R P Sharma

Goa is a biodiversity hotspot and a major iron ore producer state in India. The study investigated heavy metal (HM) distribution pattern, fractionation forms under different land use types near an iron mining including health risks associated with different exposure pathways. Georeferenced 38 soil surface samples, 8 soil profile samples and 6 plant samples were collected from three land use types- agriculture cropland, fallow land and natural vegetation. Collected samples were analyzed for HM contamination in inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometer (ICPAES). The mean total HM concentration in surface soil exceeded the background value. Weak acid soluble fraction % of metals posed no to medium risk values. Fallow land had higher metal content in surface soil. Principal component (PC) analysis showed Pb, Cd and Cr metals were more associated with mining activity. Vertical distribution pattern of HM accumulation in soil profiles showed a drastic reduction in HM con...

The study was conducted to evaluate the major and micronutrient status of Kelapur block, Yavatmal district, Maharashtra. A total of 3436 soil samples were collected by gird method (325×325 interval) at a
depth of 0-15 cm and analyzed for soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulphur (S) and micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn). Soils
were neutral to slightly alkaline (pH 6.6 - 8.8) and non-saline (EC <1 dSm-1). OC was medium to high with a mean value of 0.83%. Among the nutrients, available N was invariably deficient (100%) and
deficiency of available Zn (70%), S (59.7%), P (37.6%) and Fe (27.9%) were observed. The available K was generally high with a mean of 694 kg ha-1 and Mn and Cu were sufficient. Coefficient of variation (CV)
indicated that P, K, S, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu varied highly (CV > 35%) whereas the variability of pH and N was low (CV < 15%). The nutrient index value (NIV) for N and S were low (1.0 and 1.5), medium for P (1.89) and high (2.86) for K. The generated nutrient status information can serve as an effective tool for farmers and policy makers in adoption of site specific nutrient management practices.

Three representative alluvial soils were studied from Kothari river basin of Bhilwara district in southeast Rajasthan to assess degree of chemical weathering and pedogenesis. Morphological, geochemical, mineralogical and other analytical investigations were carried out. Soils were classified as Entisols and Inceptisols. These soils are mostly sandy with more than 50% of fine and medium sand fractions, silt to clay ratio more than 0.45 and little textural variation suggesting more uniform weathering. These soils are slight to strongly alkaline with high exchangeable sodium (>15%) and cation exchange capacity less than 10 cmol(+)kg-1. Mineralogical investigations showed the dominance of micas and smectites in Pedon 1 (P1) and Pedon 2 (P2) and increase of smectites and micas in Bw3 horizon of P3 under strong alkalinity and high silica activity with limited lessivage. The low chemical index of alteration (CIA) in soils further indicated an incipient pedogenesis with a relative proportion of mica-smectite composition.

Fertile lands of eastern Rajasthan uplands are gradually declining their inherent capacity to the produce crops. A study has been conducted on alluvial soils; surrounded by Aravalli hills and deposited by Banas river. Different soils located over landforms with varied slopes and rainfall density and annual average rainfall were sampled for morphological, physico-chemical and mineralogical investigations. Present study is aimed to link the mineralogy of various size fractions and other physico-chemical characteristics as an evidence of pedogenetic process in development of alluvial soils. Our study indicates that the soils are coarser (sandy or sandy loam) in texture, consisting predominantly of quartz followed by feldspars and mica. Specific trend was not observed in minerals present in the clay matrix. Presence of unstable talc mineral in the clay fraction of soil over upper rolling plain indicates juvenile nature of soils.

The study was conducted to evaluate the major and micronutrient status of Kelapur block, Yavatmal district, Maharashtra. A total of 3436 soil samples were collected by gird method (325×325 interval) at a depth of 0-15 cm and analyzed for soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulphur (S) and micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn). Soils were neutral to slightly alkaline (pH 6.6-8.8) and non-saline (EC <1 dSm-1). OC was medium to high with a mean value of 0.83%. Among the nutrients, available N was invariably deficient (100%) and deficiency of available Zn (70%), S (59.7%), P (37.6%) and Fe (27.9%) were observed. The available K was generally high with a mean of 694 kg ha-1 and Mn and Cu were sufficient. Coefficient of variation (CV) indicated that P, K, S, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu varied highly (CV > 35%) whereas the variability of pH and N was low (CV < 15%). The nutrient index value (NIV) for N and S were low (1.0 and 1.5), medium for P (1.89) and high (2.86) for K. The generated nutrient status information can serve as an effective tool for farmers and policy makers in adoption of site specific nutrient management practices.

