Temporal Assessment of Soil pH and Soil Organic Carbon Status in Agricultural Soils of Omerga Taluka, Maharashtra: A Comparative Study of 2022 and 2026

Abstract The present study assesses the temporal changes in soil pH and Soil Organic Carbon status in agricultural soils of Omerga Taluka, Maharashtra, using soil-testing data from 2022 and 2026. A total of 157 soil samples were analysed in 2022 and 64 in 2026. The results show a marked shift towards alkaline soil conditions, with neutral soils declining from 64.30% to 39.06%, while alkaline soils increased from 30.50% to 53.05%. Highly alkaline soils (pH > 9.0), absent in 2022, accounted for 14.00% in 2026. SOC distribution also changed, with low SOC increasing from 28.00% to 39.06% and medium SOC from 30.00% to 40.62%, while high SOC declined from 15.30% to 0.00%. Overall, the findings indicate increasing soil alkalinity and a shift of SOC towards low and medium categories. Regular soil testing, balanced nutrient management and practices that enhance soil organic matter are recommended for maintaining soil fertility and sustainable agricultural productivity in the study area.