Fertility Status in Arecanut (Areca catechu L.) Growing Soils of Malnad Region, India

Abstract

A survey was taken up in the year 2022 in arecanut gardens of three selected taluks of Malnad region viz. Koppa, Sringeri and Thirthahalli. The soil samples were collected at surface (0-30 cm) and sub-surface depths (30-60 cm) and were characterized for chemical properties (pH, EC, OC, CEC and BS) and available nutrients. The pH of surface samples varied from slightly acidic to very strongly acidic and showed minor decline with depth. In all the three taluks, surface samples consistently exhibited a low soluble salt concentration. In Koppa taluk, 56.67 per cent of surface layer samples exhibited a medium available nitrogen status whereas, Sringeri taluk had 46.67 percent in the medium to high range and Thirthahalli showed 90 per cent at a medium status level. Regarding available phosphorus content, Koppa taluk had 60 per cent in the low range, Sringeri taluk had 56.67 per cent in the medium range and Thirthahalli had 56.67 per cent in the low range. Meanwhile, the majority of soil samples from all three taluks displayed medium to high available potassium levels. The study is significant for the scientific community as it provides comprehensive baseline data on soil fertility parameters in arecanut-growing regions of Malnad area, addressing a critical gap in understanding nutrient dynamics in high-rainfall, acidic soils that influence perennial crop productivity. By detailing variations in pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, cation exchange capacity, base saturation and available NPK across three taluks, it offers valuable insight into soil health constraints like leaching and nutrient imbalances, which can inform targeted agronomic interventions to enhance yield and sustainability.