Characterization, Classification and Evaluation of Soils on Different Landforms in Ramachandrapuram Mandal of Chittoor District in Andhra Pradesh for Sustainable Land Use Planning

Typical pedons representing major landforms of Ramachandrapuram mandal in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradseh viz., plain, upland and hill slope developed from alluvium and granite–gneiss occurring under varying land use were characterized, classified and assessed for their nutrient status. The soils were moderately deep to very deep in depth, light yellowish brown to dark red in colour, slightly acidic to moderately alkaline in reaction and low to medium in organic carbon and cation exchange capacity. Further, the soils were low in available nitrogen, low to medium in available phosphorus, medium to high in available potassium and deficient in available sulphur. The soils were deficient in DTPA–extractable zinc and iron while these were sufficient in DTPA–extractable copper and manganese. Pedons 1 and 3, occupying plains, showed cambic (Bw) sub-surface diagnostic horizon and were classified as Vertic Haplustepts and Typic Haplustepts, respectively. Pedon 2 also occurring in plain did not exhibit any diagnostic horizon and was classified as Typic Ustipsamment. Pedon 4 on upland showed argillic (Bt) sub-surface diagnostic horizon and was classified as Typic Haplustalf. In contrast, the pedon 5 on upland did not show any diagnostic horizon and was classified as Typic Ustifluvent. However, pedons 6 and 7 located on hill slope did not show any diagnostic horizon, and were classified as Typic Ustorthents. On the basis of major soil constraints, suitable land use plan for the Ramachandrapuram mandal was also suggested for sustainable management of soils.