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Research on Crops

Nutrient Index Approach for Soil Fertility Assessment in Taro (Colocasia esculenta) Farming Areas of Rewa Province, Fiji

DOI: 10.31830/2348-7542.2022.804    | Article Id: 804 | Page : 634-639
Citation :- Nutrient Index Approach for Soil Fertility Assessment in Taro (Colocasia esculenta) Farming Areas of Rewa Province, Fiji. Res. Crop. 23: 634-639
H. K. Sachan and Deeksha Krishna hirdesh.sachan@fnu.ac.fj
Address : Department of Crop Science, College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Fiji National University, Koronivia Campus, P.O. Box 1544 Republic of Fiji
Submitted Date : 29-06-2022
Accepted Date : 17-07-2022
Online Published:

Abstract

Nutrient index methods and fertility indicators can be used to determine the fertility status of soils. The information can be used to develop soil management strategies for farmers. The research was conducted in the Rewa district of Fiji, to assess soil fertility status using the nutrient index approach. Taro (Colocasia esculenta)  growing farms were selected from three sub-districts of Rewa province for the present investigation and collected soil samples were analyzed in accordance with standard procedures for evaluating chemical parameters and the status of available nutrients in the soil.  The study discovered that the soils of farms are acidic in reaction, have low levels of organic carbon and phosphorus, and are moderate in nitrogen and potassium nutrients, however, the soils had a high content of calcium and magnesium. The nutrient index value (NIV) calculated for organic carbon and nitrogen were recorded as low at 1.60 and 1.43 respectively. The NIV calculated for exchangeable phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium content was recorded as high with 4.46,3.10 and 2.35 respectively. The soil fertility for potassium content was in the medium category with a value of 2.01. The results of this study are expected to help build future research plans for the Rewa taro farms and guide necessary methods for sustainable soil fertility management.

Keywords

Nutrient assessment nutrient index primary nutrients rewa soil fertility 

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