ASSESSMENT OF SELECTED PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF AGRICULTURAL SOILS FROM MOUDA AND KALMESHWAR, NAGPUR DISTRICT

Abstract

Soil is an essential natural resource that supports agricultural production and plays an important role in nutrient cycling, water retention, and plant growth. The physicochemical characteristics of soil directly influence nutrient availability and crop productivity. The present study was undertaken to assess selected physicochemical properties of agricultural soil samples collected from farmland areas of Mouda and Kalmeshwar in Nagpur District. Twelve soil samples were analysed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), and chloride content using standard laboratory procedures. Soil samples were collected from a depth of approximately 10–15 cm, air-dried, ground, sieved, and subjected to chemical analysis. The pH values of the analysed samples ranged from 7.29 to 8.30, indicating predominantly neutral to alkaline soil conditions. Electrical conductivity values ranged from 0.100 to 0.649, with sample 6 showing the highest EC value. Calcium carbonate content varied considerably among the samples, ranging from 3.00% to 49.75%, while chloride content ranged from 0.50% to 4.81%. The observed variation among samples indicates differences in the physicochemical characteristics of agricultural soils in the selected study areas. The study demonstrates the importance of routine soil analysis for evaluating soil conditions and supporting appropriate agricultural management practices. Keywords: Soil analysis, pH, electrical conductivity, calcium carbonate, chloride, agricultural soil, Mouda, Kalmeshwar.