formed encircling the only an indistinct lagoon) Tinnakara is aligned lagoon where with the action of wind and waves, east - west and has a vast lagoon on all sides. the coral islands were formed Submergence of The land area of the islands is generally flat and volcanic islands is ~,{j ibuted to melting of the elevation is about 2-5 meters above MSL.

6 2.5 Drainage The soils are dominantly sandy in texture and rainfall in this zone ranges from 1715 (Amini) to hence highly porous in nature. In general, the 1934 mm (Andrott)ofwhich 80"10 is distributed soils are excessively drained. However the low from May to November. Mean annual tempera­ lands are imperfectly drained. The rainwater ture ranges from 27.3 to 27.9°C. The annual moves vertically down and wherever the potential evapotranspiration demand is about substratum of coral limestone is met, move 1480 mm. The length of dry period ranges laterally and joins the sea / lagoon. Of late, between 5 and 6 months (ie., November to because of the human activity, human waste and April). The temperature and moisture regimes and other pollutants reach the lagoon and are isohyperthermic and ustic respectively. The adversely affect the fragile ecosystem, harming climatic data of four islands (Minicoy, Amini, the fish and coral growth around the islands. Agatti and Andrott) are presented in Table 2. 2.6 Climate Climatic diagrams for the Islands of Minicoy, The overall climate of these islands is Amini, Agatti and Andrott are given in Figure 3 humid tropical monsoon type. The mean annual

TABLE. 2 CLIMATIC DATA-LAKSHADWEEP Minicoy AI!llni Agatti Andrott Month Rainfall 'PET Mean Rainfall Mean Rainfall Mean Rainfall Mean (mm) (mm) temp.('C) (mm) temp.('C) (mm) temp.('C) (mm) temp.('C) Jan 13.5 119.8 26.5 1.6 27.0 1.4 27.2 5.3 27.1 Feb 17.2 119.7 268 13.0 27.7 6.7 27.8 4.3 27.9 M.. 21.1 144.9 27.8 1.1 28.4 0.4 28.2 0.8 29.0 Apr 68.6 141.1 28.8 29.4 29.5 24.5 29.6 8.5 29.5 May 203.6 132.5 28.4 181.8 29.5 154 .4 29.2 186.3 29.0 June 258.6 110.8 27.8 389.1 27.9 260.8 27.7 445.2 27.3 July 273.1 120.0 27.2 348.6 27.2 261.6 27.2 511.0 27.0 Aug 252.1 120.7 27.0 257.2 27.2 240.5 27.4 246.0 27.0 Sept 209.2 124.9 27.2 176.2 27.0 145.0 27.5 109.8 27.3 Oct 166.6 123.4 27.2 122.2 27.8 95.8 27.4 251.7 27 .1 Nov 161.1 107.9 27.0 169.9 27.4 57.2 27.7 156.5 27.0 Dec 83.6 114 .7 25.8 24.8 27.2 6.8 27.6 8.4 26.8 Yea 1728.3 1480.4 27.3 1714.9 27.8 1255.1 27.9 1933.8 27.7 'PET data available only for Minicoy Source: S.Vadivelu, Muralidharan. A and Bandopadhyay AK (1993) Fig.3 Climatic diagrams

MINICOY AMINI

+ ...... """_ ...... ~ ~ .... +-.. - ......

f .. f " I o " n

"

AGAni .. lNDROn .. .. , ...... Jt ...... ~ ...... , ......

legend RAINFALl. _._• PET -+_. TEMPERATURE

8 2.7 Natural Vegetation 4. Minicoy 91000 The natural vegetation comprises kanni 5 Kavaratti & Suheli 78000 (Scaveo/a "P.)' wild almond ( Tamil/aha 6. Amini 55000 ca/appa), lantana (Lalltana camara), agave 7 Kiltan 34000 (AKave amencallum), punna (Ca/ophyl/um 8 Agatti 60000 lfIophyIlJlm) , Cherani (lhespesJa sp.), chavok 9 Chetlat & Bitra 22000 (Casl/anallo eqlllsetifolla) and sea grMses. Total 568,000 The details of operational holdings (in hal are 2.8 Land utilization and cropping as follows Size of pattern No of Area Holdings (ha) Holdings (ha) Land utilization statistics ofLakshadweep Islands for 1988-89 are given below' <05 3500 657 I Total geographical area 3200 ha 0.5-1.0 785 5696

Coconut 2785ha ! 0-20 446 597 I 180ha Banana 2.0-30 92 ~14 4 Papaya 6Sha 3.0-40 52 1732 Bread fruit 46ha 40-50 16 70.9 Vegetables 120ha 50-100 18 1009 Sweet potato 82ha >100 10 2463 The total production of different crops are Total 4919 2629.5 coconut 25 million nuts, banana 1400 t, papaya 280 [, breadfruit 70 t, vegetables 400 t Major crop grown is coconut The and sweet potato 230 t density of coconut palms is high Other rslandwise distribution of coconut palms are perennial trees/plants grown are breadfruit, given below: drumstick, papaya, banana, acid lime, and to a I Andrott 98000 lesser extent guava, pomegranate, sapota 2. Kalpeni 65000 Sugarcane is also grown, to a limited extent In 3. Kadmat 65000 lowlands

9 2.9 AgrlcuHural services birds are raised in poultry farms. Approximately The Department of Agriculture main­ 5000 persons are engaged in fishing as per tains agricultural farms in the. islands of Kadmat, 1988-89 data. The 1988 census reveals that Andrott, Kalpeni and Minicoy, a Soil Testing 6809 t of fish valued at 340.45 lakhs was caught Laboratory at Kadmat and a Botanical garden by the fishermen of Lakshadweep, with Agatti at Kavaratti, to cater to the needs of farmers and Minicoy leading in fish landings. Tuna forms Distribution of quality seeds, manures and more than 85% of the catch, followed by shark, fertilisers, agricultural implements and fencing parches, sear and others. materials are taken care of by the Department There are two hospitals, three community of Agriculture at subsidized rate, and entire health centres and seven primary health centres plant protection, free of cost. Consumption of with bed strength of 140 catering to the medical fertiliser per annum amounts to 110 t urea, requirement of the islanders. In cases of emer­ 200 t muriate of potash and lOt dicalcium gencies, patients are air lifted to Kavaratti and phosphate. transported to the main land by ship, ferry boats 2.10 SOcioeconomIC conditions and by air. The native population of the islands are The percentage ofliteracy has increased declared as scheduled castes for the purpose of from 15.23 in 1951 to 81.78 in 1991. There are educational concession and job opportunities. high schools in all islands, except Bitra, Junior The islands are thicldy populated with a density colleges at Andrott and Kadmat, one Navodaya ranging from 1005 per sq Km in Kadmat to Vidyalaya at Minicoy and one higher secondary 2072 in Amini, as per 1981 census. About 24 school with casc syllabus at Kavaratti and percent of the population are workers involved Junior and Senior basic schools in all islands in agriculture, industry and fisheries. Livestock The means of transport from one island comprises of cattle and goats (2881 and 15944 to another and to mainland is mainly by ship, respecti vely as per 1987 census). Over 50,000 ferry boats and by air.

10 Chap. 3 METHODOLOGY

3. I Field Investigations Detailed soil survey of Lakshadweep Surface samples were analysed for available N, islands was carried out using cadastral maps of P, K, Fe, Mn, eu and Zn. (Appendix II) I' 8000 scale, as per standard procedures. A few water samples collected were Field investigations were carried out analysed for Ca ' ., Mg + +, Na ., K ., CO, .:: using standard methodology for detailed soil HCO,', CI ., SO. -~ pH and electrical conducti· surveys (IARl,1971). Depending upon the soil vity (Appendix ill) heterogeneity and variations in the terrain form 3.3 Preparation of soil map the profile sites were located. In all, 245 profiles Based on the properties of soils studied were taken in the ten islands surveyed. Ten soil and the surface features like slope and erosion, series were tentatively established and mapped and surface texture, the soils were mapped as based on differentiating characteristics of colour, phases of soil series. The mapping unit gives the texture, gravel content and depth to water information on series mapped, surface texture, table/rock. Phases of soil series like depth, depth, gravelliness, slope and erosion. A total of surface texture, gravelliness, slope and erosion 29 mapping units were identified. The location of were mapped based on actual traverse profiles is indicated on the soil map. 3.2 Laboratory investigations 3.4 Preparation of Thematic maps Selected master profiles representing the By coversion to digital format using GIS, series established were analysed for their physical various thematic maps like soil depth, surface and chemical properties. Laboratory analyses texture, particle size class, surface gravelliness, were carried out for particle size distribution slope, erosion, land capability were prepared to pH, ECe, organic carbon, CEC and exchangeble give maps which will indicate potentials as well bases (Appendix I) as per standard procedures as limitations of soils. (Sarma et.al.1987, Jackson,1958)

11

ChapA SOILS

The soil material in all the islands has per cent. Surface soils have pH ranging from 7,5 been derived from coral limestone ,The soils are to 8,8 and subsurface soils from 8.1 to 9,3, The of light textures, predominantly sand and loamy soils have high organic matter and phosphorus sand and occasionally sandy loam, The soils in content. Potash status in general is inadequate general are having single grain structure and in a which is true in the case of iron and zinc and to few cases, granular or weak fine subangular a certain extent in the case of copper; however blocky structures, Colours are in 10 YR hue with soils are adequately supplied with manganese surface horizons having values ranging from 3 to and magnesium: sulphur may turn out to be a 5 and chromas from 2 to 3 and for sub surface limiting nutrient in crop production, horizons values range from 4 to 8 and chromas Soil mapping units identified in various from 2 to 4, The colours are of different shades islands with their respective area are given in the of grey, brown and white, At varying depths, soil maps, Soil and interpretative maps are given substratum of coral limestone is noticed, in plates, The series wise area in Lakshadweep Lowlands occur to a very limited extent and islands is as follows: Series A - 808,6 ha, Series have sandy loam or loamy sand textures. organic B -326,1 ha, Series C- 345,6 ha, Series D -506,1 matter status gives greyish colours in some ha, Series E - 151.2 ha, Series F - 56,3 ha, Series areas, in surface, However, separation of soil G - 73 ,6 ha, Series H - 87.6 ha, Series 1- 96,0 series based on soil colour variations only was and Series] - 40,8 ha, Brief description of soil not done because of their occurrence in small series mapped is given below: areas, Presence of coarse fragments ( coral SERIES A fragments) is noticed in the islands of Andrott, Series A is a member of the carbonatic, Chetlat, Kiltan, Kalpeni, Kavaratti and Minicoy, isohypertherrnic family of Typic Ustipsamments, Invariably the coarse fragments are noticed These soils are very deep (> 150cm), excessively along east coast but in Andrott it is in the west, drained and have dark grey, very dark greyish in Kavaratti in south and in Chetlat and Kiltan brown, brown and dark brown Ap horizons with coarse fragments are present in east and south, sand or loamy sand textures, and dark greyish

CaC03 equivalent ranges from 72 to 99 brown and light grey to white C horizons, with

13 ioamy ~al1d or <,3I'd textures They occur on horizons pH ranges from 7.9 to 8.5 in Ap and nearly level to gently sloping land at an elevation 8.5 to 9.3 in C horizons, ECe from 0.28 to 0.93 of less than 5 m MSL in the islands of Agatti, dS/rn in Ap and 0.13 to 038 dS/m in r horizons. Amini,Bitra, Chetlat, Kadmat, Kalpeni,Kavaratti Organic carbon ranges from 0 97 to 2.94 per and Kiltan. cent in Ap and from °01 to 0.95% in C horizon These soils have clay percentages and CaCO, equivalent from 80.8 to 98.9per ranging from 0.4 to 6 7 in Ap horizons and 0.0 cent. to 8.4 in C horizons. pH ranges from 8 0 to 8.5 The mapping units identified in various in Ap horizons and 8 4 t09 2 in C horizons; ECe islands are BaAl, BaBI, BaB2, BbAI and BbB!. ranges from 0.20-0.56 dS/m in Ap and 0.12 to The area occupied by this series in Lakshadweep 0.45 dS/m in C; organic carbon ranges from 0.77 is3:'0 ha. to 2.19% in Ap and 0. II to 0.99% in C horizons. SERIESC CaCO, equivalent ranges from 90. I to 98 8%. Series C is a member of the carbonatic, The mapping units identified are AaA L isohyperthermic family of Typic Troporthents. AaAI st, AaBl, AaB2, AaC2 and AbAI The These soils are moderately shallow to mode­ area occupied by the series is 809 ha. rately deep, imperfectly drained and have very SERIES B dark greyish brown to dark grey and brown Ap Series B is a member of the carbonatic, horizons and pale brown to light brownish grey isohyperthermic family of Typic Ustipsamments and white C horizons with sandy loam surface These soils are deep, excessively drained and and subsurface textures. These soils occur in the have very dark greyish brown and dark brown islands of Agatti, Amini, Andrott, Kavaratti and Ap horizons and very dark greyish brown, light Minicoy in the lowlands at an elevation of 2-3m brownish grey and white C horizons. They occur MSL, and is characterised by presence of water on nearly level to gently sloping landscape at an table between 50 and 75 cm. Because of the elevation ofless than 5 m MSL in the islands of geographical position, the soils remain saturated Agatti, Amini Andrott, Kalpeni Kavaratti and for most part of the year. Minicoy. These soils have clay percentages ran­ These soils have clay percentages ging from 9.5 to 10.7 in Ap and 8.0 to 16.5 in C ranging from 2.8 to 9.0 in Ap and 0.4 to 6.0 in C horizons, pH ranging from 7.5 to 8.3 in Ap and

14 83 to 8.6 in C horizons, and ECe from 0 40 to ranges from 7 J I to 97 3 per cent and organic

1.70 dS /m In Ap and 018 to 1.9 dS /m in C carbon from 0.81 to 165 per cent in Ap and 0.33 horizons. CaCO, equivalent ranges from 72.5 to to 1.69 per cent in C horizons.

