Short communication: Soil characteristics in Attock district

Soil testing for physical and chemical characteristics of a soil is key in assessment of a soil fertility that leads to productivity of a soil. A total of 11231 soil samples from six tehsils of Attock district were collected during five years (2012-17). Samples were analyzed for different parameters like pH, EC (1:10), texture, organic matter, Olsen Phosphorus and NH4-acetate extractable Potassium. As regards pH, 98% samples ranged between 7.5-8.5 while 97% samples were normal with respect to salinity/sodicity (ECe<4 dSm and SAR<15). Similarly 22% samples were light and 78% were medium in texture. Soils (96% ) were poor in organic matter (<0.86%) while 99% had available phosphorus <7 mg kg. 1362 soil samples were also analyzed for potassium showing poor in 31% samples (<80 mg kg ) while 69% samples lie in satisfactory to adequate range (81-180 mg kg). Depending upon the soil analysis, farmers were guided for fertilizer recommendations according to climate suitability, crop/orchard/vegetable and water/rainfall conditions as being implemented throughout the rain fed conditions of the Punjab by the Directorate of Soil Fertility, Thokar Niaz Beg, Lahore.