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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research communications

Vol. 13 No. sp2 (2026): Recent Advances in Agriculture

Spatial variability and GIS-based mapping of soil chemical properties in the Chambal region, Madhya Pradesh

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.14270
Submitted
27 February 2026
Published
21-05-2026

Abstract

Efficient utilisation of fertilisers is essential for sustainable crop production, as their effectiveness largely depends on soil chemical properties and their spatial variability. The soils in the Morena district (Chambal region) are predominantly alluvial, interspersed with areas of medium black soil. They are susceptible to erosion and salinity, which impact their chemical characteristics and fertility. This study utilised geographic information system (GIS)-based spatial interpolation techniques to assess the spatial variability of key soil chemical properties in the Morena district (Chambal region), Madhya Pradesh. A total of 100 global positioning system (GPS)-referenced surface soil samples (0-15 cm depth) were collected from 4 blocks: Sabalgarh, Joura, Morena and Ambah. The processed soil samples were analysed using standard methods for soil reaction (pH), electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulphur (S) and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)-extractable micronutrients (Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn). Results showed that soil pH ranged from 6.00 to 8.60, EC from 0.18 to 0.86 dS m-1 and OC from 0.23 to 0.86 %. Available nutrient contents varied as follows: N (118.8–255.0 kg ha-1), P (14.60–38.40 kg ha-1), K (168.6–525.0 kg ha-1) and S   (6.50–15.80 mg kg-1). The soils in the sampled area generally showed low to medium levels of available macronutrients. DTPA-extractable micronutrients showed wide variability: Fe (0.64–24.25 mg kg-1), Cu (0.20–2.76 mg kg-1), Zn (0.26–1.52 mg kg-1) and Mn (2.10–26.70 mg kg-1), indicating deficient to sufficient levels across the study area. These findings highlight significant spatial heterogeneity in soil chemical properties, providing a basis for site-specific nutrient management in the region. The results suggest that variable-rate fertiliser applications, particularly for S and Zn, could improve nutrient use efficiency and crop yields in this agriculturally important area.

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