Morphological and physical characterization of the dominant soil type under potato cultivation in Hassan district

Hassan district in Karnataka has the largest area and higher potato production in the state and contributes about 40.88 per cent of total production followed by Kolar district. Compared to other states the productivity is very poor in Karnataka. Through extensive transverse of potato growing areas of the district and soil pedons excavated at six representative sites and sampled horizon-wise; Madalapura, Kalenahalli, Chigatihalli, Gonisomanahalli, Hongere and Sidlahsahalli villages. At each site soil morphology and soil physical properties was studied by exposing soil profile to depth of 1.5 meter, or less in shallow soils. The physiography of all the sites selected were nearly level land with 1-3% slope and relief of 50-150 m. Major land use pattern of the sites were potato, potato followed by maize or ragi. The parent material of the sites was granite gneiss. Four of the soils pedons keyed out to Alfisol order and two Inceptisol order.