Characterization, Classification and Mineralogy of Benchmark Soils of Kalimpong Hills Under Mulberry Farming
Journal Title: International Journal of Agriculture Innovations and Research - Year 2018, Vol 7, Issue 1
Abstract
The characteristics, classification and mineralogical analysis of benchmark soils of Kalimpong hills, Darjeeling district of West Bengal under mulberry farming was undertaken in 2011-12 to assess the morpho-physico- chemical properties and clay mineralogy of the soils. Soil samples were collected from the mulberry field of Regional Sericultural Research Station (RSRS) farm, Regional Sericultural Research Station Annexure (RSRSA) farm and sericulture farmers field from eight different villages namely Kharka Busty, Bhalukhop Makaldhara, Makaldhara, Khani, Gitdabling, Saurani, Dolapchand and Sangsay villages of Kalimpong hills. Based on soil samples analyzed, the soils of Kalimpong hills stated above are shallow to very deep in depth, light coloured, light textured with weak, medium to fine, granular to subangular blocky structure. The sand, silt and clay percent in soils RSRS farm, RSRSA farm and all the sericulture farmers field ranged from 64-76%, 8-17% and 13-20% respectively. The pH of these soils are ranged from 4.2-6.7, EC 0.05-1.07 dSm-1, organic carbon content 0.21-2.49% and CEC mean 7.2-16.9 cmol (p+) kg-1 respectively which varied from plot to plot and terrace to terrace. These soils are dominated by the silicate clay minerals like kaolinite (1:1 lattice type), mica, vermiculite and gibbsite (Mica group 2:1 type non-expanding minerals), chlorite (2:1:1 or 2:2 type clay minerals) and talc etc. However, kaolinite and mica are the most dominant clay minerals in soils than others. The soils of Kalimpong hills have been classified into Coarse loamy, mixed, Thermic, Typic Udarthents and Coarse loamy, Mixed, Thermic, Typic Hapludepts.
Authors and Affiliations
R. L. Ram, et al.
Keywords
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