Assessment of Physico- chemical properties of soil from different blocks of Hamirpur district, Himachal Pradesh, India

The assessment of physical and chemical properties of soil from different blocks of Hamirpur district, Himachal Pradesh, India in 2023-24 was a valuable endeavor. A total of 27 samples were collected at profile depths of 0-15, 15-30, and 30-45. The soil color is light brown. The soil textural class was identified as Sandy Loam, and the sand, silt and clay percentage varied from 71.1% to 62.6%, 19.8% to 15.6%, and 17.6% to 12.8% respectively. Bulk Density was varied from 1.08 Mgm-3 to 1.28 Mgm-3. The Particle Density varied from 2.20 Mg m-3 to 2.47 Mg m-3. The Pore Space (%) ranged from 49.80 % to 40.10 %. The Water Retaining Capacity (%) ranged from 46.8 to 37.7%. The pH value ranged from 6.70 to 7.43. The Electrical Conductivity ranged from 0.10 to 0.36 dS m-1. The value of total Organic Carbon (%) varied from 0.45 to 0.27%. The available Nitrogen content of soil ranged from 260.48 to 281.84 kg ha-1.The available Phosphorus content of soil ranged from 18.70 to 10.54 kg ha-1. Available Potassium content of soil ranged from 152.47 to 122.27 kg ha-1. The findings revealed minor increases in bulk and particle density with depth, yet the overall physical condition of the soil seems favourable for plant growth. It is evident that the soils are mostly neutral and meet the acceptable EC limit. The low levels of Organic Carbon are concerning, while Nitrogen levels is low to medium, Phosphorus levels is low and Potassium levels are low. For promoting the soil health and soil quality use of organic manure is recommended for fertilizer application.