Current World Environment

Studies were conducted to know the mineralogical and textural characteristics of soils in relation to soil fertility status of Sangamner area, Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra. For this purpose particle size distribution was determined from 62 surface soil samples collected from the area. Representative ten sample clay fractions were subjected to X-ray diffraction analysis for mineralogical characterization. Clay factions have been found to be dominated by illite which is generally facilitated due to high K₂O content in soils. Montmorillonite present in the salt affected soils has the predominance of magnesium. Kaolinite, chlorite, halloysite were also detected. The textural analysis revealed the clay content varies from 9.51 to 53.61%. Clay and clay loam type of soils were found in the downstream part which is possibly attributable to inadequate drainage conditions prevailing in the area. The proportion of silt content was followed by sand and coarse sand. The textural classification of the soils showed 35.48% samples were clay, 22.58% samples were clay loam, 21% sandy clay, 16% sandy and 5 % sandy clay. This indicates that majority of the samples have clay and clay loam category. The present investigation suggested that adequate drainage and leaching, crop rotation, blending of saline water with good quality of water, use of manures and mulching and desiltation of Ojhar weir can be adapted as measures to improve soil fertility of the area. Farmer’s participation has been looked as the best means of avoiding further degradation of soils in the area.