S. Leo Arokiaraj, A. Arokiyaraj, J. Pandiyan and A. David Premkumar
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to collect soil sample in agricultural fields affected by sea water and advice based on the results of the study and it will be very helpful in improving soil quality and agricultural production. Lack of dams in river basins leads to rising sea levels and affecting agricultural crops in coastal districts due to over use of groundwater and over-mining of river basins and seawater percolates through rivers and ground water, turning fresh water into saline water. Mayiladuthurai district has extended with four talukas like Mayiladuthurai, Kuthalam, Sirkazhi and Tarangambadi taluk is adjacent to the coastal area in Sirkazhi taluk hence the sea extension affects the most of the agricultural crops. There are total 94 villages in this taluk out of which 34 agricultural villages are affected by sea water intrusion. In these 34 villages, the soil quality of pH, EC, OC, N, P, K, Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn was analyzed and recommendations are made based on the study. This taluk is mainly cultivated with paddy, sugarcane, cotton, banana, corn, small grains and spinach. pH, EC, OC, primary nutrients and micro nutrients essential for plant growth, but excess and deficient levels can affect soil quality and plant growth, thereby reducing food production and also affect the farmersâ economy and their quality of life. Soil samples numbering of 170 samples were collected from all the 34 villages keeping in view of the physiographic characteristics in different cross sections of the area. The processed soil samples were analysed for physico-chemical properties using standard procedures.