Comparative Analysis of Macronutrient, Soil Sulphur Availability and Micronutrient Dynamics across Diverse Land Use Types of Indo-Gangetic plains of India

This study investigates the macronutrient, soil sulphur availability, and micronutrient
dynamics across five land use types in Samastipur District, Bihar: mango orchard, forest land,
sugarcane field, dhab land, and uncultivated land. Soil samples were collected from two depths (0–20
cm and 20–40 cm) to assess nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulphur (S), and key
micronutrients such as zinc (Zn), boron (B), and iron (Fe). Mango orchard soils exhibited the highest
macronutrient concentrations, with available N reaching 325.57 kg ha⁻¹, P at 19.08 kg ha⁻¹, and K at
190.13 kg ha⁻¹. Sulphur availability was highest in mango orchards (19.80 mg kg⁻¹), while
micronutrient availability was also superior compared to other land use types. Conversely,
uncultivated and dhab lands recorded significantly lower nutrient levels, highlighting soil fertility
challenges. This study encountered challenges related to the variability in soil properties across land
use types, which influenced nutrient availability and required rigorous sampling and analytical
procedures. Despite these challenges, the study provides critical insights into macronutrient, sulphur,
and micronutrient dynamics in diverse land use systems. The findings highlight the impact of organic
matter inputs and land management on soil fertility, offering valuable recommendations for
sustainable soil management practices in the Indo-Gangetic Plains. These findings underscore the
critical role of land use in influencing soil nutrient dynamics and emphasize the need for tailored soil
management strategies to optimize land productivity and sustainability.