Assessment of Micronutrient Status of Soil under Tasar Host Plant Growing Regions in Jashpur District, Chhattisgarh State

A total of 144 composite soil samples were collected at 0-30 cm depths from four different blocks (Kunkuri, Kansabel, Farshabhahar and Duldula) of Jashpur districts under Chhattisgarh State where predominantly tasar sericulture is being practiced. The soils were analysed properly for basic soil physical parameters viz., pH, electrical conductivity (EC) and soil organic carbon (SOC) and micronutrients viz. Zinc (Zn), Boron (B), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn) and Copper (Cu). The results revealed that the soils under the study were moderate to slightly acidic in reaction, safe in limit of EC and lower to medium in SOC content. The micronutrient status and their relationship with soil properties were also studied. Among the micronutrients, Zn was found to be sufficient in 37% cases, medium in 56% and deficient in 7%, whereas, B was found to be sufficient in 98%, Fe in 55%, Mn in 99% and Cu in 78% .Further, most micronutrients showed negative correlation with pH, EC and OC.