Gujarat tops with 27.87% of total groundnut production. The basaltic shrink-swell soils are generally evaluated as unsuitable for groundnut production in Saurtashtra region of Gujarat. They have untapped source of traditional knowledge for managing heavy shrink-swell soils of basaltic terrain. Groundnut growers of the region are applying weathered basalt (WB, Vēraḍēḍa bēsālṭanuṁ in Gujarati) in pure form which is naturally available or sometimes treated by mixing the farmyard manures (FYM) or groundnut husk, and/or fortified with nitrogenous and phosphatic fertilizers. A study was planned to find out the reason for higher production of groundnut with the application of WB before sowing the seed. For this study the farmers were divided in to five groups on the basis of forms and combinations of WB application in groundnut fields. The participatory approaches and personal interviews were combined to collect the data from 25 farmers of each group. After interviewing the farmers, we came to know that this practice is being followed since 40 years. The study revealed that the practice significantly reduces the contracting and expanding phenomenon in black Vertisols and improve physico-chemical properties of soils like hydraulic characteristics (infiltration, permeability, percolation and drainage), aeration, bulk density, porosity, thermal conductivity and also improve availability of secondary (Ca, Mg & S) and micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn & Cu). The present study forms the basis for upgrading the traditional management packages for sustainable groundnut production in black soil region of India.

Techniques for large scale mapping of natural resources is region specific. The technique of large-scale soil mapping using remote sensing data in basaltic terrain of Peninsular Region. The data used for the study are toposheet of Survey of India (1:50 000 scale); cadastral map of the Pata Meghpar village (1:4000 scale); and IRS P6 LISS-IV digital data of August (kharif season) and December (rabi season) 2012. Images were
interpreted visually and ground truths were collected manually and  repared landscape ecological units (LEUs) map which was used for conducting soil survey and generation of soil map. The LEU units
explained a three-tier approach comprising land form, slope and land use characteristics of each parcel of land. Soils occurring in different LEU units were examined and a LEU–soil relationship was developed. The soil map depicting phases of soil series was prepared using ArcGIS 10.0 software.

Techniques for large scale mapping of natural resources is region specific. The technique of large-scale soil mapping using remote sensing data in basaltic terrain of Peninsular Region. The data used for the study are toposheet of Survey of India (1:50 000 scale); cadastral map of the Pata Meghpar village (1:4000 scale); and IRS P6 LISS-IV digital data of August (kharif season) and December (rabi season) 2012. Images were interpreted visually and ground truths were collected manually and prepared landscape ecological units (LEUs) map which was used for conducting soil survey and generation of soil map. The LEU units explained a three-tier approach comprising land form, slope and land use characteristics of each parcel of land. Soils occurring in different LEU units were examined and a LEU–soil relationship was developed. The soil map depicting phases of soil series was prepared using ArcGIS 10.0 software.

India is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of spices, among these cumin is one of the most important spices. Approximately 70% of the Worlds total cumin seed is produced in India of which a maximum 45.5 % is produced in western Rajasthan. The cultivation of cumin crop is less risky in terms of price fluctuation and affordable in terms of input. Even after introduction of advance production technologies for cumin, still it is largely controlled by edaphic factors. The judicial use of natural resources will not only increase the yield but also reduces the cost of inputs. The study was conducted in Jaisalmer district of western Rajasthan for evaluation of the potential of land resources to support economic and sustainable cumin production. The suitability parameters show that agro-ecological and soil system environment of Jaisalmer district is most suitable for cultivation of cumin seeds. The total geographical area of districts is 38.4 lakh hectares. About 51 per cent area is highly suitable for cumin cultivation. Considering slope, erosion and soil fertility limitation, 13.4 lakh hectares (34.97%) area is most suitable for cumin cultivation. Approximately 6.36 lakh hectare land is suitable for cumin with fertility as one of the limitations. Presently, farmers of Jaisalmer district cultivate cumin in 31300 hectare only (year 2013-14). The study suggested that there is still a lot of scope for expansion of cumin crop in the district. The productivity of cumin crop in Gujarat state (700 kg ha-1) is almost double than Rajasthan (344 kg ha-1). The data from the year 2014-15 indicated that 7.21 % area of cumin cultivation in Rajasthan is being kept under cumin seed cultivation in Jaisalmer district while in its neighboring district Barmer, it is 24 %. If efforts are made to bring about 19.48 lakh hectare areas under cumin seed cultivation of Jaisalmer district with the existing productivity level of 344 kg ha-1 , then the districts can produce 681 thousand tons of cumin seeds. The present domestic consumption/demand of cumin seed in India is around 100 thousand tons. If the rest, 581 thousand tons of the produce are exported, then India can earn sumptuous revenue.

