GIS AND GPS-BASED MAPPING OF SOIL PROPERTIES IN SUGARCANE GROWING AREAS OF SNJ SUGAR FACTORY ZONE, ANDHRA PRADESH

A survey work was conducted to assess the soil fertility status of sugarcane growing soils of SNJ sugar factory zone, Andhra Pradesh. Two hundred seventeen (217) soil samples were collected at a depth of 0-15 cm from nine mandals (Palasamudram, Veduru Kuppam, Penumuru, Rompicherla, Pileru, Pulicherla, Chinnagottigallu, Erravaripalem and Chandragiri) and analyzed for physicochemical and chemical properties. Geo reference coordinates (Latitude and Longitude) also noted at sampling sites. The results revealed that 38% of soils were neutral in reaction (pH 6.5-7.0), 10% were slightly acidic and 33% of soils were slightly alkaline in reaction. All soils had non saline nature. 80% of soils were low in organic carbon (OC) content and 20% of soils had medium in OC content. Available nitrogen in 93% of collected soils was low (< 280 kg ha-1). Available phosphorus in these sugarcane growing soils ranged from 26 to 114 kg ha-1 with a mean of 57.07 kg ha-1. Available potassium levels varied between 197 and 521 kg ha-1 (medium to high) with a mean of 347 kg ha-1. The soils have available sulphur ranged from 2.6 to 15.6 mg kg-1. 74% of soils were showed deficient in available sulphur. Digital soil maps for pH, EC, OC, available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur prepared by using GIS approach. Soil nutrient index for OC, available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur was 1, 1, 2, 2.31 and 1, respectively