An evaluation of mango cultivation soils and identification of potentially suitable lands upon conversion of agricultural crop land to mango plantations in semi-arid land of south Telangana plateau, Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

In the south Telangana plateau, Andhra Pradesh, due to low rainfall and high temperature which is limiting the agriculture crop production as the semi-arid climatic condition. Hence, the crop land is being converted to mango plantation/orchards in most of the areas. The soils of mango cultivation were assessed for their physicchemical properties as well as soil fertility status by studying two representative pedons from mango cultivated areas. Through a detailed soil survey, land capability classification was done and determined the suitability of land for mango production using GIS and RS. Results revealed that 53.57% area is moderately good cultivable (class III) land followed by class IV which is fairly good cultivable land (16.90%). Out of total geographical area (23240.7 ha), mango is marginally suitable (S3) in 42.71% area which is potential for mango production and 29.45% area is not suitable for mango cultivation. Gravelliness, soil fertility, drainage, root restriction, soil texture are the limiting factors for mango production in the region. Organic carbon (OC) content is low (0.32-0.40%), slightly acidic to neutral in reaction (pH: 6-6.83), non-saline, high base saturation (>50%), low CEC (3.1-6.1 cmol (p+) kg-1) and available water content is 4.47 to 7.86%, reddish-brown (5YR4/4) to dark brown (7.5YR4/3) in surface and 35-60% coarse fragments. However, two mango cultivating series are identified. The study helps to increase the area under mango plantations in potential areas and to adopt mango cultivation by addressing limitations in problematic soils.