The soil and land resource inventory at village, as basic unit, are providing baseline data on soils, their constraints and potentials for crop production. Considering this fact, Pata Meghpar village (22013’14’’ to 22016’09’’ N latitude and 70029’16’’ to 70032’59’’ E) in Jamnagar district of Gujarat with an area of 1683 hectares was selected for land resource inventory on 1:10000 scale for land use planning activity. The soils developed on Deccan trap geological formations with distinct basaltic landforms appear at an elevation of 100 meters above mean sea level near Und river. The landform analysis of study area was carried out with the visual interpretation of Indian Remote Sensing Satellite P6 LISS-IV data of April 2012 in conjunction with cadastral map. The four basic landforms identified are isolated upland (119.3 ha & 7.1%), ravinous land (409.6 ha & 24.3%), very gently to gently sloping plains (543.9 ha & 32.3%) and nearly level plains (610 ha & 36.2%). The detailed soil survey was carried out and identified seven soil series with 10 phases. The soil series Pata Meghpar-1(Loamy, Lithic Ustorthents) and Patameghpar-2 (loamy-skeletal, Lithic Ustorthents) occurring on isolated upland are very shallow, excessively drained, brown loam(7.5YR 4/4) to dark yellowish brown (10YR 3/4), gravely loam and slightly alkaline (pH 7.2-7.8). The Pata Meghpar-3(fine-loamy, Typic Ustorthents) on ravinous lands are moderately shallow, excessively drained, strongly calcareous, dark yellowish brown (10YR 3/4), weak fine sub-angular blocky structure, slightly alkaline to moderately alkaline (pH 7.7 to 8.6). The Pata Meghpar - 4 (fine, Typic Haplustepts) and Pata Meghpar-5 (fine, Vertic Haplustepts) occurring on very gently to gently sloping plain are moderately deep (50-75cm), moderately well drained, slight to moderately calcareous, very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2), moderate, medium, sub angular blocky structures and moderate to strongly alkaline (pH 8.1 to 8.8). The Pata Meghpar - 6 (fine, Leptic Haplusterts) and Pata Meghpar – 7 (fine, Typic Haplusterts) occurring on nearly level plains are deep, clayey, moderately well drained, very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) to very dark gray (10YR 3/1), weak fine angular blocky to moderate medium angular blocky structure, moderately calcareous and moderately alkaline (pH 8.0-8.5). The baseline resource data are useful for deriving soil-landscape relationships in basaltic terrain at village and forms the basis for upgrading management packages for sustainable crop production at farm level.

The analysis of the spatial variability of soil properties is important for precision agriculture, land use planning and environmental modelling. Soil texture (sand, silt and clay) and soil hydraulic properties like available water capacity and hydraulic conductivity are most important soil physical properties that govern nearly all of the soil attributes. The objective of the study was to determine the degree of spatial variability of sand, silt, clay, bulk density, hydraulic conductivity and available water content at field capacity (FC), permanent wilting point (PWP) and available water capacity (AWC) of salt affected black soils of Purna valley. Data were analyzed both statistically and geostatistically to describe the spatial distribution of soil physical properties. Soil physical properties showed large variability with greatest variation was observed in hydraulic conductivity (54%). Spherical and gausian models were fit well for the soil physical properties. The nugget/sill ratio indicates that hydraulic conductivity, clay, silt content and soil water content at field capacity were strongly spatially dependent and all other soil physical properties were moderate spatially dependent. Cross validation of the kriged map shows that prediction of the soil physical properties using semivariogram parameters is better than assuming mean of observed value for any unsampled location. The spatial distribution of hydraulic conductivity and bulk density followed the distribution pattern of clay and exchangeable sodium content. These maps will help to the planners in site-specific management/precision farming by application of the correct measures for improving the physical properties of these degraded shrink-swell soils through application of gypsum, FYM and green manuring through variable rate techniques.

