Macronutrient Status in Soils of South Kashmir Himalayas, J&K-INDIA

The present study is an attempt to assess macronutrient (N, P, and K) status in soils of south Kashmir Himalayas by calculating nutrition Index (NI). The study is based on 280 soil samples (90 composite samples), collected at a depth of 0-100 cm at 30 sampling sites across different altitudinal zones. Based on results, the whole study area was delineated into different fertility zone based on nutrition index rating both at surface and sub-surface zones.It was found that macronutrient status in terms of NPK decreases with altitude mainly due to geophysical constraints like slope as lownutrient index 1.5-2.5 was found at above 20°as compared to more than 3 in zone I with 5° to 10° slope. 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 and will develop focus for its optimum use.