Optimizing the Nutritional Status of a Typic Kandiustult of Kerala, India, Using Sorption Study

Abstract

Nutrient sorption studies were carried out as a part of a mega project on “Yield maximization in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) through systematic approach in fertilizer use” to find out the sorption characteristics of major, secondary, and micronutrients [i.e., phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulfur (S), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and boron (B)] in a typic kandiustult of Kerala, India. The sorption curve fitted by using this study along with the results of preliminary soil analysis and critical level of these nutrients were used to optimize the nutritional status of this soil. Sorption study revealed that P, K, S, and B were limiting and others were sufficient for this soil. The quantities of the limiting nutrients required to optimize the soil nutritional status were estimated from the sorption curve as P, K, S, and B at 136 µg mL⁻¹, 0.338 meq 100 mL⁻¹, 20 µg mL⁻¹, and 6.025 µg mL⁻¹, respectively.

Keywords:

• Nutrient sorption
• sorption solution
• incubation
• sorption curve
• critical level
• preliminary soil analysis

Acknowledgments

We thank Potash and Phosphate Institute of Canada (India Programme) for their financial and technical support.