The present investigation was under taken to work out internal cost adjustments in existing farming systems of Southern Rajasthan. A total sample of 120 households consisting of 60 under rainfed and 60 under irrigated situation was selected from two districts-one representing tribal area and the other non-tribal area for the study. Four farming systems (FS) existed in both the rainfed and irrigated areas of Chittorgarh and Banswara districts viz. FS-I: Crop+ Vegetables (C+V), FS-II: Crop + Dairy (C+D), FS-III: Crop + Dairy +Goat (C+D+G) and FS-IV: Crop + Poultry (C+PO). The cost involved in different farming systems were divided into two parts i.e. cost incurred within the farming system and cost incurred from outside the farming system. Internal cost adjustments were more in FS –III in both the districts i.e. 70.21 and 64.35 per cent in Chittorgarh district and 69.83 and 63.38 per cent in Banswara district in rainfed and irrigated conditions, respectively. In Chittorgarh district on per rupee investment basis FS-IV (1.55) in rainfed and FS-I (1.69) in irrigated area were more profitable than other systems. In Banswara district on return per rupee investment basis, FS-IV ((1.57) in rainfed area and FS-I (1.63) in irrigated area were found more profitable than other farming systems. Return per rupee investment (return cost ratio) was more in FS-IV in rainfed condition while FS-I in irrigated condition among the other farming systems in both the districts.

Potato is important crop for solving food and nutritional security problem of growing population of India. Application of N in two split dose i.e. half at planting time and rest at time of earthing up produce higher yields and higher N recovery. At the time of planting, calcium ammonium nitrate or ammonium sulphate should be preferred by furrow application. Selection of suitable variety may play major role beside time and method of application in improving nutrient use efficiency. Balanced use of major and micronutrients plays an important role in improving quality of produce besides good yield. Potato based cropping system mostly shows build up of P and negative balance of N and K which may be overcame by organic residues recycling. Intensive cropping system has resulted in wide spread deficiency of secondary and micro nutrients particularly Zn and these must be applied on soil test basis. Integrated nutrient management is a must for an exhaustive and responsive crop like potato.

Potato is a temperate crop and higher day temperatures cause some areas to less suitable for potato production due to lower tuber yields and its quality. Tuber growth and yield can be severely reduced by temperature fluctuations outside 5-30 °C. The rate of warming in last 50 years is double than that for the last century. Increase in temperature and atmospheric CO2 are interlinked occurring simultaneously under future climate change and global warming scenarios. If CO2 is elevated to 550 ppm the temperature rise is likely to be 3 ºC with decline in potato production by 13.72% in the year 2050. The changing climate will affect the potato production adversely due to drought, salinity, frost, flooding, erratic unseasonal rains etc. It may reduce seed tuber production, impact storage facility and potato processing industries. Therefore, the quantification of regional vulnerability and impact assessment is very important for the development of early warning on disease forecasting systems, breeding of short duration and heat, drought, salinity tolerant and disease resistant cultivars.

Geographically, the Rajasthan is the largest state of India. The mapping of degraded and wasteland, its distribution and district base statistics are very important for land resource assessment and management. This paper deals with the status of land degradation affecting different kind of soils and under different management options. The study further illustrates the regional example of the Bhilwara district. The pressure on land resources has increased manifold with the increasing human and animal population. Western part of Rajasthan is severely affected by wind erosion (56%) and southeastern part is affected by water erosion (42%) and salinity and sodicity (2%) affected area is scattered throughout the state. The area is characterised by a marked temperature range with strong diurnal variations, a typical phenomenon of the warm-dry continental climate. Desertification ranks among the greatest environmental challenge for the ecosystems in this region, and twelve districts of Rajasthan are already affected by severe desertification. Wind erosion is the major cause of soil degradation in western Rajasthan, whereas water erosion affects mostly south and eastern Rajasthan.

