Mapping of spatial variability of soil texture and macronutrients in Wangath watershed, Ganderbal District of Jammu and Kashmir Using GIS

Knowledge of spatial variation of soil properties is important in precision farming and environmental modeling. The concept of management zones was evolved in response to large variability with the main purpose of efficient utilization of agricultural inputs with respect to spatial variation of soil properties. The objective of this study was to prepare thematic maps of variability of soil properties in Wangath watershed. Soil samples were collected from 60 sites using Geographical Positioning System (GPS) under different land use system. Samples were analyzed for physical (particle size distribution) and chemical properties (soil reaction, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur). Soil texture varied from sandy clay loam to loam. The soils of Wangath were slightly acidic to slightly alkaline in reaction, devoid of salts. Organic carbon varied from low to high among the land uses. Available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur were found to be in medium range in the watershed. The values of all the parameters except electrical conductivity were significantly different between the land uses. The generated maps can serve as an effective tool for site specific nutrient management. This is prerequisite in order to optimize the cost of cultivation and address nutrient deficiency.