92 8 per cent. Organic carbon content in general Mapping units identified are DaAI , is high and ranges from 1.24 to 3.93 per cent in DbA I, DbB I and DcB I. Area occupied by these surface and from nil to 5. 11 in subsurface soils is 506 ha horizons. The mapping units identified are CcAI SERIES E and CcB 1. Area occupied by this series is 346 Series E is a member of the carbonatic, ha isohyperthermic family of Typic Ustipsam­ SERIES 0 ments These soils are moderately shallow, Series D is a member of the carbonatic, excessively drained, and have very dark greyish isohyperthermic family of Typic Ustipsamment, brown, dark greyish brown or dark brown Ap These soils are moderately deep, excessively horizons, and dark brown, pale browll, light drained, and have dark greyish brown, yellowish yellowish brown and very pale brown C brown and brown Ap horizons and dark horizons. They occur on nearly level to gently yellowish brown, greyish brown, very pale sloping islands of Kadmat, Minicoy and KaJpeni brown and white C horizons, with loamy sand islands at an elevation of less than 5 m MSL and sand textures. They occur on nearly level to Clay percentage of the soils ranges from gently sloping landscape in Andrott, Kadmat, o to 6.6 in Ap and 0 to 6.4 in C horizons; pH Kalpeni, and Minicoy islands, at an elevation of ranges from 7.9 to 8.3 in Ap and 8.5 to 9.0 in C less than 5m MSL. Hard coral material is horizons. ECe ranges from 0.28 to 0.34 dS/m in observed between 75 to 100 cm. Clay percent­ Ap and 0 to 0.23 dS/m in C horizons and calcium age of these soils ranges from 0 to 0.53 in carbonate equivalent from 86.5 to 99.9 per cent. surface horizons and 0.0 to 6.4 in subsurface Organic carbon content varies between 2.0 to honzons. pH ranges from 8.lto 8.6 in Ap and 2.5 percent in Ap and 0 45 to 1.43 per cent in C 8.3 to 9.1 in C horizons; ECe in surface horizons horizons. ranges from 0.22 to 0.49 dS /m in Ap and 0.15 to Mapping units identified are EaAI,

0.28 dS/m in C horizons. CaC03 equivalent EaB 1, EbAI, EbA2 and EbB 1. The area

15 occupied by this series is 151 ha. These soils have clay percentages ranging SERIES F from 2.9 to 7.5 in Ap and 12 to 7.9 in C Series F is a member of the carbonatic, horizons; pH ranges from 7.9 to 8 8 in Ap and isohyperthermic family of Lithic Ustipsamments. from 8.2 to 9.1 in C horizons; ECe ranges from These soils are shallow, excessively drained and 0.32 to 0.48 dS/m in Ap and 0 to 0 23 dS I m in have very dark greyish brown, very dark grey C horizons, and organic carbon from 0.77 to and dark greyish brown Ap horizons and very 3.76 in Ap and 0.35 to 2.57 per cent in C dark brown and dark greyish brown C horizons. horizons. Calcium carbonate equivalent varies They occur on nearly level to very gently sloping between 76.5 to 99.1 per cent and coarse landscape in the islands of Kadmat and Bitra at fragments from 40 to 60 per cent which further an elevation ofless than 5 m MSL. reduces the already poor available water These soils have clay percentages ranging capacity of soils. from 4.1 to 5.8, pH from 8.3 te 8.5, ECe from Mapping units identified are GgaAl and 0.21-0.34 dS/m, organic carbon from 093 to GgcB 1 Area occupied by this series is 74 ha. 2.06 per cent and calcium carbonate equivalent SERIES H ranging from 86.9 to 89.6 per cent. Series H is a member of the sandy­ Mapping units identified are FbA2 and skeletal, carbonatic, isohyperthermic, family of FbB2. The area occupied by this series is 55 ha. Lithic Ustorthents. These soils are shallow, SERIESG excessively drained, and have dark greyish

Series G is a member of the sandy­ brown, or very dark greyish brown Ap horizons skeletal, carbonatic, isohyperthermic, family of on hard coral rock on nearly level to very gently Typic U storthents. These soils are moderately sloping lands of Chetlat and Kiltan islands at an deep, excessively drained and have very dark elevation ofless than 5m MSL. greyish brown to greyish brown and light Clay percentage is 10.0; pH 8.1, Ere brownish grey Ap horizons and light brownish 0.18 dS/m, CaCO, equivalent 72.5 per cent and grey, light grey, yellowish brown or white C organic carbon 2.9 per cent. horizons. They occur on nearly level to very The mapping units identified are HgbAI , gently sloping lands of Andrott, Chetlat and HgbA2 and HgbB2. Area occupied by the series Kiltan at an elevation ofless than 5 m MSL. is 88 ha.

16 SERIES I location is in lowlands, water table exists at a Series I is a member of the sandy­ depth of about 50-75 cm. skeletal, carbonatic, isohyperthermic family of The clay percentage of the soils ranges Typic Ustorthents. These soils are deep, from 1.2 to 8.0, pH from 8.1 to 8.8, ECe from excessively drained and have very dark brown, 0.10 to 1.0 dS/m, organic carbon from OAI to dark greyish brown or very dark greyish brown 2.39 per cent and calcium carbonate equivalent Ap horizons and brown, dark brown or very pale from 85 .7 to 97.8 per cent. The mapping unit brown C horizons on nearly level to very gently identified is JbAI . Area occupied by the series is sloping landscapes in the islands of Kalpeni and 41 ha. Minicoy at an elevation of less than 5 m MSL. PEDOGENESIS Clay percentage ranges from 0.0 to 3.6. The major factor responsible for soil pH from 8.0 to 9.0 and ECe from 0.26 to formation in the islands was the action of 0.93dS/m; organic carbon content is high physical forces like wind and waves which (4.78%) in the surface and varies between 0.24 disintegrated the hard coral reef Presence of to 1.18 per cent in subsurface. CaC03 equivalent sand dunes being restricted in the west coast and from 83 .0 to 99.5 per cent. Coarse fragments slightly heavier texture, higher organic matter, range from 40 to 70per cent, which result in better aggregation and cementation and pre­ very poor water retention. The mapping units sence of coarse fragments in the eastern side in identified is IgbB I. Area occpied by the series is some islands led Vadivelu (1997) to hypothesise 96 ha. that soil development progressed at higher level SERIES J in the east when compared to the recent deposits Series J is a member of the carbonatic, in the west. Presence of gravelly soils in west is isohypertherrnic family of Typic Tropop­ noticed in the case of Andrott, in south in samments. These soils are moderately deep, Kavaratti and Chetlat and south and north in imperfectly drained and have brown to pale KilIan. This variation from general rule of brown Ap horizons and brown to very pale presence of coarse fiagment in the east in brown C horizons. These soils occur in the majority of the cases may be due to physical nearly level low lands of Kalpeni island at an break down of coral rock by wave action at elevation of less than 3 m MSL. Since the these sites and insufficient energy for wind and waves to carry them to eastern side. The low water table and presence of higher amount of lands which have heavier textures invariably organic matter at these sites on the break down occur in the central parts of the islands, the of coral materials. heavier texture is attributed to the effect of

18 Chap. 5 LAND EVALUATION

Soil survey data provide information for subdivided into subclasses based on the

carrying out land suitability evaluation for prominent limitations, namely erosion (e) various purposes The land is often put to drainage (w), soil properties (s) and climate (c) different uses for which it is not suitable, The land capability maps prepared for resulting in poor returns from crops, misuse Lakshadweep have 3 land capability subclasses leads to degradation of precious, limited good namely IVs, IVsw and VIs Distribution of land land in the islands Coconut is cultivated without capability classes is as follows : any consideration of soil properties. Examples Fairly good lands with of misuse are: planting coconut in shallow and soil limitation (IVs) ...... 1964 ha highly gravelly soils and construction activity in Fairly good lands with soil and very deep soils. A streamlined rational land use drainage limitations (IVsw)...... 387 ha. based on soil properties should be given the Lands suitable only for forestry, grazing highest priority. and recreation (VI) .. . '" .. 143 ha 5. 1 Land capability; 5.2 Land irrigabilify: Land capability classification is an Land irrigability classification is a interpretative grouping of soil mapping units to grouping of soil mapping units based on the show the capability of soils to produce field degree of limitations for sustained use under crops, pasture or forestry on a sustained basis. It irrigation, and also on physical and socio­ is based on the inherent soil characteristics, economic factors (fAR!, 1971). The criteria external land features and environmental factors used for land irrigability classification are that limit the use of the land. Soils of Laksha­ effective soil depth, surface soil texture, dweep have been interpreted and grouped under permeability, coarse fragments, slope, erosion the land capability classes IV and VI based on and so on. Land irrigability classes identified in soil texture, depth, gravelliness and pH, slope, the islands are 4s, 4sd and 6s. erosion and drainage, rainfall and potential 5.3 Problem and potential soils evapotranspiration Brief description on depth, slope, The land capability classes are further

19 erosion, particle size classes, surface texture, Nearly level (A slope) . 1330 ha drainage class, land capability and land Very gently sloping (B slope) .. 1154 ha irrigability classes of various soil mapping units, Gently sloping (C slope) . . .. 10 ha in different islands are given below: 5.3.4. Soil Erosion:

5.3. 1. Soil depth: Distribution of erosion classes is as Soils grouped under series A are very deep, follows: those under B and I deep, those under C,D,Gand Slightly eroded. .. 2211 ha J moderately deep, E n.oderately shallow, and Moderately eroded ...... 283 ha those under F and H shallow. Distribution of 5.3.5. Drainage:

soil depth classes is as follows: The distribution of drainage classes is as Very deep soils .. 809 ha follows:

Deep soils . .. .. 424 ha Excessively drained .. 2107 ha Moderately deep soils ...... 967 ha Imperfectly drained . 386 ha Moderately shallow soils ..... 151ha 5.3.6. Particle size classes: Shallow soils ...... 143 ha Distribution of particle size classes in the 5.3.2. Surface Texture: isla.,ds is as follows: Area covered under various surface Sandy .. 1851ha texture classes are as follows. Coarse-loamy . . .386 ha Sand . 994 ha Sandy - skeletal ...... 257 ha Loamy sand . 843 ha 5.3.7. Land Use Sandy loam .. 399 ha In general, coconut is cultivated Gravelly sand 51 ha everywhere, irrespective of soil depth, ""hich Gravelly loamy sand ... 184 ha often leads to uprooting of coconut palms during Gravelly sandy loam ...... 23 ha storms. Other important crops cultivated are 5.3. J. Slope: papaya, breadfruit, drumstick, banana, colocasia The islands in general are nearly level and vegetables. The density of palms/ha is very and very gently sloping, but small area under high, resulting in insufficient light for the gentle slopes. Distribution of slope classes is as intercrops and new plantations. follows:

20 5.3.8. suggested land use pollution hazards. The entire food requirement The water source being very limited and and part of the requirement of fruits and tapping of excessive ground water lead to vegetables have to be met from mainland possible salinity hazards, the emphasi~ should be imports. Vegetables (cueurbits, brinjal, tomat" on rainfed agriculture, making use of rain water and bhindi), legumes, leguminous green manure harvesting. Rainfall is well distributed during crops and banana may be gro",n, in these soils May to November - December in all islands Because of presence of water table at depths except Agatti where rainfall is well distributed ranging from 50-75 em, the crops survive only from May to September - October, without irrigation. However, in the heavy rainfall The suggested land use for coconut months of June to August, it is better to raise gardens is based on the presumption that green manure crops and incorporate the same thinning of palms to around 180-200 per ha l~ and use these lands for vegetables and other done, as otherwise economic returns cannot be crops subsequently, after monsoon period. obtained. Three-tier cropping, ",ith coconut a5 For the soil series G and I, which are I st tier, drumstick, papaya, breadfruit, guava, moderately deep and deep respectively, high sapota, acid lime in 2nd tier and colocasia, amounts of coarse fragments restrict their banana, green manure crops, vegetables in 3rd potential for agriculture. Though coconut is tier is recommended for the soils mapped under extensively grown in these soils, these soils may

Series A, )j and D For soils mapped under be restricted for planting of hardy horticultural Series E, horticultural crops like papaya, crops having low water requirements like ber drumstick, breadfruit, guava, sapota, acid lime in and for forestry/recreation, water harvesting 1st tier and banana, colocasia, green manures and structures and buildings vegetables in 2nd tier may be planted; all future Soils mapped under Series F and H have coconut plantations in these soils should be the limitation of rooting depth and those discouraged. mapped under series H have the additional For soils mapped under soil series C and limitation of high amounts of coarse fragments. J, in the lowlands, growing of millets and All future planting of coconut should be avoided sugarcane should be discontinued in view of the and should be reserved for agroforestry, recrea­ heavy fertilizer N requirement and consequent tion, water harvest structures and buildings.

