Soil Fertility Analysis for the Cultivation of Sugarcane and Rice in Thiruvarur Area

Abstract

In order to improve the yield of any crop, it is absolutely essential to carry out soil testing periodically. This will not only improve the procurement but also will provide eco-friendly ambience. Testing all soil quality parameters will be a laborious and time-consuming process. To overcome this problem, soli quality index can be of immense help. Unlike many water quality indices available, only a very few soil quality indices are in existence. Newly developed soil quality index called Heber soil quality index (HSQI) is widely used to identify and differentiate the various types of soils. The HSQI values of all samples were found to be in the range of 72.36 – 83.83 divulging a fact that the nature of soils inspected in this examination is good for the plantation of sugarcane and rice. The index was found to be time saving and cost-effective method of assessing the fertile nature of the soil for the effective farming of sugarcane and rice. Soil quality assessment in the light of HSQI is proposed to offer a better perceptive of the soil property measures to be taken to improve the quality of soil system for the better yield of any crop including sugarcane and rice.