Soil Fertility Evaluation for Agricultural Uses in Nang-lae Nai Village, Nang-lae Sub-District, Muang District, Chiangrai Province

Abstract

A study of soil fertility evaluation for agricultural uses in Nang-lae Nai village, Nang-lae sub-district, Muang district, Chiangrai province aims to assess soil quality for agricultural purposes.  In this study, 23 soil samples were stratified randomly sampling from the agricultural areas in order to analysis pH, organic matter, lime requirement and macronutrients including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium by using the standard soil test kits. The results show that these soils are strongly to slightly acid (pH 4.0 – 6.5).  Organic matter content was ranged from low to high (1.5% - more than 3.5%).  Soil lime requirement was found in the range 201 – 2,450 kg as CaCO₃/1600 m².  Nitrogen and potassium levels in soil were low to medium but phosphorous level was low to high.  Appropriate amounts of fertilizers and/or lime need to improve soil quality for plant growth were estimated from the studied results, and were based on type of plant. Proper use of fertilizers and lime is important in effective and sustainable land use management.