Soil phosphorus evaluation and mapping of onion growing areas of tehsil Nall, Balochistan
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Abstract
Phosphorus (P) ranks as the second most critical macronutrient for plant growth, following nitrogen (N). This study aimed to assess phosphorus (P) concentrations and their relationship with various soil properties in the primary onion cultivation regions of Tehsil Nall, Balochistan. A total of 56 soil samples were collected from six Union Councils, focusing on a depth of 0-20 cm. The findings revealed that 64.3% of the soils were classified as heavy-textured, while 35.7% were identified as medium loams. Electrical conductivity measurements ranged from 0.1 to 4.8 dS m⁻¹, with 91% of the samples categorized as non-saline. The soil pH values varied between 7.2 and 8.9, with 80.4% of the samples exhibiting strong alkalinity. The average lime content was 25.8%, and 89.3% of the samples were classified as strongly calcareous. Organic matter content ranged from 0.04 to 0.96%, with 98.21% of the samples showing a deficiency in organic matter. Additionally, the soils displayed low levels of ABDTPA-extractable phosphorus, and correlation analyses indicated no significant relationship between ABDTPA phosphorus and the examined soil characteristics. Consequently, this study addresses the nutrient deficiencies identified, the region can potentially achieve more sustainable and productive agriculture, benefiting both the local farming community and broader efforts to maintain soil health in arid regions.
Keywords: Balochistan; Mapping; Onion; phosphorus; Soil