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Abstract

This study was designed to assess the fertility status and other constraints to sustainable agricultural productivity of soils from ten villages in District Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), lime content, organic matter (OM), and AB-DTPA extractable phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) were analyzed. Soil pH varied from 6.15 to 7.39 with a mean of 6.80 indicating that soil pH was slightly acidic to neutral, which is favorable to nutrient availability. However, higher value of pH may restrict the solubility of micronutrients in the soil solution or nutrient-uptake by crops. Soils under study were confirmed non saline with electrical conductivity (EC) values ranging from 0.34-1.78 dS m with a mean of 1.139 dS m. Soils were classified as high in lime with (17.67–24.56% mean 21.3%). This high carbonate status may hinder phosphorus release and uptake by micronutrients. The organic matter was 16.80% to 22.50% with an average of 20.8% indicating good physical condition and biological activities of soil but values of such high nature are unusual for semi-arid regions and need to be authenticated further. Soil samples in the region had low available phosphorus (2.08-3.90 mg kg⁻¹, mean: 2.87 mg kg⁻¹), which shows a widespread deficiency problem. The phosphorus deficiency is thought to be largely due to calcareous condition of the soils. By contrast, potassium levels were within the range of 78 mg kg⁻¹ to 135 mg kg⁻¹ (100.20 mg kg⁻¹), indicate that soil in moderate fertility category. Overall, phosphorus deficiency and high lime content are major constraints. To sustain productivity, it is vital to manage nutrients and fertilization (especially phosphorus) and continuously monitor soils.

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