21 The suggested land u,e for soils of different islands is given below: Table 3 Suggested Land Use

Sot! Senes Suggested Land lise '&",B andD 1st tier coconut 2nd tier. papaya. drumstick, bread fruit. guava, sapota, ber and acid lime 3rd tier. banana,colocasia vegetables, green manure crops. (and J green manure crops in peak rainy season. ,

cuc.urbit~ brinjal. bhindi,tomato, legumes, banana from September to May E I,! tier. papaya, breadfruit, guava, sapota, ber and acid lime 2nd tier' banana. colocasia. vegetables, green manure crops Gand I ber, forestry, green manure crops, recreation, water harvest structures, and buildings. F andH forestry (shallow rooted bushy plants), recreation water harvest structures and and buildings.

The varieties of ber suitable for Plants, identifYing suitable varieties for the introduction are Umron and Gola. Budwood islands materials from these improved ~arieties should Papaya, drumstick and breadfruit though be taken and budded on native root stock. Acid grown extensively, are not utilized commerciallv lime should be budded on hard lemon rootstock. Export to mairtland on commercial basis should Growing of medicinal and aromatic plants like be explored where there is very good market for lemon grass may be initiated in consultation with papaya, breadfruit and drumstick Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic

22 5.4. Nutrient and pest management present, their levels are not very high, and it is The island ecosystem is very fragile and safer to include Mn also in the fertilizer schedule. the ecological impacts should be considered in Magnesium should be added in the schedule of planning the nutrient and pest management foliar application (though Mg status is sufficient, system. As has been suggested by Vadivelu et al because of excess of calcium and its antagonism (1993), the manuring schedule should be such to Mg uptake, Mg deficiency symptoms are that major part is given as organic manures by seen). The green manure crops supplied with K utilizing organic wastes and through green and Mg and rnicronutrients will help in meeting manuring. CPCRl station at Minicoy has found the requirements of coconuts partially on their that application of 500g Nand 1200 g K20 for incorporation. Proper schedules for foliar coconut per palm per year is economical and application may be worked out in association profitable. Nitrogen and phosphorus status of with CpeRI substation, Minicoy. soils are high, still maintenance application of Use of pesticides and fungicide shOlild be nitrogen is required. The soils being highly minimised and more emphasis should be given to porous and rainfall being high, there is chance biological and physical control of pests and for intense leaching losses of nutrients and diseases, to prevent pollution:.flazards. possibility of cau~ing pollution of water with The recommendations made earlier by nitrates. To overcome this, the Department of some sources to break the hard pan and plant Agriculture is utilizing only slow release coconut should not be accepted because of the nitrogenous fertilizers like neem cake blended environmental damage. Quarrying should be urea, urea formal dehyde and lac coated urea banned in the islands and all building materials and applying the fertilizers in four splits is a should be supplied from mainland. better fertilizer management. Foliar application 5.5 Water Management of nutrients for vegetables, banana and other Though the islands receive about 1500 low canopy horti-cultural crops may be adopted mm rainfall, the rain water gets percolated into to prevent leaching losses, as I per cent N and K the ground and a considerable part is lost to the and 0.3-0.5 per cent of rnicronutrients. The sea. Because of the thick vegetative cover, crops are showing deficiency symptoms of K, evapotranspiration removes considerable amount Fe, Cu and Zn Though Mn is adequate at of ground water. The islands do not have any

23 water aquifer, but only a lens of fresh water analysed for assessing the quality of waters. Out collected from rainfall (Anonymous, 1989). Any of the 27 samples, 4 samples had EC < 1 dS /m, agricultural planning for the island should be I I had 1 to 2 dS /m, 5 had between 2 to 4 and 7 based on rainfed agriculture only because sweet samples had >4 dS /m, with one sample from water is limited and over-exploitation of the Kadmat having EC of 30.33 dS/m and one same may bring in salinity. Burying of pith sample from Kavaratti 18.83 dS /m; pH ranged which is available in plenty as a by product of between 7. 7 to 8.9, with 15 samples having coir industry, is beneficial to conserve moisture. <8.00 and 12 > 8.00. The samples in general Coir pith also contains 0.26 per cent Nand 0 78 had the cations in the following order of per cent K ( Ramaswamy and Oblisamy 1994) abundance: Na • >Mg "' >Ca >K and anion which will help in Nand K nutrition. sequence: CI ">HCO, " >SO" _-> CO,: A few

Ajay kumar etaL(199S~opined that fresh samples from Andrott and Amini were analysed ground water lenses are in hydraulic continuity for nitrate levels which were found in the range with sea water and any excessive withdrawal of 0.03 to 0.23 meq/litre which were within the could impair the quality of water due to salt limits for drinking purposes.Analytical data of water intrusion; they estimated the total fresh well water samples are given in Appendix ill ground water potential (MCM) in Lakshadweep Water resources being poor, pumping of as follows: Agatti 0.2060; Amini 0.2844; water from the existing wells should not be done Andrott 12.4108; Chetiat 0.7540; Kadmat for irrigation purposes. Soils mapped under 2.7869; Kalpeni 1.9140; Kavaratti 0.6407; Kiltan series F, G,H and I are having less potential as 0.8854; Minicoy 1.3137; Bangaram 0.0 167. Only far as agriculture is concerned and in these Andrott has considerable amounts of fresh areas, ponds lined with cement/sand mixture ground water potential. should be made to collect rain water and store The depth of water table in the islands for drier months, for household use and vanes from about 60 crn to a depth of more than irrigation purposes. Rain water may also be 3 metres, but generally water table is found collected in polythene lined tanks. between 100 to 200 crn. Water table is found 5.6 Sea erosion control helow the hard pan. Sea erosion leads to uprooting of 27 water samples from eight islands were coconut trees and loss of cultivable land area.

24 Control measures had been adopted by the commercial basis. Breadfruit-chip making unit, Administration against sea erosion. In a study may be started for utilizing the bread fruit conducted in 1988, 16 km out of 178 coastline available in the islands and chips may be are affected by severe sea erosion and 5.5 by exported to main land, so that it will boost up the mild sea erosion. (Anonymus, 1989) The control income of farmers as well as provide measures should be a combination of physical employment. Scope for jaggery and vinegar structures and vegetative barriers. Physical making from coconut neera is to be fully structures to reduce the tidal beatings followed exploited. by planting of banyan, kanni and casuarina of Though a large amount of fish is caught about 5 metres width is ideal, in areas prone to in the islands, existing processing facilities are erosion already identified. Planting of grasses not adequate. Increasing the returns from along the sea coast will also reduce the hazards fisheries by providing trawlers to the islanders to of erosion since the fibrous roots of grasses bind tap the under-exploited fish wealth should be the soil well. given high priority. At present deep-water 5.7. Industry trawling is done by foreign vessels. Fish-based Coconut -based industry offers industries like canning, oil extraction and pickle tremendous scope to islanders to increase their production may be geared up. However, the income. About 20 million kg of coconut husk is ecological parameters may be taken into account estimated to be available in the islands. Coir­ before initiating any industry. manufacturing units had been established in each 5.8 Tourism: island to utilize the husk available. However only Though the Administration has taken 30% of the husk available only is utilised at steps to promote tourism, there is ample present. So strengthening of the existing units is scope for expansion of this industry, both necessary. Coconut shell (estimated to be around domestic and international. 2000 t) may be utilized for handicrafts, activated Two more small islands Viz. Cheriyam charcoal manufacture and shell powder. and Tinnakara could be developed for tourism so Coconut tree stems in addition to their use as that pressure on other islands opened up for construction material, can be utilized for tourism could be reduced. manufacture of quality furniture and boats on

25

Chap.6 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSrONS

A detailed soil suney of ten inhabited Water resources being limited, agn­ islands of Lakshadweep was conducted using culturelhorticulture should be rainfed only, with 1: 8000 / 1AOOO cadestal maps Based on limited Irrigation, out of water harvested from differentiating characteristic of colour, texture, rainfall .Burying of coir pith which is available in gravel content and depth to water table / rock , plenty will help in conservation of moisture and ten soil series were tentatively identified. supplying N and K Soils grouped under series A, B, D, E, F Thinning of palms to around 180-200/ha and J are having sandy textures but vary in depth should be enforced by the Department of Agri­ only with A being very deep, B deep, D and J culture and the inter-space should be utilized for moderately deep, E moderately shallow and F rainfed horticultural crops and vegetables in shallow. The differentiating characteristic bet­ rainy season, without irrigation. ween Series D and J is that the latter is having a Manuring schedule for coconut should water table within 75 cm. Series C is moderately include incorporation of green manure crops shallow to moderate deep and have sandy loam raised in situ, to meet part of the nutritional textures. Soils grouped under series G, H, I are requirements. Foliar application of macro and having gravelly sand textures with gravel micro-nutrients should be adopted and the exceeding 35 per cent; Series G is moderately Department of Agriculture should give the deep, Series H shallow and Series I is deep. necessary guidance. Lakshadweep is the major coral reserve Neern blended urea should be the pref- of our country. Any development activities of erred fertilizer-N source, so that N is only Lakshadweep will be linked to the main crop of slowly released; 3-4 split applications may be coconut, fish industry and tourism. Development done to prevent leaching losses and to prevent programmes should not lead to ecological and water pollution. environmental problems The following sugges- Use of insecticides should be discour­ lions, if accepted will go a long way in maintain- aged and emphasis should be on biological and ing the ecological balance while augmenting physical control of pests. production. Coconut byproduct based industry

27 making use of coconut stems, coconut husk , services and helicopter services also may be coconut shells, copra and vinegar from coconut improved. water should be encouraged to generate Generating more income from fisheries employment. by encouraging fishermen' co-operative socie­ Desalinization plant should be ties, by use of trawlers and impreving commissioned in all islands for providinb; fishprocessing facilities should be initiated drinking water. Breaking the hard coral stones for bUJlding Conservation of water by water harvest­ materials and planting trees should be banned in ing should be practised so that the same can be view of the threat of submersion of islands. utilized for household use and supplementary Construction materials other than coconut stem irrigation. should be brought from the mainland only Sea Two more islands (Cheriyam and erosion control measures should be adopted Tinnakkara) may be opened up for tourism so with more emphasis on biological barriers in that the carrying capacity of the island5 available addition to physical structures Grasses like for tourism is not exceeded Tourism being the lemongrass with fibrous roots binding the soil main industry of the island, and since it IS rapidly may be tried along the sea coast after pilot growing, this will be essential . studies. Airstrips may be opened up in Mmicoy, Construction activity should be restricted Kadmat and Andrott, so that bett;;r transport to shallow soils or soils with high amount of facilities are provided to the Islanders Ship gravel, so that good land is not lost

28 REFERENCES

Ajaykumar Venna R.. Unruknshnan. K R.. and Conference on Surfactants. Emulsions and Ramachandran K.K.. (1'J95) Ground Water Resource BlOcoliOids. Madras PotentIal in the Umon Territory of Lakshadweep. IndJa Ind Jour Earth SCI 22(4) pp. 165-170 Sarma. VAK.. Krishnan. P . and Budihal, S.L. (1987) Laboratory Mcthods, NESS Publ. 14, NBSS&LUP. Anon)mous. (1988) Lakshadecp and Its people (1987- Nagpur 49 pp. 88) Plannmg department. Secretariat Kavaratti Sehgal. J.L. , Saxena, R.K. and Vadiyelu. S ([987) Anon)wous. (1989) Island Zone XV-Zonal Field Manual. NESS Publ.lJ. NBSS LUP. Nagpur 73 profilc.,Sub-rcgron Lakshad"ccp.Subnutted to pp. Plarming CommiSSIOn pp 1-25 Sehgal, J L. (1970) Soil Resource Mapping of Dar\\m. C (1890) Journal of Research into the DIfferent States of India; Why and how? NESS Natural HIstory and Geoloro T.Nelson and Sons, PubI.2J. NBSS&LUP. Nagpur 49 pp. London.61Spp. Soil Survey StafT, (1992) Keys to Soil Taxonomy. 1 A.R J (J971) Soil SurvC) Manual. AliIndJa Soil Sixth Edition. (1994) USDA Soil Consenation and Land Use SurvC)' Organisation, Indian Semce, Washington, DC 20013 Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 121 pp

Vadivelu, S., Muralidharan, A and Bandopadh~ay. Jackson M.L. (1958) Sod Chemical Analysis. A.K. (1993). Soils of Lakshadwecp Islands. Central Prenltce-HallInc. Engle\\ood, Cliffs NJ. USA Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair 83 pp.

