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Soil Health Card Survey Identifies Widespread Sulphur & Zinc Deficiencies in Vidarbha Vertisols
Published: 2026-09-30 • 08:00 AM ISTAgriculture News
State soil testing laboratory analysis reveals over 68% of farm soil samples lack critical sulphur and zinc, causing declining pulse protein and oil yields.
A comprehensive compilation of over 2.5 lakh Soil Health Card samples tested across Vidarbha's 11 districts by the Department of Agriculture has highlighted critical micronutrient exhaustion.
Key Soil Diagnostic Findings - Sulphur Deficiency (68.4% of soils): Continuous reliance on DAP and Urea (which contain 0% sulphur) has depleted native soil sulphur, directly capping oil content in soybean and protein synthesis in pigeonpea and chickpea. - Zinc Deficiency (54.2% of soils): Alkaline soil pH (>8.0) renders soil zinc chemically insoluble, causing interveinal chlorosis (खैरा रोग) and stunting. - Remedial Prescription: Farmers are advised to apply 10 kg Zinc Sulphate (21%) and 20 kg agricultural bentonite sulphur per acre during land preparation.
Source & Publication Verification - Official Source: Soil Testing Laboratories & ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil Science - Reference Portal: soilhealth.dac.gov.in - Publication Schedule: 30 September 2026, 08:00 AM IST
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