Impact of different altitudes on distribution of micro-nutrients under different land use systems of district Kupwara

Abstract

In order to study the “Distribution of Micro-nutrients at Different Altitudes Under Different Land Use Systems in district Kupwara” soil samples from four land uses of high, mid and low altitude areas of Kupwara were collected up to a depth of 0-20 cm. The soil samples were studied for various physico-chemical properties and micro-nutrient status. The study revealed that texture of soils ranged between clay Loam, Silty clay loam to sandy loam. The soils were slightly acidic to slightly alkaline in reaction with normal electrical conductivity. Bulk density and Particle density were decreasing with altitude increase. The organic carbon content was medium to high with higher amount in soils of high altitude. The pH, electrical conductivity, calcium carbonate, cation exchange capacity and organic carbon varied significantly with altitude. The DTPA-extractable zinc, copper, manganese and iron ranged from 0.81-2.87, 0.54-2.72, 5.75-50.2 and 21.78-53.43 ppm, respectively. The micro-nutrient status under study was almost medium to high and showed linear increasing trend with increase in altitude. All available micronutrients in soils exhibited significant differences with altitude. The correlation studies revealed that organic carbon showed positive and significant relationship with available micronutrients viz zinc, copper, iron and manganese. The pH and EC exhibited significant and negative relationship with available zinc, copper, manganese and iron. The calcium carbonate showed significant and negative correlation with available micronutrients. The OC and CEC content revealed significant and positive relationship with available micronutrients. These properties affect the availability of micronutrients in the soil.