Ramas\\runy and Oblisamy,. (1994). Ecosystem Vadivelu, S. (1997) Personal communication management through Industnal Waste Utilization. Hypothesizing the fonnation of Lakshadweep Islands Proc. Int Symp . on Surface and Colloid Science and from the view of soils. Its relc\ ance to Soil Pollution and 6th National

29 J.\PPE~If)tCES

APPENDIX I SERIES A Series A is a member of the carbonat ie, isohyperthermic famil y of Typic Ustipsamments These soils are very deep and have dark grey, very dark greyish brown, brown and dark brown, alkaline, Ap horizons and dark greyish brown, greyish brown and light grey to white (' horizons, over hard coral material They occur on nearly level to gently sloping landscape at an elevation of less than 5 mm MSL in the islands of Kavaratti, Bitra, Chetlat, Agatti, Kalpeni, Kadmat, Amini and Kiltan, in Lakshadweep. The climate is humid tropical with a mean annual rainfall ranging from 1255 (Agatti) to 1728 mm (Mini coy) and a mean annual temperature of27.3° to 27.9°C. Principal associated soils are B series which are similar to Series A, except depth Typifying pedoll: 'A'-sand-cultivated. Ap 0-16 em Dark greyish brown (I OYR 4/2 M) sand, single grain; loose, non-sticky and nonplastic; many coarse pores, common fine roots, violent effervescence, pH 85: clear smooth boundary. CI 16-43 cm Dark greyish brown (lOYR 4/2M), sand; single, loose, non-sticky and non-plastic; many coarse pores; many fine roots; violent effervesce, pH S.7; clear smooth boundary. C2 43-84 cm Light grey (I0YR 7/2M), sand; single grain; loose, non-sticky and non-plastic, many cooarse pores, common fine roots; violent effervescence, pH 8.9; clear smooth boundary. C3 84-160 cm (White IOYR 8/2M) sand; single grain, loose, non-sticky and non-plastic; many coarse pores; common fine roots, violent effervescence, pH 9 1

Range ill characteristics. The solum depth is more thall 150 COl The thickness of A horizon is J 0 to 30 cm. Textures range from sand to loamy sand; colour of A horizon is in 10YR hue with values range from 4 to 8 and chromas ranging from I to 3, colours ofC horizon are in hues of 10YR and values range from 4 to 8 and chromas from 2 to 4.

33 Drainage and Permeability: The soils are excessively drained with rapid permeability, Use alld vegetation: Cultivated to coconut, banana, breadfruit and drumstick

Distribution and extent: Distributed in the islands of Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Agatti, Kadamat, Chtlat, Kiltan and Bitra, Type Location: In Plot No, 2A in , Series proposed: NBSS & LUP, Regional Centre, Bangalore 1995, Interpretation: The soils are very deep and are of coral material. The calcium carbonate equivalent range from 92 to 98 percent. The sandy nature of soil and the presence of high amounts of calcium carbonate limits the choice of crops, Other than coconut, bread fruit, drumstick, ber and lime (with special root stock) can be cultivated, Coconut needs application of 500g N and 1200g K20 per palm, Interpretative groupings: i) Land capability subclass: IVs ii) Land irrigability subclass: 4 s iii) Productivity potential: Poor

34 SERIES A Phyllcal and Chemical Properties of the Solis l.()COtion: Plot No: 2A Chetlat Island ( Profile No: CHET4) Classification: Carbonatic, isohyperthermic,Typic Ustlpsamment

Depth Hor- Sand Silt Clay Coarse Text- ECe pH izon (2.0-0.05 (005-0002 «0.002 frag ure 1:2.5 1:2.5 (em) mm) mm) mm) (voL%) (dS/m) water

0-16 Ap 90.6 5.3 4.1 0.23 8.5 16-43 C1 926 2.4 5.0 0.17 8.7 43-84 C2 94.3 28 2.9 0.16 8.9 84-1 22 C3 97.1 1.4 1 5 0.13 9.1 122-160 C4 97.1 2.9 00 0.12 9.1

Depth Org. C CaC03 Exchangeable Cations· CEC Base equiv Ca Mg Na K emol (+)/ sat. (em) (%) (%) <------cmoI (+) / kg soil ------> kg soil ( %) 0-16 077 93.1 5.87 0.47 0.32 0.10 1.0 100 16-43 0.59 95.5 5.33 0.48 0.29 0.06 1.5 100 43-84 0.19 96.0 447 0.33 0.33 0.05 0.4 100 84-1 22 0.11 95.8 4.34 0.39 0.29 0.04 0.4 100 122-160 0.13 96.0 4.61 0.37 0.31 0.04 0.4 100

Depth Org. C Avail. PP, AvaiI.K,O Avail..Fe Avail.Mn AvaiLZn Avail.Cu (cm) (%) (kglha) (kg/ha) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm)

0-16 0.77 125 105 1.26 1.11 0.62 1.26

• Includes IN NH.OAe soluble compounds

35 SERIES B Series B is a member of the carbonatic, isohyperthermic family of Typic Ustipsamments. These soils are deep and have very dark greyish brown, greyish brown and dark brown Ap horizons and very dark greyish brown, greyish bpJwn and light brownish grey to white C horizons over hard coral limestone. They occur on nearly level to gently sloping landscape at an elevation of less than 5 m MSL in the isla nds of Agatti, Kalpeni, Minicoy, Andrott, Amini and Kavaratti. The climate is humid tropical with a mean annual rainfall of 1255 mm (Agatti) to 1934 mm (Androth) and mean annual temperature of27.3° to 279°C. Principal associated soils are series A, which is very deep, but otherwise similar in textures and colour. 1')pifying pedol1: 'B'-sand-cultivated. Ap 0-24 cm Greyish brown (lOYR 5/2D) very dark greyish brown (lOYR 4/2), sand; single grain, lose, non-sticky, non-plastic; many coarse pores; above 5% fine gravel fine common roots; pH 8.4; violent effervescence; clear smooth boundary. Cl 24-50 cm Greyish brown (lOYR 5/2D) very dark greyish brown (IOYR 4/2 M), sand; single grain, loose, non-sticky and non-plastic; many fine pores; about 10% fine gravel; common fine roots; pH 8.6, violent effervescence; clear smooth boundary. C2 50-80 cm Light brownish grey (lOYR 612 D), greyish brown (I OYR 5/2M) sand; single grain; loose, non-sticky and non-plastic; common fine roots; pH 8.9; violent effervesence; clear smooth boundary C3 80-110 cm Greyish brown (lOYR 5/2D) dark greyish brown (IOYR 412M) sand; single grain; loose, non-sticky and non-plastic; common fine roots; pH 8.9; violent effervesence; abrupt smooth boundary. R Coral rock.

36 Range ill charactenstics: The solum depth ranges from 101-150 ern. The colours of Ap horizon range from very dark greyish brown to dark brown; colours of C horizon ranges from dark greyish brown to ligl,t brownish grey and white. Colours are in 10YR hue and values range from 3 to 6 and chroma from 1 to 3 for AP horizon. Colour varies of C horizon range from 4 to 8 and chroma from

1 to 3. Drainage and Permeability These soils are excessively drained with rapid permeability. Use and Vegetation Cultivated to coconut, banana, bread fruit and drumstick. Distribution and Extent Distributed in the islands ofKavaratti Kalpeni, Agatti, Minicoy, Amini and Andrott islands. Type Locatioll Plot No. 4P ofKavaratti Islad Series proposed NBSS & LUP, Regional Centre, Bangalore, 1995. Interpretation The soils behave similar to series A Interpretative groupings i) Land capability subclass IVs ii) Land irrigability subclass 4s iii) Productivity potential Poor

37 SERIES B

PhYSical csnet ChemlCCII Properties of the SoIl Location: Plot No: 40, Kavaratti Island (Profile No: KAV8) Clossitication:Carbonatlc, isohyperthermic, Typic Ustipsamment

Depth Hor- Sand Silt Clay Coarse Text- EC~ pH izon (20-0 OS (005-0002 (<..0.002 frag ure 1.25 1.25 (cm) mm) mm) mm) (vol. °0) (dS/m) water 0-24 Ap 85 .7 5.7 8.6 50 040 8.4 24 -50 Cl 88.0 6.0 60 10.0 024 8.6 50-80 ('2 94.9 23 2.9 o 15 8.9 80-110 C3 92.3 27 SO 018 89

Depth Org. C' C'aCO) Exchangeable Cations· (EC Base equiv. Ca Mg Na K cmol (+), sal / (cm) (OfO) (° 0) <------cmol (+) I kg soil ------> kg soil (%) 0-24 0.97 909 6.11 050 0.45 012 3.2 100 24 -50 0.69 81.7 606 037 035 008 2.1 100 50-80 0.31 92.3 5.05 036 0.47 0.02 10 100 80-110 0.32 98.3 5.04 0.3 6 037 002 16 ]00

Depth Org. C Avail.Kp Avail .. Fe Avail .Mn Avail Zn Avail Cu (em) (%) (kg/ha) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm)

G-2-l 0.97 445 71 1.67 165 045 0.33

• Includes IN NH.OAc soluble compounds SERIES C Series C' is a member of the coarse loamy, carbonatic, isohyperthermic family of Typic Troporthents These soils are moderately shallow to moderately deep and have very dark greyish brown to dark grey and brown Ap horizons and pale brown to light brownish grey and white C horizons These soils occur in the lowlands of the islands, (Andrott, Agatti, Amini, Kavaratti and Minicoy) and is characterised by the presence of water table between 50 and 75 cm depth. The climate is humid tropical with a mean annual rainfall ranging from 1255 (Agatti) to 1934 mm (Andrott) and a mean annual temperature of 273°C' to 279°C. The temperature regime is iso­ hyperthermic. Considering the position of these soils in the landscape and water saturation for considerable periods of time, the localised moisture regime for these soils is treated as udic. Principal associated soils are series D which is moderately deep, Typic Ustipsamment l )Plfylllg pedol/: 'C'-sandy loam-cultivated. Ap 0-14 cm Brown (I OYR 5/3M), sandy loam; ",eak, medium subangular blocky structure: friable, slightly sticky and nonplastic, fine to medium common pores, many fine to medium roots. violent effervescence, pH 8.2; clear smooth boundary. C'I 14-26cm Pale brown (IOYR 6/3M), sandy loam; weak,medium subangular blocky structure,mable, slightly sticky and nonplastic, common,fine to medium pores; common medium roots' violent effervescence; pH 84; gradual smooth boundary. 26-44 em Pale brown (IOYR 6/3M), sandy loam, weak medium subangular blocky structure; friable, slightly sticky and non plastic; fine to medium common pores, few medium roots, violent effervescence, pH 8.5; clear wavy boundary C3 44-62cm Pale brown (IOYR 6'3M), sandy loam; weak medium subangular blocky structure,friable, slightly sticky and non-plastic fine to medium common pores, few medium roots, violent efferves cence: pH 8.4. 62+ Water table. RaJlge in Characteristics: Depth of the solum ranges from 60-100 cm Depth of Ap horizon ranges from 11-29 cm Colours of Ap horizon are in IOYR hue and values range from 3-5 and chromas from 2-4. Colours ofC horizon are also in 10YR hues and values range from 5-8 and chroma5 from

1-3. Texture IS sandy loam Structure is weak, medium, subangular blocky. /)ramoge and permeability The soils are imperfectly drained and permeability is rapid