The pressure on land resources has increased manifold with the increasing human and animal population. Therefore, efficient management of land and water resources is a major challenge for the scientists, planners, administrators and farmers to ensure food, water and environmental security for the present and future generations. The soil resource information can be best utilized for making a rational agricultural land use plan for farming community. In the present study the soil resources of Bhilwara district were assessed for development of sustainable land use plan. The study area has three physiographic units viz. Eastern plain (76.2%), Aravalli (11.36%) and Vindhyan landscape (9.01%) and 11 blocks. The area receives 600 to 900 mm annual rainfall with
potential evapotranspiration (PET) of 1380 mm. The soils were studied and classified in 40 series. Theset were evaluated for agricultural land use planning for Kharif and Rabi crops and other optimized use considering the limitations of topography (slope, erosion, stoniness), soil (depth, texture, PSC, AWC), fertility (pH, organic carbon, CaCO3) and salinity (EC, ESP).

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of drip irrigation quantity and mulching on crop growth, yield and water use efficiency (WUE) of tomato grown during the rabi seasons of 2007 and 2008. Two levels of drip irrigation (I1, irrigation withV volume of water; I2, with 0.5V volume of water) and four types of plastic mulch (M0, without mulch; M1, yellow polythene; M2, transparent polythene; M3 black polythene) treatments were applied to tomato planted on a sandy loam soil. Results indicated that the photosynthetic traits such as; chlorophyll content, initial fluorescence (F0), and maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) were significantly higher under I1 and black polythene mulch. Dry matter production under drip irrigation with V (˜100% PE) quantity of water was 33.2% more than with 0.5V. Polythene mulching remarkably improved the plant biomass, and plants mulched with black polythene registered 94.7% higher dry matter over unmulched control. Drip irrigation with V quantity of water (I1) resulted in significantly higher fruit yield (2.71 kg/plant and 847.52 q/ha). Maximum fruit yield (2.66 kg/plant and 851.59 q/ha) was recorded with black polythene mulch. Weed growth under 0.5 V (I2) was significantly lower (25% less) than I1. All kinds of plastic mulches gave significant weed control, however, the highest weed reduction (89% over control) was observed with black polythene mulch. Maximum WUE of 49.60 kg/mm-ha was obtained in I2, whereas, among mulches WUE was maximum with black polythene (46.03 kg/mm-ha).

The effect of foliar spray of different chemicals on
the sorghum cultivar KH-333 in four type nutrient
medium viz; normal pH, high pH, high bicarbonate
(10 mM) and, high pH (8.0) &high bicarbonate (10
mM) on biochemical parameters and the recovery of
iron chlorosis in fodder sorghum was examined. The
effect of iron chlorosis and sulphydryl compounds
on the antioxidant enzymes and active iron content
to see whether sorghum plants are able to cope up
with iron stress by foliar treatment with iron compounds
and thio biomolecules. The activity of some
enzymes involved in antioxidant defense and thiols
associated mechanism has been studied. The activity
of antioxidant defense system related enzymes
(APOX, GPOX, CAT and SOD) were found higher
by foliar spray of 0.2% FeSO4 and chelating agents.
Activity of active iron content was recorded higher
with treatment of iron and thiol compounds. In another
experiment, Fe absorption and transport was
measured over 72 hour, using 59Fe labelled 0.01mM
FeSO4 , 0.05 mM FeSO4 , 0.01 mM Fe-EDDHA
and 0.05 mM Fe-EDDHA(pH 6.3). The plant parts
(Root and shoot) were radio assayed in a liquid scintillation
counter. The absorption and transport of
Fe from FeSO4 are found to be higher than from Fe-
EDDHA in plant (root and shoot). It is also shown
that very less quantity is transported to the shoot.

A study was conducted on use of Paddy straw for
feeding to cattle’s instead of burning in field conditions.
Paddy crop is usually harvested manually in
India. Immediate after harvesting of paddy crop, it
is very common practice to burn it in situ by the
farmers with the aim to raise the succeeding crops.
Burning of any organic material creates negative impact
on environment.Collection of paddy straw in
initial two years was about 200 tones but in year
2008 it was 2005 tones (802 tractor trolley*) and
crossed to more than 10460 tones (4185 tractor trolley*)
in the year of 2009 from an area of about 1000
ha of the region. Although the collection, chopping
and delivery system of chopped straw is very laborious
and time consuming process but huge number of
volunteers are ready to contribute their energy for
benefit of cattlles due to religious sentiments. Price
of one trolley straw in the region is about Rs. 5000.
Great Sant has collected paddy straw equivalent to
Rs two Crore in the year 2009.

