Physical Properties of Different Soil Profiles of Agro-Biodiversity Park of Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh

In the present study twenty representative pedons were selected based on topography from various physiographic units identified in Agro Bio Diversity Park (ABDP) of Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad. On the basis of geomorphic units, soils were selected from upland, midland and lowland. All the pedons were studied for their morphological characteristics and horizon wise samples were processed for physical and described morphologically. Based on morphology and analytic data profiles were characterized. The soils were very shallow to deep (10 to 60 cm), dark red to very dark grayish brown (2.5 YR 3/6 – 10YR 3/2) and well drained. The results showed that variation in soil properties strongly influenced the land form and topography. The analysis of soils indicate that the upland soils are shallow, midland and lowland soils are medium to deep, but along the slope the depth of soil increased along with other physical properties like clay, available water content, infiltration rate and bulk density. Soil texture was sandy loam to sandy clay loam with variation in relation to physiography. The upland soils were exhibiting higher bulk density, particle density and lower available water content, where as midland and lowland soils were recorded higher available water content, infiltration rate and clay percentage.