Use and ~egetatlol1 . Cultivated to rice, sugarcane and vegetable. Dlstrlbutioll alld extellt Distributed extensively in the islands of Andrott, Agatti, Kavaratti, Kalpeni and Minicoy

Type lOUr/lOll. In Plot No. 6A of Andrott island. Senes proposed. NBSS & LlJP, Regional Centre, Bangalore 1994. Interpretation· The soils being highly calcareous, growing of cereals should not be encouraged. vegetable crops like cucurbits, tomato, brinjal and bhindi, banana and legumes can be raised. Green manure crops also can be raised InterpretatIve groupings i) Land capability subclass IVsw ii) Land irrigability subclass 4sd iii) Productivity potential Poor

40 SERIES C Physical and Chemical Proper1les oIlhe SolIs Location: Plot No: 6A Andrott Island (Profile No: LADT26) Classitication:Coarse-loamy, carbonatlc,isohyperthermic, Typic Troporthent

Depth Hor- Sand Silt Clay Coarse Text- ECe pH izon (20-005 (0.05-0002 «0.002 frag. ure 12.5 1'2.5 (em) rnm) rnm) mm) (voI.%) (dS/m) water

0-14 Ap 70.6 19.5 9.9 51 040 8.2 14-26 CI 72.7 17.6 9.7 sl 0.24 84 26-44 C2 64.1 23 .8 12.1 sl 019 85 44-62 C3 51.5 3:! 0 16.5 IIsl 0.18 84

Depth Org C CaCOJ Exchangeable Cations" CEC Base equiv Ca Mg Na K cmol (+)1 sat. (cm) (%) (%) <------cmol (+) I kg soil ------> kg soil (%)

0-14 1.24 78.0 10.84 0.56 0.15 0.23 30 100 14-26 0.87 77.6 1013 0.24 009 011 2.2 100 26-44 0.72 78 .0 1051 0.43 0.08 0.03 !3 100 44-62 0.81 72.5 10.63 0.53 007 003 1.3 100

Depth Org. C AvaiI.K,0 Avail Fe AvaiI.Mn AvailZn AvaiI.Cu (cm) ( %) (kglha) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm)

0-14 1.24 125 180 1.47 3.68 0.83 0.04

• Includes IN NH.OAc soluble compounds

41 SERIES 0 Series D is a member of the carbonatic, isohyperthermic family of Typic Ustipsamments. These soils are moderately deep and have dark greyish brown, yellowish brown and brown AP horizons and dark yellowish brown, greyish brown, very pale brown and white C horizons, developed over hard coral materials. They occur on nearly level to gently sloping landscape in Andrott, Kadmat, Kalpeni, and Minicoy islands. The climate is humid tropical with a mean annual rainfall of 1728 mm (Minicoy) to 1934 mm (Andrott) and mean annual temperature of27.3°C to 27.7°C. Principal associated soils are B series which are deep but otherwise similar in texture and colour and series E which are similar except depth (Moderately shallow). Typifying pedon: 'D'-loamy sand cultivated. Ap 0-12 cm Yellowish brown (lOYR 4/3M), loamy sand; single grain; very friable, non sticky and nonplastic; violent effervescence, pH 8.2; clear smooth boundary. CI 12-32 cm Yellowish brown (IOYR 4/3M), sand; single grain; very friable, non sticky and nonplastic; violent effervescence; pH 8 3;clear wavy boundary. C2 32-100 cm Very pale brown (I OYR 8/3 M), sand; single grain; very friable, non sticky and nonplastic; violent effervescence; pH 9.0; clear wavy boundary. R 100+ Coral rock

Range in characteristics: The depth of the solum ranges from 76-100 cm. The thickness of the A horizons is 20-36 cm . Textures range from loamy sand to sand; colour of A horizon is in the hue of I OYR with values ranging from 3 to 5 and chromas ranging from 2 to 4; colours of C horizon are also in the hue 10YR with values ranging from 4 to 8 and chroma ranging from 2 to 4. Drainage and permeability: The soils are excessively drained with rapid permeability. Use and vegetation: Cultivated to coconut, banana, bread fiuit and drumstick. Distribution and extent: Distributed in the islands of Andrott, Kadmat, Kalpeni, and Minicoy islands. Type location: In plot No. 7B of Andrott island. Series proposed: NBSS & LOP, Bangalore, 1995.

42 Interpretation: The soils are only moderately deep and is comprised of coral sands. The crop sequences proposed for series A and B may be followed here. Interpretative grouping i) Land capability subclass IV s ii) Land irrigability subclass 4s iii) Productivity potential Poor

43 SERIES 0

Physical and Chemical Properties of 1M SoIls Location Plot No: 7B, Andrott Island ( Profile No: LADTll) Classification: arbonatlc, isohyperthermic,Typic Ustipsamment

Depth Hor- Sand Silt Clay Coarse Text- ECe pH izon (20-0.05 (0.05-0.002 «0.002 frag. ure 1:2.5 1:2.5 (em) mm) mm) mm) (voL%) (dS/m) water

0-12 Ap 833 8.2 8.5 Is 035 8.2 12-32 CI 87.5 7.3 5.2 0.30 8.3 32-100 C2 95.9 1.3 2.8 15 000 9.0

Depth Org. C CaCO, Exchangeable Cations' CEC Base equiv. Ca Mg Na K emol (+)/ sat. (em) (%) (%) <------cmol (+) / kg soil ------> kg soil (%)

0-12 1.34 91.0 1002 0.57 0.29 015 3.7 100 12-32 0.87 94.3 8.58 0.42 0.19 010 1.9 100 32-100 0.21 96.0 8.07 0.48 0.07 0.03 0.3 100

Depth Org. C Avail pp, Avail.Kp AvaiL. Fe Avail.Mn AvaiLZn AvaiLCu (em) (%) (kglha) (kg/ha) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm)

0-12 1.34 88 70 2.35 2.42 0.26 0.04

• Includes IN NHPAc soluble compounds

44 SERIES E Series E is a member of the carbonatic, isohyperthermic family of Typic Ustipsamments. These soils are moderately shallow and have very dark greyish brown, dark greyish brown or dark brown AP horizons, and dark brown, brown, pale brown, light yellowish brown and very pale brown C horizons, over hard coral limestone. They occur on nearly level to gently sloping lands at an elevation ofless than 3 m MSL, in the islands ofKadmat, Kalpeni and Minicoy. The climate is humid tropical with a mean annual rainfall ranging from 1728 mm (Amini) to 1934 mm (Andrott data), and a mean annual temperature of27.3 to 27.7"C Principal associated soils are series D which is deeper but otherwise similar and series C which occur in low lands and have sandy loam textures. Typifying pedon: 'E'- loamy sand-cultivated. Ap 0-13 cm Dark brown (IOYR 4/3 M), loamy sand; single grain, very friable non-sticky and oonplastic, many fine pores; many medium and coarse roots; pH 8.0, violent effervescence; clear smooth boundary. CI 13-27 em Brown (IOYRS/3M) loamy sand; single grain; very friable, nonsticky and non-plastic, coarse many roots, many fine pores; pH 8.4; violent effer­ vescence,gradual smooth boundary. C2 26-73 cm Very pale (lOYR 8/3M), loamy sand; very mabll:, non-sticky and nonplastic; common coarse roots; many fine pores violent effervescence; pH 8.8; abrupt smooth boundary. R 73+ Coral rock

Range in characteristics: The thickness of Ap horizon ranges from 13 to 18 cm. The solum depth ranges from 51 to 75 cm. Texture of surface and subsurface horizons range, from sand to loamy sand. Colours of A horizon is in IOYR hue and value ranges from 3 to 4 and chroma from I to 3. Colours of subsurtace, horizon are also in 10YR hue and ranges in vallie from 4 to 8 and chroma from 2 to 4. Drainage and permeability: The soils are excessively drained and have rapid permeability. Use and vegetation: Cultivated to coconut, breadfruit, drumstick etc.

45 Distribution and extent: Distributed in the islands of Minicoy and Kalpeni Type location: Plot No.7 of Minicoy island. Series proposed: NBSS & LUP, Regional Centre, Bangalore 1995 Interpretation: The soil depth being less than 75 cm, fresh planting of coconut may be avoided and the area should be utilized for horticultural crops and bushy plants. Interpretative groupings i) Land capability subclass IVs ii) Land lrrigability subclass 4s iii) Productivity potential Poor

46 SERIES E PhYlICai and ChemIcal ProperIIet of the SolIs LocatiOn: Plot No: 6A Kalpeni Island (Profile No: LKLP5) Classification: arbonatic, Isohyperthermlc, Typic Ustlpsamment

Depth Hor- Sand Silt Clay Coarse Text- ECe pH izon (2.0-005 (005-0.002 «0.002 frag. ure 1:2.5 1:2.5 (cm) mm) mm) mm) (vol%) (dS/m) water 0-13 Ap 81.0 110 8.0 5.0 Is 100 7.9 13-26 Cl 84.9 9.0 6.1 5.0 Is 0.26 8.6 26-73 C2 89.0 4.6 6.4 5.0 Is 0.31 8.6

Depth Org. C CaC03 Exchangeable Cations· CEC Base equiv. Ca Mg Na K crnol (+)1 sat. (em) (%) (%) <------cmol (+) 1 kg soil ------> kg soil (%) 0-13 2.50 88.9 9.54 2.22 0.44 0.33 6.7 100 13-26 0.87 98 .2 7.50 0.77 0.17 0.10 2.0 100 26-73 0.57 99.9 6.53 0.56 0.18 0.05 0.6 100

Depth Org. C Avail. pp, Avail.K,O Avail .. Fe Avail.Mn Avail.Zn Avail.Cu (cm) (%) (kglha) (kglha) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) !0-13 2.50 115 278 6.39 4.78 2.36 1.63

• Includes IN NH,OAc soluble compounds

47 SERIES F Series F is a member of the carbonatic isohyperthermic familty of Lithic Ustipsarnments These soils are shallow, «50 cm) and have very dark brown, very dark grey and dark greyish brown \p horizons and very dark brown and dark greyish brown C horizons, developed over hard coral material They occur on nearly level to very gently sloping landscape in the islandsofKadmat and Bitra. to a limited extent, at an elevation of less than 5 m MSL. The climate is humid tropical with a mean annual rainfall 1715 mm (Amini) and 27.8°( temperature. The temperature regime is isohyperthermic and moisture regime Ustic.Principal associated soils are D series which is moderately deep, Typic Ustipsamments and E series which is moderately shallow, Typic Vstipsamments. Typifying pcdon: 'F'-loamy sand-cultivated. Ap 0-10 cm Greyish brown (IOYR 5/2 D), dark greyish brown (lOYR 4/2 M), loamy sand; single grain loose, non sticky and non-plastic, about 5% fine gravel; violent effervescence, clear smooth boundary. ( 10-28 cm Greysih brown (IOYR 5/2D), dark greyish brown (IOYR 4/2 M), sand; single grain, loose, nonsticky and nonplastic; about 10% fine gravel; violent effervescence, pH 8.5; abrupt smooth boundary. R Coral rock. Range in characteristics- The thickness of A horizon ranges from 10 to 17 cm; its colours are in 10YR hue and ranges in values from 3 to 4 and chroma from 1 to 2, Gravel content in Ap and C horizon ranges, from 5 to 15%. Textures vary from sand to loamy land. The solum depth ranges from 27 to 45cm. Colours are in 10YR hues with values of3 to 4 and chromas of2 to 3. Drainage alld permeability: The soils are excessively drained and have rapid permeability. U5e and Vegetation: Forest species and in some areas coconut is cultivated Divtribution and extent: These soils are occurring to a limited e,,'1ent in the islands of Kadmat and Bitra. Type Location: Plot No. 2D ofKadmat island. Interpretation: Depth being shallow «50 cm), taIl growing tTees like coconut should not be planted in these soils because of uprooting damages during cyclonic: winds. The area may be earmarked for future construction work or bushy forest species. Interpretative groupings: i) Land capability subclass VIs ii) Land irrigability subclass: 6s iii) Productivity potential Very poor

49 SERIES F

Phylleal and C'*"'<:aI Propei1Mts of the Sotls location: Plot No: 2D ( Protile No: KADTll)

Class~icatlon: Carbonatic, isohyperthermlc, lithic Ustipsamment

Depth Hor- Sand Silt Clay Coarse Text- Eee pH izon (2.0-005 (0.05-0002 «0.002 frag. ure 1:2.5 1:2.5 (cm) mm) mm) mm) (vol.%) (dS/m) water

0-10 Ap 82.9 92 7.9 5.0 Is 0.25 8.3 10-28 C 906 4.7 4.7 10.0 0.21 8.6

Depth Org. C CaCO} Exchangeable Cations· CEC Base equiv. Ca Mg Na K cmol (+)/ sat. (cm) (%) (%) <------cmol (+) I kg soil ------> kg soil ( %) 0-10 206 89.4 10.71 0.58 0.37 0.08 7.9 100 10-28 0.93 89.6 7.47 0.30 0.32 0.03 3.4 100

