Evaluating Potentials of Riverine Floodplain Soils for Management of Rice (Oryza sativa L) in Majuli River Island, Assam, India

Bhaskara Phaneendra Bhaskar

Abstract


Land evaluation analysis in Majuli island  is to determine  suitability of riverine floodplains for sustainable rice  (Oryza sativa L.) production using geographical information system. The land capability and soil quality for rice production in hydric soils was assessed using soil map having twenty four land  mapping units defined as soil series association .  Results showed that about 35 percent of total geographical area was evaluated as suitable for rice cultivation as against the current cropped area of 7.2 percent. The soil quality of   hydric soil units in active and old floodplains were rated as  medium with six indicators (pH, organic carbon, base saturation, effective rooting depth, structure and texture) meeting the threshold value above 0.4.  The determination of soil quality was found useful to design best management practices for wetlands in the region that ensure sustainable land use. Major constraints identified in these pedons are poor soil texture, with  poor water management and suboptimal nutrient contents. Thus for a sustained and continuous rice production on these soils, it is important that nutrient balance be maintained with recommended dose of both organic and inorganic fertilizers and  appropriate water management strategies in relation to soil texture.

Keywords


Hydric Soils; Floodplain Wetlands; Land Evaluation; Soil Survey; Brahmaputra Valley

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