Study area consists of the alluvial plains of Kothari River, which is the tributary of Banas and situated in Eastern Rajasthan Upland. The area surrounded by Aravalli hills where sand constituted the major part of the soil. This study is concerned with the relationship of the soil moisture retention and release properties with irrigation scheduling and land use plan along with their texture, particularly the clay and silt fraction. Twelve pedons representing various topographic positions and zone of rainfall were sampled to study the soil-plant-water relationship in alluvial soils. viz., upper rolling plains, middle sloping plains, lower plains. Soil moisture retention characteristics explained that the soils of the upper rolling plains have capacity to retain low amount of plant available water (AWC 7.31cm/m) as compared to the soils of middle sloping plain (AWC 12.87 cm/m) and lower plain (AWC 14.02 cm/m). Volumetric water content at different suction pressures viz. 33, 100, 500, 800, 1000, 1200 and 1500 kPa were studied in the alluvia of the river. About 75 percent of available water found to be released below the suction pressure of 500 kPa. The amount of available moisture for plant between 33 to 100 kPa was 59, 55 and 51 per cent while between 100 to 500 kPa it was 16, 20 and 22 per cent in upper rolling plains, middle sloping plains and lower plains, respectively. Silt and clay fractions were found to be the major factor controlling the available moisture. Coefficient of variation in moisture retention was noted from moderate (15–35%) to high (>35%) magnitude within the plains. In present investigation moisture retention of soils depleted to about 50 per cent at 100 kPa suction pressure so that irrigation should be delivered to replenish the soil moisture storage at this stage to keep target of maximum economic yield.

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the most important vegetable crops grown throughout the world not only in terms of hectarage, but also in terms of its versatility for adoption under wide range of agro-climatic conditions and crop growing situations. It is one of the most popular cash earning vegetable crops for marginal farmers of India. There is an urgent need to increase the production and productivity of tomato in the country and the state as well.

Field experiments were conducted during 2007 and 2008 at Central Potato Research Institute on brown hill soils of Shimla to investigate the role of microorganism inoculation in fertilizer economy in potato radish crop sequence. Different doses of inorganic fertilizers along with FYM and microorganisms inoculation showed significant effect on growth attributes, yield and nutrient uptake of potato as well as yield and nutrients uptake by radish. Application of FYM @ 5 t/ha along with microorganisms inoculation helped in early emergence. Combined application of 50% recommended dose of NPK through fertilizers along with tuber inoculation with microorganisms and 5 t/ha FYM proved to be more effective in terms of growth attributes, tuber yield, nutrients uptake and recoveries. Radish yield also showed similar trend with respect to different treatments and highest value was recorded under 50% recommended dose of NPK through fertilizers along with tuber inoculation with microorganisms and 5 t/ha FYM. This treatment was statistically at par with recommended doses of NPK. Therefore, use of microbial inoculants along with FYM can save half of fertilizer NPK in the north western hill region.

The pressure on land resources has increased manifold with the increasing human and animal population. Catering to the needs of this rapidly increasing population was a factor for encroachment on the fallow lands and wastelands, but the lure of cash crops under Green Revolution gradually became a major cause of decline in fallow and waste lands. Therefore, efficient management of land and water resources is a major challenge for the scientists, planners, administrators and farmers to ensure food, water and environmental security for the present and future generations. The new paradigm of Green-Revolution-mediated intensification of cropping has also
brought some new challenges as demands from the fast-increasing human and livestock population started to
outpace the supply, while the impacts of utter neglect of the traditional strength of the livestock sector, and apathy towards a sustainable agricultural input management policy began to be felt. The soil resource studies can be best utilized for making a rational agricultural land use plan for farming community. In the present study the strategies of agricultural land use planning are highlighted with a case study of Bhilwara. Soil resources of Bhilwara district were assessed for development of sustainable land use plan. The study area has three physiographic units viz. Eastern plain (76.2%), Aravalli (11.36%) and Vindhyan landscape (9.01%) and 11 blocks. The soils has been studied and classified in 40 series. The area receives 600 to 900 mm annual rainfall with potential evapotranspiration (PET) of 1380 mm. The soils of Bhilwara district has been evaluated for agricultural land use planning for Kharif and Rabi crops and other optimized use; considering the limitations of topography (slope, erosion, stoniness), soil (depth, texture, PSC, AWC), fertility (pH, organic carbon, CaCO3) and salinity (EC, ESP).

