Author(s): R. KAR, P. C. BOSE AND A. K. BAJPAI

Abstract: This study aims to predict the cation exchange capacity (CEC) from clay and organic carbon in mulberry (Morus alba) growing soils of Eastern India to verify the extent of its accuracy. A total of 290 surface (0-30 cm) soil samples were collected from 29 locations (10 samples from each location) under mulberry vegetation distributed in over 12 districts of West Bengal, 3 districts of Bihar, 2 districts of Jharkhand and Koraput district of Orissa. Multiple regression equations relating CEC with clay and organic carbon for different soil class showed that soil class comprising ≥20% clay have been improved. It was also observed that the partial regression coefficient for organic carbon was higher in soils having lower amounts of clay than the soils having higher amounts of clay. In soil with <20% of clay, the contribution of organic carbon to CEC far exceeds that of clay. But higher proportion of clay ≥20% in soil established its dominance over organic carbon in terms of affecting CEC. It was also found that predicted values of CEC are in agreement with the corresponding observed values. Thus, it may be inferred that the cation exchange capacity can be predicted with reasonable accuracy from the clay and organic carbon content of the soils under mulberry vegetation.

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