Depth Org. C Avail. P,O, Avail.K,O Avail .. Fe Avail.Mn Avail Zn Avail.Cu (cm) (%) (kglha) (kg/ha) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) 0-10 2.06 88 95 2.33 2.42 0.26 0.04

• Includes IN NH.OAc soluble compounds

50 SERIESG Series G is a member of the sandy-skeletal , carbonatic, isohyperthermic family of Typic Vstorthents. These soils are moderately deep and have very dark greyish brown to greyish brown or light brownish grey Ap horizons and light brownish grey, light grey, yellowish brown or white C horizons, over hard coral limestone. Characteristic feature is presence of coral fragments of over 40 per cent throughout the profile.They occur on nearly level to very gently sloping islands of Andrott, Chetlat and Kiltan at an elevation ofless than 5 m MSL. The climate is humid tropical with a mean annual rainfall of 1715 mm (Amini data) to 1934 mm (Andrott) and mean annual temperatures of 27.7°C to 278 °C The temperature regime is isohyperthermic and moisture regime Ustic. Principal associated soils are series H which are similar in other characteristics but depth is less than 50 cm

Typifying ped~n: 'G'-Ioamy sand-cultivated. Ap 0-7 cm Very dark greyish brown (IOYR 3/2 M) loamy sand; single grain; moist friable, wet non-sticky and non-plastic; many fine pores; few medium and coarse roots, gravel (coral fragments) about 60% violent effervescence, pH 8.0; clear smooth boundary. Cl 7-20 cm Brown to dark brown (JOYR 4/3 M) loamy sand,single grain, moist friable, wet non-sticky and non-plastic; many fine pores; many coarse roots; coarse roots, coarse gravel (coral fragments) about 60%; violent effervesc­ ence, pH 8 2; gradual smooth boundary. C2 20-46 cm Yellowish brown (IOYR 5/4M) sand; single grain; moist friable, wet non-sticky and non-plastic; about 50"10 coarse gravel (coral fragments); many fine pores; common coarse roots; violent effervescence; pH 8.4; gradual smooth boundary C3 46-81 cm Very pale brown (JOYR 8/3M) sand; single grain, moist friable, wet non­ sticky and non plastic; about 40% coarse gravel (coral fragments); many fine pores, few coarse roots; violent effervesnce; pH 8.9; abrupt smooth boundary R 8lcm+ Coral Rock

51 Range in character/sties: Thickness of A horizon ranges from 7 to 22 cm. Colours of A horizon are in 10YR hues and ranges in value from 2 to 6 and chroma from 2 to 3, depth of solum ranges from 80 to 94 cm. Subsurface horizon colours are in 10YR hues and values from 4t08 and chroma 2 to 4. Texture ranges from sand to loamy sand and coarse fragments from 40 to 60 per cent Drainage and pameabdity The soils are excessively drained with rapid permeability. Use and vegetation Cultivated to Coconut, bread fruit and drumstick Distribution and extent. Occurring in Andrott, Chetlat and Kiltan islands. Type loeatioll: In plot No. 2A of Andrott island Series proposed: NBSS & LUP, Regional Centre, Bangalore, 1995 Interpretation: The soils are moderately deep with higher content of coarse fragments (40-60%) and low water holding capacity and have coarse fragments comprising of coral fragments ranging from 40 to 60% which further reduces A WC Coconut should not be raised in these soils These soils can be used for agro forestry and building purposes. Interpretative groupmgs: i) Land capability subclass : JVs ii) Land irrigability subclass : 6s iii) Productivity potential : Very poor

52 SERIES G PhysICal and Chemical Properties 01 the Solis Location: Plot No: 6A Andrott Island (Profile No: LADTS) Classification :Sandy-skeletal, carbonatic, isohyperthermic, Typic Ustorthent

Depth Hor- Sand Silt Clay Coarse Text- ECe pH izon (20-005 (005-0002 «0002 frag ure 1.2.5 1: 2.5 (cm) mm) mm) mm) (vol%) (dS/m) water

0-7 Ap 783 127 9.0 60 Is 0.70 8.0 7-20 Cl 71 8 122 8.0 60 Is 0.00 8.2 20.46 C2 867 62 71 50 0.00 84 46-81 C3 915 52 33 40 0.00 89

Depth Org. C CaCO, Exchangeable Cations· CEC Base equiv Ca Mg Na K cmol (+)/ sat . (cm) (%) (%) <------cmol (+) / kg soil ------> kg soil ( %) 0-7 358 80 I 15 .10 3.94 049 0.3 1 7.7 100 7-20 284 75 .5 13 .79 281 034 016 75 100 20-46 1.13 936 1028 I 15 028 0.07 2.6 100 46-8J 0.28 96.0 822 055 033 0.03 0.6 100

Depth Org C Avail P,O, Avail Kp Avail Fe Avail Mn AvailZn AvailCu (crn) ( O~) (kg/ha) (kg/ha) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm)

0-7 358 9 228 390 1 55 015 0.03

• Includes IN "-IHpAc soluble compounds

53 SERIESH Series H is a member of sandy-skeletlal, carbonatic, isohyperthermic family of Lithic Ustorthents. These soils are shallow and have very dark brown, dark greyish brown or very dark greyish brown Ap horizons, developed over hard coral material, on nearly level to very gently sloping landscape in Chetlat, Kavarati and Kiltan islands, at an elevation less than 5m MSL The climate is humid tropical with a mean annual rainfall l715mm (Amini data) and 27 goC temperature. The temperature regime is isohyperthermic and moisture regime Ustic. Principal associated soils are series G which are deeper but sandy-skeletal Typic Ustorthents TypifYing pedon: 'H'-Ioamy sand-cultivated Ap 0-27 cm Dark greyish brown (I0YR 4/2D) very dark greyish brown (IOYR 3/2 M) loamy sand, single grain, loose, nonsticky and nonplastic, many coarse pores; about 65% fine coral fragments; many fine roots; violent effervescence; pH abrupt smooth boundary. R 27cm+ Coral rock

Range III characteriStics The solum depth ranges from 27 to 30 cm Texture range from gravelly sand to gravelly loamy sand. Colours of Ap horizon are in 10YR hue with values ranging from 2 to 4 and chromas from I to 2 Coarse fragments range from 50 to 75 per cent. Drainage alld permeability : The soils are excessively drained with rapid permeability. Type locatIOn In plot No.4B ofChetlat island. Series proposed NBSS & LUP, Regional Centre, Bangalore, 1995. Interpretation · The depth of the soil is less than 30 em hence not recommended for coconut or tall growing trees, which will suffer from in uprooting problems during the periods of strong wind5 The area may be reserved for social forestry and construction of buildings. Jlllerpretative groupings i) Land capability subclass Vis

ii) Land ~rrigability subclass 65 iii) Productivity potential Extremely poor.

54 SERIES H

Physical and Chemical Properties 01 the SoIls Location: Plot No: 48, Chetlat Island (Profi!e No: CHET14) Classification : Sandy-skeletal. carbonatic, Isohyperthermic, Lithic Ustorthent

Depth Hor- Sand Silt Clay Coarse Text- ECe pH izon (2.0-0.05 (0.05-0.002 «0.002 trag. ure 1.25 1:2.5 (cm) rnm) mm) mm) (vol%) (dS/m) water

0-27 Ap 81.0 9.0 10.0 65 .0 Is 0.18 8.1

Depth Org. C CaC03 Exchangeable Cations· CEC Base equiv. Ca Mg Na K emol (+)/ sat. (cm) (%) (%) <------cmol (+) / kg soil ------> kg soil (%) 0-27 2.90 825 10.35 2.50 1.09 0.27 12.4 100

Depth Org. C Avail p,os AvailK,O Avail .. Fe AvailMn AvailZn AvailCu (cm) (%) (kg/ha) (kg/ha) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) 0-27 2.90 98 191 8.57 294 2.42 1.50

• Includes IN NH.OAe soluble compounds

55 SERIES I

Series 1 is a member of the sandy-skeletal, carbonatic, isohypertherrnic family of Typic Ustorthents These soils are deep (101-150 cm) and have dark brown to dark greyish brown AP hori­ zons and brown, dark brown or very pale brown C horizons over hard coral material, on nearly level to very gently sloping landscapes in the islands of Kalpeni and Minicoy at an elevation of less than 5 m MSL. The climate is humid tropical with a mean annual rainfall ranging from 1728 mm (Minicoy) to I 934mm (Andrott data) and mean annual temperatures ranging from 27.3 to 27 7° C. Principal associated soils are E Series which are moderately shallow and classified as Typic Ustipsamments. TypifYing pedon 'I'-loamy sand-cultivated Ap 0-16 cm Dark brown (IOYR 4/3 M) loamy sand; single grain; fiiable, nonsticky and non-plastic; about 60% coarse coral gravel and stones; many fine pores; many medium and coarse roots; violent effervesnce; pH 8.0, clear smooth boundary. CI 16-40 cm Dark brown (I OYR 4/3 M) sand, single grain; fiiable non-sticky and non-plastic, about 70% coral stones and boulders; many fine pores; many medium to coarse roots; violent effervesnce; pH 8.4; gradual smooth boundary. C2 40-90 cm Brown (I OYR 5/3M) sand, single grain; friable, non-sticky and non-plastic; about 70% coral stones and boulders; many fine pores; many coarse and medium roots; violent effervesnce; pH 8.4; gradual smooth boundary. C3 90-l40cm Very pale brown (JOYR 8/3M) sand; single grain; fiiable non-sticky and non-plastic; about 70% coral stones and boulders; many fine pores; few coarse roots; violent effervescence; pH 9.0; abrupt smooth boundary. R Coral rock

Range in ~'haraclensljc.\' : The depth of solum ranges from I J 5 to 150 cm The colours of Ap horizon are in IOYR hues with values ranging from 4 to 6 and chromas from 2 to 3. Textures of sur­ face and sub soil horizons range from gravelly sand to gravelly loamy sand; colours ofC horizons

56 are also in 10YR hues with values ranging from 4 to 8 and chromas from 3 to 4. Coarse rragments in the solum (gravel, stones and boulders) vary from 40 to 70 percent. Climate ' The climate is humid tropical v.ith a mean annual rainfall of 1488 mm and mean annual temperature of 28 6° The temperature regime is isohyperthermic moisture regime is ustic. Drainage and permeability: These soils are excessively drained and have rapid permeability Use and vegetation Cultivated to coconut drumstick, bread-fruit to a limited extent The natural vegetation comprises, are neem, thespesia. scaveola, terminalia and grasses Distribution and extent. Soils are distributed in the islands of Minicoy and Kalpeni Type location: Plot No. 2c ofKalpeni island. Series proposed: NBSS & LOP, Regional Centre. Bangalore 1995 Interpretation: Soils are deep (l00-150 cm) with highly gravelly subsotl and are unsuitable for coconut. The area can be earmarked for agroforestry , with deep rooted species and building constructions. Interpretative groupings i) Land capability subclass . IVs ii) Land irrigability subclass ' 6s iii) Productivity potential Very Poor

57 SERIES I

Physical and Chemical Propelfles of the SoIls Location: Plot No: 2C Kalpeni Island (Profile No: LKLP19) Classification : Sandy-skeletal. carbonatlc, isohyperthermic, Typic Ustorthent

Depth Hor- Sand Silt Clay Coarse Text- ECe pH izon (2.0-0.05 (0.05-0.002 «0002 trag. ure 12.5 1:2.5 (cm) mm) mm) mm) (vol %) (dS/m) water

0-16 Ap 83 .2 8.7 8.1 60 Is 0.92 8.0 16-40 CI 91.0 5.4 3.6 70 0.26 8.4 40-90 C2 88.3 IIJ 0.4 70 053 8.4 90-140 C3 95.9 4.1 0.0 70 032 9.0

Depth Org. C CaC03 Exchangeable Cations· CEC Base equiv. Ca Mg Na K cmol (+)/ sat. (cm) (%) (%) <------cmol (+) / kg soil ------> kg soil (%)

0-16 4 .78 830 17.53 2.39 1.36 0.29 17 .0 100 16-40 1.08 99.5 832 0.29 0.23 0.04 2.5 100 40-90 1.18 99.2 9.31 0.39 0.48 0.02 2.3 100 90-140 0.24 99.0 6.37 0.48 035 0.00 0.1 100

Depth Org. C AvaiL p,o, AvaiL. Fe Avail.Mn AvaiLZn AvaiLCu (cm) (%) (kglha) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm)