Soil organic matter is an important component that regulates most of the soil properties and serves as an indicator for assessing soil quality and climate change phenomenon. Soil resources of Bhilwara district of Rajasthan were inventorized using the IRS 1B imageries and survey of India toposheet on 1:50,000 scale. The district had three physiographic units viz., Eastern plain, Aravalli and Vindhyan landscape. Out of forty
soil series, 22 occurred in Eastern plain, 10 in Vindhyan and 8 in Aravalli landscape. The soils of different physiographic units were evaluated for soil organic carbon (SOC) stock and soil inorganic carbon (SIC) at 0-15, 15-30, 30-50 and 50-100 cm depths. The soils of Aravali landscape, Eastern plain and Vindhyan landscape had SOC pool to the tune of 11.3, 12.1 and 14.8 Mg ha-1 at 0-15cm depth and 6.4, 9.3 and 11.6 Mg ha-1 at 15-30 cm depth, respectively. The SIC pool in these physiographic units were 4.9, 6.1 and 3.1Mg ha-1 at 0-15cm depth and 3.5, 10.8 and 3.1 Mg ha-1 at 15-30 cm depth, respectively. Among soil orders, Vertisols (3.69% of total geographical area, TGA) sequestered highest SOC (77.1 Mg ha-1) and SIC (148.5 Mg ha-1) up to profile depth followed by Inceptisols (68.85% of TGA) and Entisols (10.32% of TGA).

Macronutrients (N, P, K) and micronutrients (Zn, Fe,
Cu, Mn) are important soil elements that control its
fertility. Soil fertility is one of the important factors
controlling yields of the crops. Soil characterization
in relation to evaluation of fertility status of the soils
of an area or region is an important aspect in context
of sustainable agriculture production. Because of
imbalanced and inadequate fertilizer use

In developing countries, wastewater is used to irrigate vegetables in small- and large-scale production where potable water is scarce. Sustainability of vegetable production depends on development of farming systems that can at least arrest soil
deterioration and sustain soil fertility. Soil quality was used for
a study on farming systems in India. This article examined soil
properties in vegetable fields to evaluate effects of past land
use on these properties and assess how changes could affect
soil health on peri-urban land. Bioremediation, washing of
vegetables with clean water, discouraging cultivation of
heavy metal–accumulating leafy vegetables, and avoidance of
fertilizers and pesticides with high heavy metals are a few ways
to promote safe vegetable production in peri-urban areas
where contamination can be a problem.

The study area consists of the alluvial plains of Kothari River, a tributary of Banas and situated in Eastern
Rajasthan Uplands. The area is surrounded by Aravalli hills. Sand constituted the major part of the soils of
Kothari river plains. Quartz was the dominant mineral followed by feldspars and mica in all the plains. There
was a mixed mineralogical makeup of clay fraction. Mixed mineralogy of alluvial plains revealed that the soils
of the area were formed by mafic and felsic igneous rocks under moderate precipitation with higher base
status. Higher cation content or base saturation with low rainfall (<1000 mm) favour the formation of smectites.
Decreasing order of minerals (estimated semi-quantitatively) in the soils of alluvial plains could be depicted
as: Illite/mica > smectite > kaolinite > feldspars > quartz > vermiculite = chlorite. Smectite content was highest
in the soils of lower plains and least in upper rolling plains while illite/mica was highest in the soils of middle
sloping plains. The ratio of 001 and 002 basal reflections of mica was more than unity, suggesting the
presence of both biotite and muscovite mica minerals. Other minerals were found randomly distributed
without any specific pattern. Youthful nature of the soils of upper rolling plains was indicated due to the
presence of talc in their clay fraction. Mineralogy of silt size fraction was very similar to clay mineral
framework except the higher content of quartz and feldspars and an equivalent reduction in 2:1 or 1:1
minerals. Smectite, mica, kaolinite, quartz, feldspars with trace amount of chlorite and vermiculite were found
in silt size fraction.