Research & Reviews: Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology

ISSN: 2278-2206 (Online), ISSN: 2349-3682 (Print)

Volume 6, Issue 1
www.stmjournals.com

Evaluation of Soil-site Suitability of Major Crops in

Damodar Command Area (Part), West Bengal, India for
Suitable Crop Planning Options
R. Bera1*, A. Seal1, T.H. Das1, D. Sarkar1, A. K. Chatterjee2
1
National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (Indian Council of Agricultural Research),
Kolkata, West Bengal, India
2
Department of ASEPAN, Visva Bharati University, Santineketan, West Bengal, India

Abstract
Crop response to a specific soil property may vary widely with respect to individual crop type
and therefore requires crop-wise soil-site suitability evaluation, to adjudge suitable cropping
options for an area. The present study was undertaken to interpret the soil resource data base
in terms of soil-site suitability of major crops in the Damodar command area (part) of West
Bengal. Majority of the soils (72.38 percent of the total cultivated area) were classified as
good cultivable land; however, the problem of soil drainage proved to be the major restricting
factor towards crop cultivation in some soils. Evaluation of Soil-site suitability of different
crops revealed that except winter-season paddy, all other crops are highly to moderately
suitable in more than 70 percent of total cultivated area (TCA). High to moderate suitability
of different crops with respect to different soil series are in following descending order:
Kasipur > Khamrp = Banpara > Karjana > Hargram > Totpara > Naopara > Kharjuli >
Hangram. However, in Sonagachi, Bhensul and Madhpur soil series most of the crops were
found marginally suitable due to different soil limitations.

Keywords: Soil-site suitability, Damodar command area, cereals, pulses, oilseeds, vegetables

*Author for Correspondence E-mail: bera.ranjan@gmail.com

INTRODUCTION cultivation. The rich alluvial soils of Damodar

Assessment of problems and potential of soils
using land evaluation techniques give a fair
idea about the suitable land use options for the
area. At the same time in depth studies on
specific soil related constraints as well as soil
properties not only facilitates yield prediction
but also enables the assessment of specific
causes, which lead to sub-optimal yield or
complete failure of the crop [1]. However,
optimal requirement of a crop is always region
specific where the soil characteristics
determine their degree of suitability and help
in planning expansion of area under a
particular crop [2]. Especially, crop response
to a specific soil property may vary widely
with respect to individual crop type, which,
therefore, requires crop wise Soil-site
suitability evaluation for suggesting suitable
cropping plan for an area. In Sys’s [3]
parametric approach individual crop
requirement were matched with soil
parameters to evaluate Soil-site suitability as
well as limitations related to specific crop
command area with high potential for different
crop production are presently being utilized
for large scale paddy cultivation, where wet
season paddy winter season paddy forms the
dominant cropping pattern. However, keeping
in view the necessity for crop diversification to
cater the growing demand for different food
articles along with the rising problems of
mono-cropping toxicity, soil-suitability
evaluation of different crops viz. cereals,
pulses, vegetables etc. is of vital importance.
Hence, the present study was undertaken to
interpret the soil resource data in terms of
Soil-site suitability of major crops in the
Damodar command area (part).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Soil-site suitability evaluation of the identified
soil series (Figure 1) of Damodar command
area (part) was carried out following criteria
outlined by FAO [4] and Sys [3]. The FAO
framework involved formulation of climatic
and Soil-site criteria to meet the requirement

