Secondary and micronutrient status of soils under fruit crops in Karnataka [India].
Naidu L. G. K., Vadivelu S.
Author Affiliation: National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, Regional Centre, Bellary Road, Hebbal, Bangalore - 560 024, India.
Indian Journal of Fertilisers 2 : 45-48
Abstract : Mango, grapes, sapota, guava, cashew and banana are the dominant fruit crops grown in Karnataka state. Bangalore (rural), Kolar, Bijapur, D. Kannada, Udupi, Chitradurga, Shimoga are found as major fruit crop growing districts in the state. Red, lateritic, alluvial and medium deep black soils are identified as major soils supporting these crops. The fertilizer recommendations currently adopted in the state are very generalized and old. Available zinc is found major limiting in most of the locations. Among the secondary nutrients magnesium may become limiting nutrient in course of time for high magnesium demanding crops in red and lateritic soils. Soil, agro-climate and fertility status varied widely across the major fruit growing tracts. The variability in soils, climate and soil fertility status suggest the need for site-specific fertilizer recommendations.