0-16 4.78 27 200 7.49 10.59 0.76 0.11

• Includes IN NH.OAc soluble compounds

58 SERIES J Series J is a member of the carbonatic,isohyperthermic family of Typic Tropopsamments. These soils moderately deep (76-100 cm) and have brown to pale brown Ap horizons and brown to very pale brown C horizons, developed over hard coral materials. These soils occur in the nearly level low lands ofKalpeni island at an elevation ofless than 3 m MSL. The climate is humid tropical with a mean annual rainfall of 1934 mm (Andrott data) and mean annual temperature of27.7· C. Principal associated soils are series D which are moderately deep and are similar in texture but vary in drainage, geographical position and presence of water table. TYJJifYing Pedon' 'J'-loamy sand-cultivated Ap 0-14 em Brown (lOYR 5/3M), loamy sand; weak fine, granular structure; friable, non-sticky and non-plastic, violent effervescence; pH 8. I; clear smooth boundary. Cl 14-25 cm Pale brown (IOYR 6/3 M), loamy sand; weak, fine, subangular blocky structure; friable non-sticky and non-plastic; violent effervescence; pH 8.6; gradual smooth boundary. C2 25-40 cm Pale brown (I OYR 6/3 M), loamy sand; weak, fine granular structure; non-sticky and non plastic, violent effervescence, pH 8.8; gradual smooth boundary. C3 40-62 em Pale brown (I0YR 6/3M), loamy sand; single grain non-sticky and non-plastic; violent effervescence; pH 8.6. W 62cm Water table

Range ill (,haractenstlcs The depth of the solum ranges from 76 to 100 cm. The thickness of Ap horizon ranges from 10 to 14 em Textures are of sand and loamy sand, colours are in 10YR hues, with values ranging from 5 to 6 in Ap horizons and 5 to 8 in C horizons and Chromas of 3. Water table is seen between 40 to 75 em. Draillage alld Permeahility The soils are imperfectly drained with rapid permeability Use alld i'egelatioll Cultivated to vegetables and Coconut

59 Distribution and Extent: Distributed only in the island of Kalpeni Series proposed: NBSS & LUP, Regional Centre, Bangalore Interpretation : The soils being highly calcareous and sandy growing of cereals should be discouraged. Vegetable crops like cucurbits, tomato, brinjal, bhindi, banana and legumes may be raised along with green manure crops. Interpretative groupings I) Land capability IVsw 2) Land irrigability 4sd 3) Productivity Potential Poor

60 SERIES J

Physical and Chemical Properties of the Solis Location: Plot No: 56 Kalpeni Island (Profile No: LKLP13) Classification : Caroonatic, isohyperthermic, Typic Tropopsamment

Depth Hor- Sand Silt Clay Coarse Text- ECe pH izon (2.0-0.05 (0.05-0.002 «0.002 £Tag. ure 1:2.5 1:2.5 (cm) rom) rom) rom) (voL%) (dS/m) water

0-14 Ap 83 .0 9.4 7.6 Is 1.00 8.1 14-25 Cl 83.0 8.5 8.5 Is 0.25 8.6 25-40 C2 81.4 10.6 8.0 Is 0.19 8.8 40-62 C3 80.2 12 .8 7.0 Is 0.26 8.6

Depth Org. C CaCO, Exchangeable Cations' CEC Base equiv. Ca Mg Na K cmol (+)/ sat. (cm) (%) (%) <------cmol (+) / kg soil ------> kg soil (%) 0-14 2.39 85 .7 9.00 1.20 0.58 0.31 5.7 100 14-25 0.72 97.4 7.26 0.85 0.82 0.01 1.5 100 25-40 0.41 97.8 6.49 0.50 0.11 0.11 0.8 100 40-62 0.42 97.6 7.24 0.72 0.12 0.11 1.0 100

Depth Org. C Avail. pp, Avai1.K20 AvaiL.Fe Avai1.Mn AvaiLZn Avail.Cu (cm) (%) (kg/ha) (kg/ha) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) 0-14 2.39 39 243 9.35 1.54 U8 0.34

• Includes IN NH.,OAc soluble compounds

61 AVAILABLE NUTRIENT STATUS APPENDlXIl PROfil.E PLGr'llQ DE"'" HORIZON F. ,.. b> P.o. K,o (=) ..,...,__..__,'" '0 -' . ""'" AGATTI 20 IA 0-2 1 Ap 1.60 0.75 0.47 0.64 0.51 45 165 26 2C 0-16 Ap 2.67 2.05 0.02 0.24 1.20 54 128 1 5E 0-24 Ap 4.90 2.70 0.08 0.18 0.69 54 117 12 4F 0-20 Ap 3.26 080 0.22 0.21 0.72 45 21 27 5D 0-23 Ap 3.23 345 0.09 0.44 1.44 107 94

AMINI 4 6A 0-21 Ap 3.49 1.41 0.72 0.83 0.69 20 153 8 5B 0-19 Ap 1.82 1.73 0.29 0.53 1.05 454 165 19 1C 0-11 Ap 3.26 2.61 0.73 1.34 1.02 55 219 3 5C 0-16 Ap 2.14 2.64 0.23 1.17 1.05 107 231 5 5D 0-10 Ap 5.30 372 1.55 1.95 1.53 312 Jl3 9 4B 0-11 Ap 4.49 404 0.86 1.74 1.80 580 168

ANDROTT 9 6C 0-18 Ap 0.59 0.65 0 .03 0.20 0.90 36 27 12 1B 0-13 Ap 3.81 3.28 0.19 0.41 1.42 71 193 23 1B 0-13 Ap 6.44 7.33 0.26 0.51 3·63 54 344 5 2A 0-7 Ap 3.90 1.90 0.09 0.48 1.35 107 228 6 2A 0-12 Ap 5.33 4.24 0.09 0.34 0.99 351 159 8 2C 0-]0 Ap 4.90 409 0.06 0.46 1.47 116 76 II 7B 0- 12 Ap 2.35 2.94 om 0 .35 1.14 152 70 26 6A 0-14 Ap 1.47 1.11 0.50 0.73 1.02 553 125 27 7D 0- 12 Ap 2.47 2.25 1.40 1.08 0.81 275 121

BlmA 2 0-13 Ap 2.49 1.36 0.06 0.19 0.58 36 134 6 0-15 Ap 2.27 1.33 1.74 0.71 0.90 315 32

CHETLAT 2 1C 0-18 AP 1.05 0.79 0.Q4 0.19 0.21 71 19 5 2B 0-16 Ap 2.91 1.81 0.03 0.17 1.29 73 45 12 4B 0-30 Ap 9.09 2.46 1.18 1.19 4.44 170 256 14 4B 0-27 Ap 8.57 2.94 1.50 2.42 3.21 98 191 1 1A 0-20 Ap 1.43 0.67 0,0] 0.19 0.54 71 76 4 2A 0-16 Ap 1.41 l.JI 126 0.62 1.78 125 105

KADMAT 4 1C 0-18 Ap 458 5.06 0.11 0.63 2.91 36 144 lJ 3B 0-28 Ap 3.7 1 3.85 0.23 1.60 1.50 63 146 20 4A 0-10 Ap 2.26 1.89 0.09 0.29 0.84 214 55 23 4C 0-14 Ap 2.45 1.45 0.05 0.21 0.61 9 41 1 1A 0-16 Ap 3.41 2.92 0.00 0.24 1.14 70 81 2 1B 0-10 Ap 2.45 2.18 0.03 0.21 1.89 42 65 2A IC 0-27 Ap 1.92 3.68 0.04 0.83 0.39 134 220 5 1D 0-16 Ap 1.77 1.55 0.03 0.1 0.33 9 40 II 2D 0-16 Ap 2.33 2.42 0.04 0.26 1.14 88 95

62 KALPEN1

48 0-17 Ap 0.99 0.88 0.05 0.21 1.44 178 21 9 3D 0-18 Ap 2.05 1.88 0.60 0.61 082 27 59 11 38 0-11 Ap 3.15 2.44 0.19 0.48 0.75 62 101 12 5C 0-10 Ap 6.35 2.25 0.82 1.10 0.45 249 218 6 3D 0-10 Ap 4.85 2.25 0.19 0.49 0.45 51 29 17 20 0-10 Ap 2.51 2.02 0.10 0.99 1.80 81 85 20 6A 0-15 Ap 3.19 2.79 0.11 0.25 1.62 161 127 5 6A 0-13 Ap 6.)9 4.78 1.63 2.36 0.63 115 278 16 3A 0-13 Ap 1.83 1.78 0.22 0.34 1.20 71 55 8 48 0-18 Ap 1.87 1.58 0.17 0.47 0.12 108 24 13 58 0-14 Ap 9.35 1.54 0.35 1.38 1.35 39 43 18 2C 0-13 Ap 3.89 3.40 0.01 0.25 090 133 134 19 2C 0-17 Ap 7.49 10 .59 0 .11 0.76 1.02 27 200

KAVARATTI 25 40 0-23 Ap 1.92 2.48 0.90 2.75 OM 303 68 32 5A 0-20 Ap 2.59 5.43 0.14 1.13 2.04 171 227 9 20 0-29 Ap 8.85 4.38 0.74 1.55 2.50 54 71 41 68 0-30 Ap 2.76 4.21 0.07 0.27 1.14 46 127 43 68 0-28 AP 7.21 7.95 0.21 0.43 423 124 410 2 2A 0-24 Ap 1.94 '2.08 0.08 1.39 063 54 84 8 4P 0-24 Ap 1.67 1.65 0.33 0.45 0.90 445 71 17 4P 0-18 Ap 11.92 2.09 0.28 0.52 2.43 71 112

KlLTAN 1 1A 0-29 Ap 14.22 5.43 0.76 1.17 0.36 230 305 19 3C 0-27 Ap 3.65 2.77 0.12 0.42 0.41 9 133 21 ]0 0-30 Ap 14.84 4.14 1.62 ].40 4.23 34 ]24 22 3C 0-29 Ap 2.83 2.10 0.16 0.59 0.93 ]6 42 14 20 0-22 Ap 3.08 3.54 0.05 0.23 1.23 43 126 15 2C 0-23 Ap 3.23 1.93 0.04 0.26 129 19 79

MINICOY 6 9 0-13 Ap 1.5 125 70 11 8 0-10 Ap 1.72 2.01 0.Q3 0.53 0.42 302 96 19 6 0-10 Ap 12.24 7.91 0. 14 0.04 1.74 73 226 2 7 0-13 Ap 3.35 2.53 0.05 0.18 1.83 62 178 3 6 0-11 Ap 2.72 2.05 0.15 2.25 1.05 181 82 10 3A 0-14 Ap 4.10 3.58 0.04 0.27 2.10 102 95

6 3 APPENDIX III Analysis of Wafer Samples

Sample pH EC K N. Co MS CO, HCO, CI SO, NO, No dS/m meqllitre Chell.!

