International Journal of Chemical Studies 2018; 6(5): 3294-3297

P-ISSN: 2349–8528 E-ISSN: 2321–4902 IJCS 2018; 6(5): 3294-3297 Soil characteristics and leaf nutritional factors © 2018 IJCS Received: 10-07-2018 contributing towards citrus decline in Morshi Accepted: 11-08-2018 Tehsil of Amravati district, Maharashtra state Indranil S Pathare Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College Indranil S Pathare, MM Raut, RA Tembhurkar and DD Dahule of Agriculture Nagpur, Maharashtra, India Abstract

The present investigation in relation to "Soil Characteristics and Leaf Nutritional Status in Declined MM Raut Department of Soil Science and Nagpur Mandarin Orchards in Morshi Tehsil of Amravati District”, was undertaken during 2017- 18. Agricultural Chemistry, College Twelve orchards from declined condition were selected on the basis of their yield performance and visual of Agriculture Gadchiroli, observations from five locations of Morshi tehsil viz., Nimbhi, Shirkhed, Ladki, Dapori and Maharashtra, India Chikhalsawangi were selected to evaluate the soil characteristics and leaf nutritional status and fruit quality of Nagpur mandarin. Twelve soil profile samples were taken from 0-30, 30-60 and 60-90 cm RA Tembhurkar depth randomly selected over the field of Nagpur mandarin and collected leaf and fruit samples were Department of Soil Science and analyzed for quality parameters. The results indicated that, the soil reaction was slightly to moderately Agricultural Chemistry, College alkaline, with pH value varied from 7.41 to 8.45, EC ranges from 0.234 to 0.372 dS m-1 indicating the of Agriculture Nagpur, non saline nature of these soils, free calcium carbonate varied from 5.90 to 14.50%. Soils of declined Maharashtra, India orchard contained more than 10% CaCO3 in sub surface soils. As all soils contained more than 5%

CaCO3 they were categorized as calcareous soils. Organic carbon showed decreasing trend with soil DD Dahule depth and soils contained low in organic carbon. The available nitrogen was found to be low, phosphorus Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College was very low to low, potassium was low to very high and sulphur was low to moderate. The DTPA of Agriculture Nagpur, extractable micronutrients in soil varied from low to moderately high for zinc, iron, copper and Maharashtra, India manganese respectively.

Keywords: Nagpur mandarin, declining orchards, soil fertility

Introduction Citrus is the most important fruit crop in the world and is produced in over 100 countries in all

six continents, and it is often regarded as golden fruit or queen of all fruits. Citrus is the World’s leading fruit crop. It occupies about 9% of total land under various fruits in India. It is believed that most of the species under the genus citrus are native to tropical and sub-tropical regions of south-east Asia. The optimum temperature for growth and fruit development is 30 to 35 °C. Physiological activities declined beyond 35 °C. High temp above 40 °C cause

excessive fruit drops. High temperature also causes early maturity of fruits and has been of poor quality. The symptoms of heat injury appear at 35 to 37.7 °C. Citrus is grown on various soil types, but in view of high oxygen demand for its roots, light sandy to medium loam soils are considered best. Under prolonged conditions of poor drainage progressive injury and death of root occur, leading to decreased performance of tree. Soil with high clay (> 60%) content

should be avoided for cultivation of citrus. Water logging favours spread of soil borne fungal diseases. Most of the feeding roots are confined in the first one meter depth of soil. No hardpan or Kankar layer within 2 m depth is desirable. Water table should be below 2 m depth from surface all through the year. The ideal soil described for mandarin orange (citrus) is medium or loam with slightly heavier subsoil. The optimum pH range for citrus is 5.5 to 6.5.

Material and Methods The present investigation in relation to “Soil characteristics and leaf nutritional status of declined Nagpur mandarin orchards in Morshi tehsil of Amravati district” was undertaken Correspondence during the year 2017-2018 to assess the nutrient content and quality of Nagpur mandarin MM Raut Department of Soil Science and considering the different nutrient management practices. Agricultural Chemistry, College The 12 declined Nagpur mandarin orchards were selected from Morshi tehsil of Amravati of Agriculture Gadchiroli, district and depth wise soil sampling were done along with the leaf and fruit samples of Maharashtra, India ~ 3294 ~ International Journal of Chemical Studies

