Integrated Assessment of Soil Health Through Macronutrient Status and Physico-Chemical Properties in Selected Agricultural Blocks of Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh, India

Year : 2026 | Volume : 15 | 01 | Page :
    By

    Anuradha Sharma,

  1. Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology, S.C.V.B. Government College, Palampur, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India

Abstract

Soil health is a critical determinant of agricultural sustainability, particularly in ecologically sensitive Himalayan regions where intensive cultivation and heterogeneous landscapes influence nutrient dynamics. Balanced macronutrient availability, together with favourable physico-chemical properties, governs crop productivity, soil resilience, and long-term ecosystem functioning. Despite the agronomic importance of Kangra District (Himachal Pradesh), localized assessments integrating nutrient status with physico-chemical indicators across representative agricultural blocks remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate soil health in selected agricultural blocks of Kangra District by quantifying available macronutrients alongside key physico-chemical parameters. A total of 22 surface soil samples (0–15 cm) were collected from cultivated fields across Dharamshala, Bhawarna, and Baijnath blocks using grid-cum-zig-zag composite sampling. Available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and sulphur (S) were estimated in the soil samples. Soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and organic carbon (OC) were also measured. Descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson correlation analysis were applied. The studied soils ranged from slightly acidic to neutral (pH 4.40–7.30) and were non-saline (EC 0.01–0.50 dS m⁻¹). Organic carbon was predominantly high (0.27–2.10%). Available nitrogen showed moderate to high variability (62.7–476.7 kg ha⁻¹). Phosphorus deficiency was widespread, while potassium was generally medium to high. Sulphur was largely adequate to high, with isolated deficiencies. Organic carbon showed significant positive correlations with N, P, K, and S. Although the studied soils were generally non-saline and organically enriched, nutrient imbalances – particularly low available phosphorus and variable nitrogen – may constrain optimal crop productivity. Site-specific, soil test–based nutrient management emphasizing balanced fertilization and organic matter management is recommended for sustaining productivity and long-term soil health in Himalayan agro-ecosystems

Keywords: Electrical conductivity, Himalayan agriculture, Kangra District, macronutrients, organic carbon, soil fertility, soil health

How to cite this article:
Anuradha Sharma. Integrated Assessment of Soil Health Through Macronutrient Status and Physico-Chemical Properties in Selected Agricultural Blocks of Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh, India. Research & Reviews : Journal of Ecology. 2026; 15(01):-.
How to cite this URL:
Anuradha Sharma. Integrated Assessment of Soil Health Through Macronutrient Status and Physico-Chemical Properties in Selected Agricultural Blocks of Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh, India. Research & Reviews : Journal of Ecology. 2026; 15(01):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjoe/article=2026/view=238843


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Ahead of Print Subscription Original Research
Volume 15
01
Received 20/12/2025
Accepted 20/02/2026
Published 21/02/2026
Publication Time 63 Days
27

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