Spatial Variability Mapping of Soil Chemical Properties Using GIS & GPS

Excessive application of fertilizers can cause wastage of fertilizer which increases input cost and environmental pollution. Implementation of Precision Agriculture through site specific nutrient management is the best suitable solution to increase nutrient application efficiency and thereby increase crop productivity. The present study was carried out in the Instructional Farm of KCAET campus, Tavanur, Malappuram, Kerala, to access the spatial variability of different soil chemical properties. The methodology follows the delineation of the study area, location of sampling points and soil samples were collected and analysed for the soil chemical properties such as pH, Electric Conductivity, Available Nitrogen, Available Phosphorous, Available Potassium, Boron and Sulphur using standard methods. Spatial variability maps of soil chemical properties were prepared by using Inverse Distance Weighing method of interpolation in ArcGIS. From this study, it could be concluded that, GIS along with GPS could be used as an effective tool for preparation of spatial variability maps for determining the spatial distribution of chemical properties of soils and thereby helps to achieve site specific nutrient recommendation which improves crop productivity, quality and reduce environmental stress. It also involves a lesser number of soil analysis and thus reduces the cost of operation compared to plot-to-plot analysis.