Nagpur mandarin. The present investigation on soil and soil structure. It improves soil aggregation and influences characteristics and leaf nutritional status of declined Nagpur infiltration, movement and retention of soil water, soil mandarin orchards as influenced by various nutrient content aeration, soil temperature and root penetration. OC it varied was carried out at farmer’s fields in Morshi tehsil of Amravati from 1.65 to 4.85 g kg-1 with different depths in declined district. The five locations were selected viz., Nimbhi, Nagpur mandarin orchards. Similar results were observed by Chikhalsawangi, Dapori, Ladaki, Shirkhed. The soils under Likhar and Prasad, (2011) [9]. the study area was medium to deep black (Vertisol) and well drained. In order to study the chemical properties and B] Soil nutrient status of declined Nagpur mandarin micronutrients status of soil, a soil profile samples were taken orchards from 0-30 cm, 30-60 cm, and 60-90 cm depth, from randomly Available nitrogen content in declined orchards soils varied selected spots over the field of orchard. Soil samples from all from 75.00 to 198.27 kg ha-1 with different depths in declined locations were analyzed for various soil properties in order to Nagpur mandarin orchards. All soils of orange orchards were assess the fertility status of soil. categorized as low to very low in available nitrogen. Similar Soil samples were analyzed for total nitrogen and available findings were reported by Kuchanwar et al. (2017) [10]. nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur by modified The available phosphorus content in declining mandarin Kjeldhal’s method (Pipper, 1966) [2], alkaline potassium orchards soils ranged from 7.45 to 15.63 kg ha-1 with different permanganate method (Subbaih and Asija, 1956) [4], Olsens depths in declined Nagpur mandarin orchards. Similar method (Jackson, 1967) [3], flame photometer method findings were reported by Kuchanwar et al. (2017) [10]. (Jackson, 1967) [3] and turbidimetric method (Chopra and Available potassium content in declined orange orchards Kanwar, 1976) [5], respectively. Exchangeable cations ranged from 157.80 to 390.65 kg ha-1 with different depths in (calcium and magnesium) were determined by neutral normal declined Nagpur mandarin orchards. Similar findings were ammonium acetate method (Pipper, 1966) [2]. Available reported by Kuchanwar et al. (2017) [10] who reported that micronutrients (copper, zinc, iron and manganese) were available potassium content in surface soils of declined determined by Atomic absorption spectrophotometer in Nagpur mandarin orchards in Warud Tehsil of Amravati DTPA- extract (Lindsay and Norvell, 1978) [6]. district were ranged from 327.5 to 750.4 kg ha-1. The available Sulphur content in declining mandarin orchards Results and Discussion soils ranged from 8.24 to 10.58 mg kg-1. The result showed A] Chemical properties of soils of declined Nagpur that there was no any uniform increase or decreased in mandarin orchards available sulphur content with depth of the soil. Depth wise distribution showed pH of surface soils varied between 7.5 to 8.2 and in respect of all soils of Mandarin C] Available micronutrient status of soils of declined orchards. Electrical conductivity gives insight about the Nagpur mandarin orchards presence of soluble salts and used as one of the criteria to The term micronutrients denote the elements, which are differentiate between saline and non –saline soil. The Ec essential for the plant but are required in small amounts. The ranged from 0.23 dS m-1 to 0.37 dS m-1. The results are in main source of micronutrients in soil is the parent material or conformity with the Kumar et al. (2011) [7] who found that, rocks from which the soil have been formed. From the nature under both healthy (0.44 - 0.53 dS m-1) and declined (0.45- of parent material of soil, it is possible to have an idea of the 0.54 dS m-1) trees showed no significant difference and was deficiency or excess of micronutrient in it. The over well within the critical limit of 0.9-1.7 dS m-1. Presence of exploitation of soil which are naturally degraded are free calcium carbonate denotes the calcareousness of soil. confronted by a number of problems, among them Calcareous soil can be identified in field, if it contains micronutrient deficiency is common feature in soils of India sufficient calcium carbonate (or magnesium /other and in particular, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu deficiencies are of carbonates) by effervescence when react with cold dilute HCl. paramount importance in soils of Maharashtra. The calcium not only improves the structure of soil but is also DTPA-Fe content in healthy and declined orchards varied concerned with the decomposition of soil organic matter and from 3.12 to 7.14 mg kg-1 with different depths in declined synthesis of humus. The calcium carbonate content ranged Nagpur mandarin orchards. Available manganese content in between 5.90 to 14.30%. Similar results were observed by declined orange orchards ranged from 4.25 to 12.26 mg kg-1. Reddy et al. (2013) [8]. The importance of soil organic carbon DTPA-Cu varied from in declining mandarin orchards. 1.05 (SOC) in sustaining soil productivity is known since the dawn to 2.90 mg kg-1. Similar observations were also reported by of human civilization. Soil organic carbon is of prime Srivastava and Patel (2014).DTPA-Zn in soils of declined importance for various plant nutrient cycles and influence soil Nagpur mandarin orchards ranged from 0.20 to 0.55 mg kg-1. color, water retention, bulk density, susceptibility to erosion

