Abstract

                                The soil problem which is a major factor limiting the crop productivity in Krishnagiri Reservoir Project ayacut area of Dharmapuri District was investigated. The results of the study showed that the soil is loamy to sandy loam in texture. The EC ranged from 0.29 to 4.3 m. mhos/cm and pH from 83 to 10.2. Exchange- able sodium percentage (ESP) varied from 189 to 41.1. The organic carbon content in all the locations are found to be tow. The available N status is low while P is low to medium and K medium to high. The estimated gypsum requirement for reclamation ranged from 50 to 130 t/ha. The ESP of the soil has a significant positive correlation with pH (0.415); finer fraction (0 720**) and gypsum requirement (0.771). The soils in the villages of the ayacut area are grouped into three categories based on pH and ESP and gypsum requirements are given for reclamation.

Key words :