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

Soil nutrient mapping and analysis were conducted in the Washim district during 2023-2024 using grid sampling technique with grid of 5 km total 204 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 ranged from neutral to strongly alkaline (6.48-8.82), with Electrical conductivity (EC) values ranging from 0.12 to 0.98 dS m-1. Organic carbon varying between 3.15 to 19.80 g kg-1. Calcium carbonate of Washim district soils ranged from 1.13 to 22.63 percent which indicates that soil is non-calcareous to calcareous in nature. Available zinc content ranged from 0.28 to 2.65 mg kg⁻¹, the zinc deficiency was recorded to the extent of 43.63% in soils of Washim district. Available iron ranged from 3.28 to 30.08 mg kg⁻¹, the iron deficiency was recorded to the extent of 39.71% in soils of Washim district. Available copper content ranged from 1.12 to 15.55 mg kg⁻¹, copper deficiency was not recorded in soils of Washim district. Available manganese content ranged from 8.24 to 52.92 mg kg⁻¹, manganese deficiency was not recorded in soils of Washim district. Available Boron ranged from 0.01 to 7.88 mg kg-1, the boron deficiency was recorded to the extent of 33.83% in soils of Washim district. Nutrient indices indicated medium range for available zinc (3.99), iron (4.02), boron (4.42). Nutrient indices indicated high range for copper (6.00) and manganese (5.99). Overall, the soil fertility in the Washim district is characterized by medium level of zinc, iron and boron along with high availability of copper and manganese.