GIS AND GPS-BASED MAPPING OF SOIL PROPERTIES INSUGARCANE GROWING AREAS OF SNJ SUGAR FACTORY ZONE,ANDHRA PRADESHB. VAJANTHA, P. PRASUNA RANI, M. HEMANTH KUMAR AND M.V.S.NAIDUAbstract A survey work was conducted to assess the soil fertility status of sugarcane growing soils of SNJsugar factory zone, Andhra Pradesh. Two hundred seventeen (217) soil samples were collected ata depth of 0-15 cm from nine mandals (Palasamudram, VeduruKuppam, Penumuru, Rompicherla,Pileru, Pulicherla, Chinnagottigallu, Erravaripalem and Chandragiri) and analyzed for physico-chemicaland chemical properties. Geo reference coordinates (Latitude and Longitude) also notedat sampling sites. The results revealed that 38% of soils were neutral in reaction (pH 6.5-7.0), 10%were slightly acidic and 33% of soils were slightly alkaline in reaction. All soils had non salinenature. 80% of soils were low in organic carbon (OC) content and 20% of soils had medium in OCcontent. Available nitrogen in 93% of collected soils was low (< 280 kg ha-1). Available phosphorusin these sugarcane growing soils ranged from 26 to 114 kg ha-1 with a mean of 57.07 kg ha-1.Available potassium levels varied between 197 and 521 kg ha-1 (medium to high) with a mean of347 kg ha-1. The soils have available sulphur ranged from 2.6 to 15.6 mg kg-1. 74% of soilswereshowed deficient in available sulphur. Digital soil maps for pH, EC, OC, available nitrogen,phosphorus, potassium and sulphur prepared by using GIS approach. Soil nutrient index for OC,available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur was 1, 1, 2, 2.31 and 1, respectively. |