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Table 1: Chemical properties of soils of declined Nagpur mandarin Table 2: Soil nutrient status of declined Nagpur mandarin orchards orchards N P K S -1 -1 Pedon Depth(cm) Depth (cm) pH EC (dS m ) CaCO3 (%) Org. C (g kg ) (kg ha-1) (kg ha-1) (kg ha-1) (mg kg-1) Location 1: Nimbhi Location 1: Nimbhi 0-30 7.41 0.276 6.81 3.62 0-30 185.21 15.41 390.65 9.54 30-60 7.50 0.363 8.72 3.21 30-60 166.03 13.13 360.38 8.41 60-90 7.54 0.372 9.31 3.12 60-90 145.10 11.23 256.62 8.25 Location 2: Nimbhi Location 2: Nimbhi 0-30 7.61 0.272 5.90 3.51 0-30 190.83 14.25 330.21 9.30 30-60 7.64 0.314 7.56 2.68 30-60 150.00 11.33 280.20 8.24 60-90 7.66 0.328 7.65 2.30 60-90 130.30 09.54 205.26 7.18 Location 3: Nimbhi Location 3: Nimbhi 0-30 7.71 0.272 7.12 4.20 0-30 195.50 13.28 346.42 9.26 30-60 8.01 0.293 8.23 3.70 30-60 172.54 11.65 302.81 8.60 60-90 8.02 0.298 8.68 3.41 60-90 143.09 08.41 235.35 6.97 Location 4: Ladki Location 4: Ladki 0-30 7.62 0.280 6.15 4.13 0-30 183.23 13.53 336.46 8.25 30-60 7.82 0.246 7.26 3.53 30-60 155.41 11.48 290.80 7.63 60-90 7.85 0.261 8.37 3.31 60-90 146.68 09.56 205.34 6.52 Location 5: Ladki Location 5: Ladki 0-30 7.85 0.263 6.10 4.85 0-30 190.38 14.37 380.69 9.47 30-60 7.90 0.285 7.21 4.13 30-60 120.23 11.25 265.58 8.78 60-90 7.96 0.295 8.30 3.15 60-90 100.40 08.61 157.80 7.45 Location 6: Shirkhed Location 6: Shirkhed 0-30 8.10 0.292 12.70 3.81 0-30 183.89 15.63 350.07 9.62 30-60 8.22 0.321 13.34 2.95 30-60 130.12 11.28 320.11 7.99 60-90 8.45 0.353 13.78 2.10 60-90 090.01 09.22 214.50 6.23 Location 7: Shirkhed Location 7: Shirkhed 0-30 7.91 0.236 7.35 4.05 0-30 190.51 13.84 365.39 10.58 30-60 8.01 0.252 10.35 3.10 30-60 140.03 11.26 313.13 8.10 60-90 8.20 0.321 12.23 2.25 60-90 105.22 08.25 280.55 7.65 Location 8: Dapori Location 8: Dapori 0-30 7.73 0.234 9.02 3.50 0-30 198.27 14.23 350.86 9.70 30-60 7.81 0.252 10.21 2.40 30-60 132.25 11.47 224.43 9.57 60-90 8.01 0.313 14.30 2.10 60-90 110.38 09.28 181.52 8.43 Location 9: Dapori Location 9: Dapori 0-30 7.92 0.252 9.67 4.25 0-30 165.01 13.60 370.21 9.58 30-60 7.91 0.283 11.25 3.10 30-60 133.52 12.06 290.57 8.23 60-90 8.03 0.306 13.28 2.25 60-90 118.34 08.59 227.60 7.40 Location 10: Chikhalsawangi Location 10: Chikhalsawangi 0-30 8.02 0.254 8.21 4.80 0-30 160.11 12.58 350.33 8.24 30-60 8.13 0.307 10.03 4.05 30-60 120.35 09.81 270.68 7.31 60-90 8.30 0.323 10.75 3.15 60-90 095.23 07.45 165.18 6.56 Location 11: Chikhalsawangi Location 11: Chikhalsawangi 0-30 7.82 0.236 10.70 3.95 0-30 156.45 14.00 354.29 8.74 30-60 8.03 0.259 13.93 3.75 30-60 120.31 11.23 305.05 7.62 60-90 8.25 0.323 14.50 2.10 60-90 090.13 09.35 258.58 6.65 Location 12: Chikhalsawangi Location 12: Chikhalsawangi 0-30 8.03 0.257 9.25 3.60 0-30 152.45 13.22 354.27 9.40 30-60 8.11 0.306 12.61 2.10 30-60 115.71 09.58 302.30 8.53 60-90 8.40 0.337 13.70 1.65 60-90 075.00 07.85 225.56 7.32

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Table 3: Available micronutrient status of soils of declined Nagpur References mandarin orchards 1. Anonymous. Area, Production and productivity of citrus

