Effect of soil constituents on the chemical characteristics of saffron

The present study was attempted to examine the macronutrient status in the karewa soils of Jammu & Kashmir and their effect on chemical characteristics of saffron. The study was based on 7 soil samples (90 composite samples), collected at a depth of 0-100 cms. The selection of sample sites was made purposively after taking physicochemical composition of the area into consideration, so that the sampling site becomes the true representation of the region. The pH and electrical conductivity value decreases with respect to the sampling sites from one area to another area in the region. It may be responsible for the differences in the chemical characteristics of saffron in terms of its colour and aroma. The other components like Nitrogen and phosphrous organic matter concentration also depict variations across various sites from one area to another. The study shall be of great significance not only in understanding the agricultural resource base of the region but will also provide a new strategy to curb malnutrition which is prevalent in the area.