Mapping the distribution of micro nutrients in soils of Akola district: A spatial analysis

Soil nutrient mapping and analysis were conducted in the Akola district during 2023-2024 using grid sampling technique with grid of 5 km total 270 georeferenced surface soil samples (0-20) collected randomly with GPS assistance. The soil samples using GPS representing each square by dividing toposheet of district and from each square the representative soil sample was collected so that the sampling sites were well distributed in the district. The soil pH levels varied from 6.86 to 8.67, indicate that soils in Akola district neutral to strongly alkaline and the electrical conductivity ranged between 0.12 to 0.98 dSm-1. The free CaCO₃ content was found to be between 0.50 to 20.00%, with higher levels observed in Akola and Telhara tehsils. Organic carbon content ranged from 1.76 to 15.15 g kg-1, notably higher in Barshitakali (2.35 – 15.15 g kg⁻¹). Available zinc content ranged from 0.21 to 2.85 mg kg⁻¹, the zinc deficiency was recorded to the extent of 47.70% in soils of Akola. Available iron ranged from 0.40 to 16.37 mg kg⁻¹, the iron deficiency was recorded to the extent of 77.41% in soils of Akola. Available copper content ranged from 0.89 to 6.57 mg kg⁻¹, copper deficiency was not recorded to the extent of in soils of Akola. Available manganese content ranged from 2.55 to 42.72 mg kg⁻¹, the manganese deficiency was recorded to the extent of 4.82% in soils of Akola. Available Boron ranged from 0.03 to 6.95 mg kg-1 , the boron deficiency was recorded to the extent of 61.47% in soils of Akola .Nutrient indices indicated medium range for available zinc (4.00) and low range for iron (2.68) and boron (3.26), and high range for copper (5.99) and manganese (5.69). Overall, the soil fertility in the Akola district is characterized by medium zinc levels, low iron and boron, high copper and manganese availability.