Status of major nutrients in soils of cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum Maton) plantations in Kodagu District, Karnataka, India

Abstract

Soils were collected from various cardamom (EZellaria cardamomum) plantations in Kodagu District (Karnataka, India) and assessed for nutrient status. The soils were acidic (5.0 to 6.6 pH) in nature with high organic carbon content, which decreased with depth of the soil. The soils were medium (56.82%) to high (43.18%) in available nitrogen, low (79.55%) in available phosphorus and low (38.63%) to medium (52.27%) in available potassium. The soil profile collected from cardamom fields indicated relatively higher level of available nitrogen and organic matter than from uncultivated area due to recycling of organic materials in the former. The organic carbon content was correlated positively and significantly with available nitrogen content.