Evaluation of Soil Constraints and Soil-Site Suitability for Groundnut in Different Land Forms of Meghal Irrigation Command Area of Southern Saurashtra Region of Gujarat

The soil suistainability and soil site suitability for groundnut cultivation were elevated in different landforms of Meghal Irrigation Command area of Southern Saurashtra region of Gujarat. The soils were moderately alkaline in reaction and High CaCO₃ content. The pH, EC, CEC and ESP increased with decrease in elevation. The major soil constraints identified were shallow soil depth, poor soil fertility (Low O.C.), high pH as well as B.D., texture and low Sat. hydraulic conductivity. Out of five land forms, the soils over undulating upper pediment of Maliya Taluka and coastal plain of veraval Taluka of Junagadh district were in sustainable class (S₂). The soils over upper pediment belong to Typic Ustothrents as well as lower pediment belongs to Vertic Haplustepts of Maliya taluka of Junagadh district were marginally suitable (S₃) for groundnut. The soils over alluvial plain belongs to Calcic Haplustepts of Maliya Taluka as well as coastal plain belongs to Fluventic Haplustepts of Veraval Taluka of Junagadh district are currently not suitable (N₁) for groundnut cultivation. However, the soils over undulating upper pedment belongs to Typic Ustothrents of Maliya Taluka are not suitable (N₂) for groundnut cultivation.