Slide 1

Soil and Soil Fertility Management in OFC Production

1. Physical factors2. Chemical factors1. Climate2. Parent material3. Biosphere4. Topography5. Time

RocksParent MaterialsSoilWeathering

Soil Genesis

2

Components of Soil(Volume Basis)Composition varies Place to place / Time to timeWaterAirMineral MatterOrganic Matter

3

Soil Properties

TextureStructureDensityPorosityColourMoisture ContentWater Holding CapacityPhysical Properties

Chemical PropertiesNutrient ContentpHCation Exchange CapacityElectrical ConductivityRedox Potential

Biological PropertiesMacro OrganismsMicro Organisms

4

Soils of the Dry Zone

5

Dry Zone of Sri LankaExtent-4.17 million ha.(Sri Lanka - 6.66 million ha.)Climate- 4< 15Alkalinity> 8.5< 4> 15

Salinity Patches

Complete Stalinization

Causal Factors of Salinity Irrigation

Higher evaporation with lower RF

Poor drainage

High salt content in the soil profile

Higher water table

Effects of salinityFor SoilFor Plants Physiological drought ness Na / Cl toxicities Difficulties in uptaking K, Ca, Zn Soil dispersion Increase nitrogen losses due high pH Organic matter mineralization due high pH

Remedial Measures Drainage improvement Washing out using quality water Deep ploughing + smooth surface preparation Water management Mulching Optimum nutrient supply Organic matter usage Gypsum amendment Possible land use options

Thank You

Chart24511152525

Mineral Matter %Organic Matter %Water %Air %25%

Sheet1Mineral Matter %Organic Matter %Water %Air %4552525

Sheet10111000

Mineral Matter %Organic Matter %Water %Air %Constituents of Soil

Sheet2

Sheet3