Studies on Genesis, Characterization and Classification of Soils in Semi-arid Agro-ecological Region: A Case Study in Banaganapalle Mandal of Kurnool District in Andhra Pradesh

Seven typical pedons representing major land forms in semi-arid agro-ecological region of Banaganapalle mandal in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh viz., plains and uplands developed from dolomite and granite-gneiss parent material under varying land use were studied for their morphological characteristics, physical and physicochemical properties and soil genesis. These soils were slightly alkaline to strongly alkaline (pH 7.9 to 8.7) in reaction, non-saline, deep to very deep in depth and had isohyperthermic temperature and ustic soil moisture regime. Texture, organic carbon, CEC and base saturation were ranged from sandy clay loam to clay in surface and sub-surface, 0.04 to 0.75%, 21.8 to 51.2 cmol(p+)kg−1 and 51 to 99%, respectively. Soils were low to medium in available N, medium to high in available P, low to high in available K and high in available S. The DTPA-extractable Zn and Fe were deficient, whereas, DTPAextractable Cu and Mn were sufficient. Pedons 2, 6 and 7 were grouped under Entisols and were classified as Typic Ustorthents and Lithic Ustorthents whereas pedons 1, 3, 4 and 5 were placed under Inceptisols and were classified as Vertic Haplustepts and Typic Haplustepts. All the soils of the study area fall under agricultural land with land capability classes ranging from II to IV. Further, the lands have limitations of slope and erosion. On the basis of major soil constraints, suitable land use plan for Banaganapalle mandal has been suggested for their sustainable management.