8.0 2. I 2.3 10.0 6.n 10.0 I I 9.4 13.0 2.3

8.5 20 2.8 94 6.0 8.0 18 86 100 16

8.4 0.6 0.6 1 0 50 5.0 J.I 6.2 0.0 0.4

Kodmat

7.7 30.0 31.0 209.0 15.0 560 0.4 12.7 2740 3.1

2 77 77 9.5 50.0 9.0 12.0 0.0 7. 1 65.0 0.0

7.9 3.8 4.4 22.0 7.5 85.0 0.7 10.4 22.0 2.3

78 1.4 1.5 5.0 3.0 7.0 0.7 5.3 8.2 0.8

7.8 1.0 1.0 2.9 9.0 4.0 0.4 5.7 7.7 1.3

6 78 0.9 J.2 3.2 5.0 6.0 0.0 3.7 7.8 0.8

Kilian 76 7.7 9.5 48.7 11.0 12.0 0.0 6.4 55.0 5.8

77 2.4 25 11.5 8.0 3.0 0.0 6.0 14.0 1.3

76 1.0 II 2.9 5.0 6.0 0.0 6.7 3.3 0.9 i\gatti I 7.8 10.0 I 10 70.0 14.0 28.0 0.7 7.9 9 1. 0 4.0

8.5 5.2 6.8 28.7 8.0 14.0 14 4.8 45 .0 Z2

8.1 2.0 26 7.7 7.0 7.0 0.7 5.5 11.0 2.9

Minicoy 1 81 2.5 2.5 11.0 8.0 7.0 04 6.0 16.0 2.9

8.2 1.3 1.6 5.7 7.0 3.0 J.I 2.5 6.1 H

78 3.7 3.6 17.0 9.0 13 .0 0.0 IJ.7 23 .0 5.5

K.a\·aratll I 7.6 9.7 11.0 60.6 7.0 21.0 1.8 85 70.0 132

7.7 18.0 20.0 144 12.0 38.0 0.0 8.8 171.0 95

7.9 L3 1.5 5.3 50 60 0.4 6.7 4.5 2.7

Andran 1 8.2 0.4 0.4 1.3 2.8 0.8 0.3 3.3 1.4 0.2 OB

8.6 I.l 0.0 5.7 1.3 5.9 I 2 7.0 4.5 0.2 0.03

8.3 1.6 0.0 9.7 4.1 6.6 1.5 7.1 10.0 15 0.06

Amini I 8.7 17 01 13 .1 0.6 5.0 2.1 2 3 11.0 2.7 V04

8.9 1.9 0.1 12.7 4.2 3.6 1.2 4.8 12 2.6 V08

8.7 0.4 0.0 0.6 1.5 II 0.6 I 5 1.0 0 1 0.04

65

AGATTI SL

LEGEND ~ AbAI : Series A loamy sand, on 0-1% slope, slightly eroded 146.2 AbBI: Series A, loamy sand, on 1-3% slope, slightly eroded 32.0 _ BbAI: Series B, loamy sand, on 0-1% slope, slightly eroded 47.5 III BbB 1: Series B, loamy sand, on 1-3% slope, slightly eroded 18.9 CcAI: Series C, sandy loam on 0-1% slope, slightly eroded 14.9 !iii Aerodrome: 11.9

27 1.0 ha. SOIL DEPTH DRAINAGE

legend I egend % 0/0 ~ Excessive 90.25 mEa Mod. deep 5.51 ~ Imperfect 5.51 ~ Deep 24.49 ~ Aerodrome 4.24 ~ Very deep 65.76 ~ Aerodrome 4.24 TEXTURE PARTICLE SIZE CLASS

eoend eORod % Loamy sand 96~25 B Sandy 90.25 ~ Sandy loam 5.51 Coarse-1Damy 5.51 ~ Aerodrome 4.24 ~ Aerodrome 4.24 POTENTIAL LANDUSE

L___ E~~~c:]~~E=?~_r=JL-~c:j~-- % Agend % b:3 Coconut/Hort./Vegetables 90.25 IVs 90.25 Vegetables/Legumes ~:;! IVsw 5 .51 ~ Aerodrome liS Aerodrome 4.24 AMINI SOILS

oN

LEGEND ArJ:a AaAl: Series A, S

5 Profile number 2590ha TEXTURE oN

PARTICLE SIZE CLASSES

LJ8....I~=-r::u:L 0/0 64.75 30 .34 4. 92

LAND CAPABILITY POTENTIAL LAND USE

'----"'=--gl...E=--=L...<::.o..... 0/0 64.75 30.34 4.92 ANDROTT SOILS

LEGEND _ BaB I· Series B, sand on 1-3% slope, slightly eroded 74.7 IIllI BbAl. Series B, loamy sand, on 0-1 % slope, slightly eroded 12 6 _ BbBl. Series B, loamy sand, on 1-3% slope, slightly eroded 321 CeAl Series C, sandy loam on 0-1% slope, slightly eroded 155.8 m DbB I Series D, loamy sand, on 1-3% slope, slightly eroded 130 4 ,. DeB!. Series D, sandy loam, on 1-3% slope, slightly eroded 53 5 _ GgeBl· Series G, gravelly sandy loam on 1-3% slope, slightly 22.7 eroded _ Marshy area 2 2

Profile number 5 4840 ha. oN

DRAINAGE

Excess!ve 67.36 E:;;!l I"",erfect 32.19 IIIID Marshy area 0.45

LAND CAPABILITY _ Sand 15. 43 Loaoy sand 36 . 17 Sandy loa. 43.25 IBSiI Gravelly sandy loa. 4.70 II1II Marshy area 0.45 oN PARTICLE SIZE CLASSES

IZ:?l Sandy 62.67 Sandy-skeletal 4.70 Coarse-loaay 32 .19 I!IlII ~.arshy area 0.45

POTENTIAL LAND USE

~ Coconut/Hort./Yegetables 62.67 Il1IJ Yegetables/legu.. s 32 . 19 Hort.tForestry/Mlsc . 4.70 lIIIII Marshy area 0.45 BITRA SOILS

LEGEND AreJ! AaAl: Series A, sand on 0-1% slope, slightly eroded 9.0 .. FbB2 Series F, loamy sand don 1-3% slope, moderately eroded 1.0

5 Profile number 10.0 ha SLOPE LAND CAPABILITY

L..ege.ru1% I¥I 111.11 IIIDvI! l'-li!

DEPTH TEXTURE

EROSION POTENTIAL LAND USE Le.w=d ;i: ~~~~L£~=L~~ B~~~, lO:~ 10.63 CHETLAT SOILS

LEGEND AID AaAl : Series A, sand, on 0-1 % slope, slightly eroded 3S 4 E3 AaAlst: Series A, sand, on 0-1 % slope with moderate - surface stoniness, slightly eroded 6.7 AaBl . Series A, sand, on 1-3% slope, slightly eroded 13 S III GgaAI Series A, sand. on 0-1 % slope slightly eroded 330 HgbA2. Series H, gravelly loamy sand, on 1-3% slope, moderately eroded ]3.1 - Sand dunes 2.3 104.0 ha. DRAINAGE PARTICLE SIZE CLASSES

egeo ri % Excessl vs 97.73 I Basad 0/0 Sand dunes 2.27 - Sandy 53.41 Sandy-eke letal 44.32 IIDIl SInd dunes 2,27

LAND CAPABILITY KADMAT SOILS

LEGEND Am AaA I: Series A, sand on 0-1% slope, slightly eroded 91.8 AaB I: Series A, loamy sand, on 1-3% slope, slightly eroded 35.3 DbA I: Series D, loamy sand, on 0-1 % slope, slightly eroded 39.6 DbB 1: Series D, loamy sand, on 1-3% slope, slightly eroded 3.9 EbA2 : Series E, loamy sand, on 0-1 % slope, moderately eroded 41.3 EbB!: Series E, loamy sand, on 1-3% slope, slightly eroded 83 FbA2: Series F, loamy sand on 0-1 % sloped, moderately eroded 47.4 FbB2: Series P, loamy sand on 1-3% sloped, moderately eroded 79 Quarry 6.8 Sand dunes 30.7

Profile number 313 0 ha lAND CAPABILITY

8Q80d % % _ Shallow 17.67 IVs 70.35 !m Mod. shallow 15.83 Il!II!J VIs 17.67 C1l Mod. deep 13 .93 IJJ:j Quarry 2.17 _Deep 40.59 Sand dunes 9.81 !lmIJ Quarry 2.17 Sand dunes 9.81 TEXTURE POTENTIAllANDUSE

E':! r;;;::;:;J E':! t::=l c::l egeo ri % % ~ Coconut/Hort . /Vegetables 54.52 _Sand 40 . 59 D Hart. /VegetalJ les 15.83 Loamy sand 47 . 43 _ Fores try/Misc. 17.67 Quarry 2.17 c::J Quarry 2.17 Sand dunes 9.81 Sand dunes 9 . 81 SLOPE EROSION KALPENI SOILS

LEGEND ~ AaBI : Series A, sand, on 1-3% slope, slightly eroded 24.5 BbAI' Series B, loamy sand on 0-1 % slope, slightly eroded 11.0 BbB I: Series B, loamy sand on 1-3% slope, slightly eroded 0.9 DaB I ' Series D, loamy sand, on 1-3% slope with surface gravelliness 6.0 DbA I' Series D, loamy sand on 0-1 % slope, slightly eroded II 9 DbBI Series D, loamy sand, on 1-3% slope, slightly eroded 63 .1 EbB I Series E, loamy sand, on 1-3% slope, slightly eroded 22.3 IgbB I Series I, gravelly loamy sand, on 1-3% slope, slightly eroded 47.7 ~ JbA I . Series J, loamy sand. on 0-1 % slope, slightly eroded 408

Unsurveyed [sl~ts 4.8

233 .0 ha -:!!.o ...... ro .....'" "0 -'"'" >-'" U)I >'" >->-'­ "0"0::::1 CCU) roroc UlUl::::J

InOlD "

"0 >U>-"' .... '" .r-t ID OJ U) ~ > U) '- '­ UQ.U)'" "'::::I X E c WH::::J

w ~ 4( Z o~ en cu .0 ro .., u cu en en Cl CU ...... WEUl::E >::::JCU ...... Ol~ >- • OJ .c L +J ,....., C'C +J c...... +JUl OUlIDQJ'C ...... cWOJt...CU ,.....,mo>­ -tJ.o>u..W ~CO ...... > c: +-' • • c... OQJ+J+-J:::J u en c... c... m o III 0 0 c: U>:c::r:::l

lOC1T"--NlQ lClrulOlnO cnrul!')ON,. to"'­ o "0 ~ 0. o.cu ro cu cu,., ccu cu cu en "0 "0> t- . . a. >-:J 'C"'OWc..UJ 00 QJ OJ c: ::::E::EO>::l

fw Q ~ffl~~ ~;i~ru KILTAN SOILS oN

LEGEND ~ AaAl : Series A, sand, on 0-1% slope, slightly eroded 57 .0 AaB2 : Series A, loamy sand, on 1-3% slope, moderately eroded 38.1 - GgaA 1: Series G, gravelly sand, on 0-1 % slope, slightly eroded 17.9 HgbAI : Series H, gravelly loamy sand, on 0·1% slope, slightly eroded 42 .1 HgbB2: Series H, gravelly loamy sand, on 1·3% slope, moderately eroded

Profile number 163.0 ha DEPTH TEXTURE

% 30.20 10.81 58. 99 EROSION PARTICLE SIZE CLASSES

§~L...E:!..l~-D..l']_ % 70.76 29.24

POTENTIAL LAND

( L.J:~::..u.u.. % % 69.BO 58.99 30.20 10.81 30.20

N ~ KAVARATTI SOILS oN

AIM AaB I: Series A, sand, on 1-3% slope, slightly eroded 191.2 BbA1: Series B, loamy sand, on 0-1 % slope, slightly eroded 76.7 CcAI: Series C, sandy loam, on 0-1% slope, slightly eroded 53.5 DbAI: Series D, loamy sand, on 0-1% slope, slightly eroded 17.1 HgbAl: Series H, gravelly loamy sand on 0-1 % slope, slightly eroded 24.5

363.0 ha. DEPTH

LAND CAPABILITY

legend % IVs 78.51 IVs. 14 .74 llilJvIs 6.75

N ~ DRAINAGE

0/0 Excessive 85.26 m Imperfect 14.74

TEXTURE

rIII'l.Il Sand Loamy sand Sandy loam 14.74 IlH!l Grave II y loarny sand 6 . 75 PARTICLE SIZE CLASSES

0/0 7B.51 6.75 14.74

POTENTIAL LAND USE

~~~~~~~~~~ 0/0 7B.51 14.74 6.75 oN MINICOY SOILS LEGEND ~ N BbAI : Series B, loamy sand, on 0-1% slope, slightly eroded 13.9 CeAI : Series C, loamy sand, on 0-1 % slope, slightly eroded 35 .9 o CeB I: Series C, loamy sand, on 1-3% slope, slightly eroded 6,9 DaA I: Series D, sand, on 0-1 % slope, slightly eroded 110.0 f.t /:d DaBi. Series D, sand, on 1-3% slope, slightly eroded 57.0 ~ J DbBI: Series D, loamy sand, on 1-3% slope, slightly eroded 13.6 EaAl: Series E, sand, on 0-1% slope, slightly eroded 10.0 EaB I' Series E, sand, on 1-3% slope, slightly eroded 66.5 EbAl: Series E, loamy sand, on 0-1% slope, slightly eroded 2.8 I, ..IgbB I:Series graveUy loamy sand on 1-3% slope slightly eroded 48.3 Habitation 72.1

5 Profile number 437.0 ha. TEXTURE

0/ E? 0 E? r=1 cj 0 lUIIJ Sand 55.70 LOaMY sand 6.94 I8S!!l Sandy loam 9.80 _ Goavelly loamy sand 11. 05 W Habitation 16.50 PARTICLE SIZE CLASSES

eoeo d % I'llllI Sandy 62.64 Sandy-skeletal I!. 05 Coarse-loa.y 9 . 80 EI:I Habitation 16.50 LAND CAPABI LITY

! eOAn d 0/0 IVa 73.70 _ IVaw 9 . 80 Habitation 16.50 POTENTIAL LAND USE

E3QE3=d 0/0 -= Coconut/Hort ./Vegetables 44 .51 _ Vegetables/legumes 9 .80 mm Hort ./vegetables 18.13 Hort. /Forsstry /Mlsc. . 11.05 §3 Habitation 16 . 50

oN