Characterization and classification of soil resources derived from chlorite schist in northern transition zone of Karnataka

A study was undertaken to characterize, and classify the soil resources of Mantagani village in northern transitional agro-climatic zone (zone-8) of Karnataka. Fourteen profiles were studied for the morphological, physical and chemical properties. Eight representative pedons covering all the soil types were selected and their properties and classification is discussed in this paper. Soils under the study were silty clay in texture, alkaline reaction with low salt content. Calcium and magnesium were the dominent cations follwed by sodium and potassium. Soils studied were classified up to family level according to revisions in Soil Taxonomy using morphological, physical and chemical properties. Major proportion of the soils in the village belonged to the order Vertisols (pedons 4 to 11) and others Alfisols (pedon 12), Inceptisols (pedon 13) and Entisols (pedons 1, 2, 3 and 14). Seven series were identified in the study area.