Distribution of Available Micronutrients as Related to the Soil Characteristics in Malwa Plateau Region in Southern Rajasthan

Ten typical pedons in Malwa Plateau region of Banswara district in Rajasthan were studied for vertical distribution of DTPA-extractable iron, manganese, zinc and copper and their relationship with some soil properties. Soil reaction, calcium carbonate, organic carbon and particle size fractions had strong influence on the distribution pattern of these micronutrients in the profile. The contents of available iron, manganese, zinc and copper were higher in surface horizons and decreased with depth in most of the pedons and ranged from 6.34 to 54.71, 2.42 to 57.64, 1.01 to 5.10 and 1.20 to 6.10 mg kg^-1, respectively. All soils had adequate amounts of iron, manganese, zinc and copper. The available micronutrient content in these soils were in the order of Fe>Mn>Cu>Zn. DTPA extractable Fe gave significantly and negative correlation with pH, CaCO₃, clay and CEC while significantly and positive correlation gave with organic carbon. Mn gave negative significant correlation with CaCO₃ and clay. Zn gave negative significant correlation with clay while Cu was positively significantly correlated with silt.