Abstract

The distribution of total and available manganese (exchangable + water soluble forms) and their relationship to different soil properties were studied in twenty three soil profiles, representing seven major soil series of Namakkal taluk in Tamil Nadu. The total manganese content varied from 206 to 792 ppm. The content increased with depth in black and red soil series, while irregular pattern of distribution was observed in alluvial and laterite soil series. Black soils contained more of total manganese than alluvial, red and laterite soils. Total manganese content was closely related to clay, calcium carbonate, fine sand and coarse sand. The available manganese content varied from 0.63 to 26.64 ppm and the content decreased with depth in alluvial and laterite soil series while irregular pattern of distribution was observed in black and red soil series. Laterite soils contained more of available manganese thanalluvial, black and red soils. Available manganese was positively related to clay and organic matter and negatively with finer and coarser fractions of the soil.

Keywords: Available Manganese, Soil Properties