Abstract:
Citrus represents Bhutan’s largest fresh fruit export. It is one of the main sources of income for
rural households. However, citrus production is declining over the years mostly due to low soil
fertility. This paper is the results of the long term studies conducted in 2013 and 2018 to
determine the status and development in soil fertility management. Over 200 soil samples were
collected from six villages. The soil samples were analyzed and interpreted for pH, organic
matter percent (OM%), primary nutrients, carbon to nitrogen ratio (C:N), cation exchange
capacity (CEC),and base saturation percent (BS%). The results revealed that soil pH values were
within a very acidic range and lower than the optimum pH level of 5.5-6.5. The average OM
content was within moderate range and no change was observed over the years in soil fertility
rating. The level of phosphorous (P) decreased over the years but no major difference was
observed in the fertility rating of total nitrogen percent (N%). Deficiency in potassium (K) was
observed, and most of the soils recorded low K levels in both years. The C:N ratio was within
moderate to good range, CEC improved over the years but BS% remained to be on the lower side
indication acidic soils. |
