Application of fertility capability classification in Kangayam grasslands representing dry semi arid climate of Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Fertility capability classification (FCC) is a system meant for grouping the soils according to their fertility constraints in a quantifiable manner based on condition modifiers. The present study was carried out in the grasslands of Kangayam block falling in dry semi arid climate. The soils were mapped at 1: 10000 scale and classified into different taxonomic units. The fertility capability classification was applied to the nine major soils identified in the Kangayam grasslands. The major soil constraints identified through condition modifiers were dry soil moisture (d+ ), low cation exchange capacity (e), basic reaction (b), alkalinity (n), gravel content (r) and low organic carbon content (m). The condition modifier d+ was dominated in its occurrence followed by the condition modifier b (89.6%), e (56.7 %), r (64.2%), n (39.2%) and m (9.1%). The outcome signifies the limitations are varying with landform and soil properties. Hence, suitable management options should be arrived considering the extent and severity of each limitation for combating degradation as well as the productivity of grasslands.