Assessment of soil fertility and nutrient indexing of PDKV adopted Dighi (Bopapur) model village in Wardha district

The present study was conducted during the years 2023-24 and 2024-25 to evaluate the soil fertility status of Dighi (Bopapur) Model Village, located in the Wardha district of Maharashtra. A total of 80 surface soil samples were collected and analyzed for various chemical properties. The results revealed that the soils ranged from slightly acidic to neutral, with pH values between 6.21 and 8.01. Electrical conductivity (EC) varied from 0.19 to 0.48 dS m⁻¹, indicating a non-saline condition. The soils were classified as moderately calcareous, with calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) content ranging from 1.25% to 7.75%. Organic carbon content varied significantly across the samples, ranging from very low to very high (3.1 to 7.7 g/kg). Available nitrogen levels were generally low to medium (112.58 to 326.89 kg/ha), and available phosphorus also fell within the very low to medium range (11.04 to 46.74 kg/ha). In contrast, potassium levels were found to be moderately high to very high (247.36 to 409.4 kg/ha), and sulphur content ranged from low to moderately high (7.26 to 19.84 mg/kg). Regarding micronutrients, zinc was found to be deficient, with concentrations between 0.17 and 1.07 mg/kg. Iron levels were moderate (4.74 to 11.13 mg/kg), while manganese content ranged from medium to high (2.36 to 15.86 mg/kg). Copper was present in moderately high to very high concentrations (0.46 to 2.44 mg/kg). Nutrient Index Values (NIV) indicated a moderate status for organic carbon and a moderately high status for calcium carbonate. The soils exhibited low nutrient indices for available nitrogen and phosphorus, but a high index for potassium and a moderate index for sulphur. Among the micronutrients, NIVs reflected low zinc availability, moderate levels of iron, high levels of copper, and moderately high levels of manganese.