A Spatial Distribution of Organic Carbon Status in Koppal and Yadgir Taluks of Karnataka, India Using GIS and Geostatistics

Abstract

Spatial distribution of Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) status is necessary for enhancing crop and soil productivity. In this study, soil samples were collected from Koppal and Yadgir taluks (Northern dry zone and Northeastern dry zone) of Karnataka at 320 m grid interval at 0-15 cm depth and assessed for organic carbon and map was prepared under GIS using Arc GIS 10.4 Geo-wizard Kriging method. The results of the study showed that, SOC was medium in 37 per cent and high in 26 per cent of the total area (1,38,298 ha) in Koppal taluks. Whereas, in Yadgir taluks, SOC status was medium in 38 per cent and high in 31 per cent of the total area (1,71,060 ha). The descriptive statistics were positively skewed with positive kurtosis value. The spatial variability showed a moderate spatial dependence with spherical model in both the taluks. Therefore, the study showed that, most of the soils were medium in SOC status. There is a need of integrated nutrient management with additional emphasis for enhancing SOC for sustainable crop production.