Distribution of DTPA-extractable micronutrients in arid soil of western Rajasthan

Four typifying pedons were studied for available micronutrients in the soils of western Rajasthan. DTPA extractable zinc was found to be higher in high organic carbon content and finer fractions of soils. A positive correlation was found between organic carbon and DTPA – Zn. DTPA – Mn was found to be greatly affected by P^H and organic matter content. The soils were found to be deficient in available Fe this is due to high P^H, low 0rganic carbon content and coarse fragments. The available Cu was stated as sufficient worth with a maximum content at the surface. Calcium carbonate has a negative influence on the availability of Cu in these soils. Higher the sand content in soils, less of surface area available for ion-exchange which finally contributes to the lower DTPA extractable forms of these micronutrients.