Land suitability assessment for improved land use planning in selected watersheds of Haryana

Abstract

Aim: The current study aimed to evaluate the capacity and suitability of land for semi-arid region of Haryana in selected watersheds to identify the major limitations of crop production. Methodology: The study was carried out in Bhiwani district of Haryana in 2017 where eight typical pedons (P) representing four micro-watersheds viz., Motipura (P1 and P2), Sainiwas (P3 and P4), Jhumpa (P5 and P6), Budhsheli (P7 and P8) were studied. Results: The studied pedons were neutral to alkaline in reaction (pH 6.87-9.10), non-saline (EC 0.02-0.21 dS m-1) and low in organic carbon (OC) (0.06-0.27%). Available N, P, K and S were low (42.00-189.00 kg ha-1), low to medium (4.20-17.10 kg ha-1), low to high (62.20-326.50 kg ha-1) and low (0.40-19.20 mg kg-1) in the studied pedons, respectively. Soils were deficient in available Fe and Zn but marginal to sufficient in available Mn and Cu. Interpretation: Soils were classified as IIsf and IIItsf and S3s and N1s according to LCC and irrigation suitability, respectively. The pedons were found suitable (S1) to moderately suitable (S2) for guar (cluster bean), oilseeds (mustard), moderately suitable (S2) to marginally suitable (S3) for pearl millet, gram and forestry, and marginally suitable (S3) for cotton and wheat. Key words: Land suitability, Nutrients, Pedon, Semiarid, Watershed