Fe Mn Cu Zn Indian Horticulture. Database, 2017. http:// Depth (cm) (mg kg-1) www.nhb.gov.in Location 1 : Nimbhi 2. Piper CS. Soil and Plant analysis Adelaide, Australia, 0-30 5.42 10.26 2.11 0.45 1966. 30-60 7.14 7.57 1.68 0.36 3. Jackson ML. Soil chemical analysis prentice Hall of 60-90 5.15 4.45 1.18 0.30 India, pvt. Ltd. New Delhi, 1967. Location 2 : Nimbhi 4. Subbiah BV, Asija GL. A rapid procedure for 0-30 5.03 11.25 2.27 0.38 determination of available nitrogen in soil. Current Sci. 30-60 5.40 8.54 1.49 0.22 1956; 25:256-260. 60-90 7.55 6.98 1.10 0.20 5. Chopra SR, Kanwar JS. Analytical Agricultural Location 3 : Nimbhi Chemistry. Kalyani Publishers. New Delhi, 1976, 282p. 0-30 4.25 10.33 2.79 0.52 6. Lindsay WL, Norvell WA. Development of DTPA soil 30-60 4.43 6.98 2.10 0.32 test for Zinc, Iron, Manganese and Copper. Soil Sci. Soc. 60-90 5.21 4.69 1.55 0.20 Am. J. 1978; 42:421- 428. Location 4 : Ladki

0-30 4.65 12.09 2.71 0.51 7. Kumar PS, Sharma S, Dhanekar, Pratap S. Studies on 30-60 4.72 6.98 2.10 0.54 ‘Kinnow’ (Citrus reticulata Blanco) decline in relation to 60-90 4.48 4.69 1.55 0.31 soil-plant nutritional status. Electronic 2067-3264 Not. Location 5 : Ladki Sci. Biol. 2011; 3(3):109-112. 0-30 3.70 8.10 2.20 0.42 8. Reddy B, Guldekar VD, Balakrishnan N. Influence of 30-60 3.90 6.80 2.03 0.39 soil calcium carbonate on yield and quality of Nagpur 60-90 3.98 4.43 1.57 0.22 mandarin. African J of Agri. Research, 2013; 8(42):5193- Location 6 : Shirkhed 5196. 0-30 3.12 11.25 2.90 0.46 9. Likhar CK, Prasad J. Productivity and suitability 30-60 3.70 8.54 2.03 0.36 assessment of some orange (Citrus reticulate) growing 60-90 4.10 4.49 1.60 0.31 soils in Nagpur. J Ind. Soc. Soil Sci. 2011; 81(6):500- Location 7 : Shirkhed 505. 0-30 4.35 9.87 2.44 0.51 10. Kuchanwar OD, Chopde N, Deshmukh S. Soil fertility 30-60 4.49 8.29 2.38 0.32 and plant nutritional factors contributing towards citrus 60-90 5.25 4.37 1.80 0.23 decline in central India. Annals of plant and soil Location 8: Dapori Research. 2017; 19(3):319-323. 0-30 3.69 9.25 2.12 0.48 11. Srivastava AK, Patel P. Fertility indexing for acid lime 30-60 3.90 7.30 1.64 0.36 60-90 4.10 5.35 1.13 0.30 growing smectite soils. Annals of Plant and Soil Location 9 : Dapori Research. 2014; 16(1):25-28. 0-30 4.49 12.26 2.16 0.55 30-60 4.72 9.45 1.93 0.39 60-90 4.49 5.40 1.37 0.22 Location 10: Chikhalsawangi 0-30 3.70 10.57 2.89 0.42 30-60 4.12 8.55 1.76 0.39 60-90 4.48 5.25 1.05 0.20 Location11: Chikhalsawangi 0-30 3.50 9.37 2.44 0.45 30-60 3.90 6.49 2.26 0.36 60-90 4.10 5.36 1.61 0.30 Location12: Chikhalsawangi 0-30 4.94 11.68 2.29 0.36 30-60 4.99 8.94 2.12 0.31 60-90 5.17 4.25 1.54 0.25

Conclusion: The pH and EC of the study area are within the acceptable limit. Organic carbon was found low in declined orchard soils. Available nitrogen, phosphorous and zinc levels in soil were low as per critical limit. Some orchard soils were well supplied with available K, S, and micro-nutrient like iron, manganese and copper. There is a need to increase in the content of organic carbon, available nitrogen, available phosphorus, DTPA extractable Fe, Cu and Zn, it increases the content of nutrients in leaves which turns into yield of mandarin orchards. Similarly increased in content of CaCO3 and lowered in the availability of the nutrients. In declined mandarin orchards content of CaCO3 increases with increasing depth of soil, this might be interfere with root system of mandarin plant and which results into lowering the yield if mandarin orchards is declined one. ~ 3297 ~