Physicochemical Characteristics and Nutrient Status of Hilly Soils of Dimapur district of Nagaland

In the present investigation, physicochemical properties, lime requirement, fertility status and DTPA extractable Zn of soils of Dimapur district of Nagaland were studied. The soils of study area were strong to moderate acidic in reaction with pH ranged from 4.12 to 5.30 and were normal in total soluble salts. The CEC of the soils was quite low, varied from 10.4 to 14.0 cmol (P) kg . The average sand, silt and clay contents of the soils were 39.4, 35.6 and 24.1 %, respectively. Lime requirement of soils was quite high and ranged between 10.00 to 21.50 t ha to raise the pH of soils to 6.4. The soils were high in organic carbon, medium to high in available nitrogen and potassium and low to medium in available phosphorus. Available sulphur and DTPA extractable Zn of soils varied from 9.5 to 48.0 kg ha and 0.08 to 5.94 mg kg, respectively indicated low to high in sulphur and sufficient in zinc content.