Characteristics of Calcareous Soils and Their Management

Soil is one of the world’s most important natural resources. Calcareous soils are developed in arid and semi-arid regions. In dry region, these soils are formed in situ by weathering of parent rock material. The soils which contain CaCO3 in an excess. Calcareous soil becomes hot quickly, due to presence of lime in this soil. Clay minerals of calcareous soils are generally montmorillonite and Illite. If CaCO3 is present in clay, the texture is called as “Mellow” or “soft”. The availability of nutrients like P, K, and Zn decreases in calcareous soil. In calcareous soils, most of the plant nutrients become unavailable and consequently plant growth is affected. The accumulation of calcium carbonate makes the soil infertile and renders it unfit for agriculture. Tillage operation, Deep ploughing, application of organic manure, use of chemical fertilizers, pressmud and use of micronutrients such as Zn, Cu, and Fe should be added to reclaim the calcareous soils.