Author(s):

Mahesh C, Rajeshwar Malavath, Vidyasagar GECH and Balaguruvaiah D

Abstract: To characterise and classify the sugarcane growing red soils of Medak district of Telangana State and assess the suitability for growing sugarcane and develop strong soil resource database for proper appraisal of their productivity potential and their rational use. Based on the morphological characteristics and land elevation, five geo referenced pedons were selected. The area was under the influence of semi-arid monsoon type climate. The selected red soils were developed on weathered granite-gneiss parent material at gently sloping lands. The texture was ranging from gravelly sandy loam (coarse) and sandy clay loam (medium) in the surface horizons and sandy loam and sandy clay loam in sub-surface horizons. The clay content ranged from 13.2 to 22.6 percent in surface horizons and 14.6 to 31.4 percent in subsurface horizons. The sand content varied from 72.3 to 75.1 percent in surface horizons and 56.4 to 77.1 in subsurface horizons. The silt clay ratio ranged from 0.19 to 0.82 indicating the moderate to high weathering. The soils were developed weak pedality with granular structure in the surface horizons and sub-angular blocky peds in sub-surface layers. Soil pH was moderately acidic to neutral (6.0 to 7.5) and non-saline. The organic carbon content was low to medium (4.3 to 6.8 g kg^-1) in surface horizons and in subsurface horizons it was low to medium ranged from 2.1 to 5.2 g kg^-1. The exchangeable bases of soil pedons were in order of Ca⁺² > Mg⁺² > Na⁺ > K⁺ on the exchange complex. Based on the morphology, physical, physico-chemical and chemical properties of the soils, the soil pedons were classified as per USDA soil taxonomy. Soils were classified into orders viz., Alfisols and Entisols.

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