Calcareous soils occupy nearly 30% of the soils of the world and are characterized by the presence of calcic sub surface horizon. Free CaCO3 content of the soil is more than 5% and are common in arid and semi arid regions. pH of the calcareous soils is nearly 8.5 and produce brisk effervescence when treated with dilute hydrochloric acid. Ammonia volatilization, competition for potassium ions due to calcium-potassium imbalance, fixation of phosphorus, iron and zinc are the common problems encountered in these soils. Scrupulous application of organic manures, use of phosphorus solubilizing micro organisms, foliar application of micronutrients, avoiding crops sensitive to calcareousness, ploughing to break the impermeable layer are the management strategies that can be adopted to enhance the productivity of calcareous soils.
C. Sudhalakshmi
Coconut Research Station, Aliyar Nagar, Tamil Nadu (642 101), India
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