Abstract:
The present study was conducted to delineate the extent of macro and micro-nutrient deficiency in red and
lateritic soils of Mayurbhanj district of Odisha during 2010-11. Soil samples were collected from paddy fields of
five selected blocks (Shyamakhunta, Kuliana, Badasahi, Betanati and Baripada) of the district and analyzed
for major and micronutrients. The results revealed that the soils were acidic in reaction (pH: 4.1 to 6.6) and low
in available P and K values (kg ha-1) which varied from 0.20 to 6.0 and 50.0 to 419.0, respectively. The soils of
Kuliana and Baripada block were low in organic carbon content whereas others have medium status. The
available B, Zn and S content in soils (mg kg -1) varied between 0.04-0.94, 0.05-6.01 and 0.02-17.0 respectively
with respective mean values of 0.45, 1.54 and 5.20 mg kg -1. About 66% of soils were deficient in hot water
soluble B. Available S deficiency varied between 61-77% with mean value of 83%. The soils were rich in DTPAextractable
Zn. Application of B and S fertilizer in addition to major nutrients is highly essential for getting
higher yield in red and laterite soils of Odisha.