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Evaluation of Soil-site Suitability of Major Crops in Damodar Command Area
of crops and rating of these parameters for
highly suitable (S1), moderately suitable (S2),
marginally suitable (S3) and unsuitable (N)
classes. These were matched with the existing
land qualities to arrive at a specific suitability
class. Soil-site suitability of different crops
viz., wet season paddy, winter season paddy,
wheat, sesamum, soyabean and potato were
evaluated as per the methodology of Sys et al.
[3] where as that of gram and mustard were
evaluated as per the methodology of Naidu et
al. [5]. Soil-site suitability of crops viz. lentil
and black gram were evaluated using soil
potential rating (SPR) approach as suggested
by Dent and Young [6].
Basis for Crop Selection
Paddy forms the principle and the most
important crop in the study area and
sometimes features as the sole crop grown
during different crop seasons within a single
year. However, keeping in view the toxicity
that may generate due to long term mono crop
cultivation [7] along with the increasing
shortage of irrigation water [8] in the study
area, a wide variety of crops ranging from
cereals, pulses, oilseeds and vegetables were
selected for Soil-site suitability evaluation.
Rice forms the staple diet of the farmers in the
study area. This was the major reason for
selection of wet season paddy and winter
Fig. 1: Soils of the Damodar Command Area, West Bengal.
RRJoAST (2017) 1-14 © STM Journals 2017. All Rights Reserved
Bera et al.
season paddy while wheat was included as an
alternative to paddy, for Soil-site suitability
evaluation. Pulses are known to have a
favourable impact towards soil fertility [9],
hence lentil, black gram and gram were also
included for such assessment. Selection of
pulses was also made keeping in view their
low water requirement [10], which might
address the criteria of low availability of
irrigation water and ground water table
depletion in the study area. Inclusion of
mustard, sesamum and soyabean was in view
of meeting the requirement for oilseeds.
In the study area winter season paddy (total
water requirement is three to four times higher
than any other field crop) is grown on a large
scale. However, keeping in view the rising
scarcity of irrigation water, increasing
requirement of crop diversification for
productivity sustenance along with the
necessity for comprehensive cropping pattern;
vegetables viz., chilli, tomato and potato
(which features in the present cropping pattern
of the area) were also selected for Soil-site
suitability assessment. Over and above all,
selection of crops for Soil-site suitability
evaluation was made keeping in view the
social acceptability along with the requirement
for crop versification to ensure agricultural
sustainability in the study area.
Page 2
Research & Reviews: Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology
Volume 6, Issue 1
ISSN: 2278-2206 (Online), ISSN: 2349-3682 (Print)

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Soil-site Suitability Evaluation of Cereals

Soil-site Suitability Evaluation
Soil-site suitability evaluation is the pre-
requisite for land use planning [3]. From
agricultural point of view, it helps in
identifying the potential of the soils to produce
different crops on a sustainable basis without
degrading land. Under the present study Soil-
site suitability evaluation of crops viz. cereals
(wet season paddy, winter season paddy and
wheat), pulses (lentil, black gram and gram),
oilseeds (sesamum, mustard and soyabean)
and vegetables (potato, chilli and tomato) were
done as per standard methodologies. Selection
of crops for Soil-site suitability evaluation was
made keeping in view the social acceptability
along with the requirement for crop
diversification, to ensure agricultural
sustainability in the study area.
Soil-site suitability evaluation (Table 1) of
wet season paddy revealed that the crop was
moderately suitable (S2) in Khamrp, Totpara,
Karjana, Banpara, Hangram, Hargram,
Kashipur, Naopara and Madhpur soil series,
while marginally suitable (S3) in Sonagachi,
Bhensul and Karjuli soil series. Low organic
carbon status posed major limitation towards
high suitability of wet season paddy in these
soils especially in the soils under Sonagachi,
Bhensul and Kharjuli soil series, low organic
carbon status formed the major hindering
factor, which limited their rating to Soil-site
suitability class S3. In rest of the soils (under
different soil series) both low organic carbon
content and drainage problem posed moderate
limitations, rendering these soils in the
moderate suitability class (S2) with respect to
wet season paddy cultivation (Figure 2).

Table 1: Soil-site Suitability of Major Crops in the Study Area.

<----------------------------------- Crop --------------------------------------- >

Soil <------- cereal ------- > < ----- Pulses ----> < -------- Oilseed ---- > < - Vegetables-- >
series Rainfe Irrigate
Whe Lent Blackgra Gra Sesamu Mustar Soyabe Potat Chil Tomat
d d
at il m m m d an o li o
Paddy paddy
S2wsf S2wsf S1 S1 S2s S1 S2f S1 S2f S1 S2f S2f
Khamrp
(S2ws) (S2ws) (S1) (S1) (S2s) (S1) (S1) (S1) (S1) (S1)(S1)(S1)
S2wf S2f S2f S2f S2f S2f S2f S2sf S2f S2f S2f S2f
Totpara
(S2w) (S1) (S1) (S1) (S1) (S1) (S2f) (S2s) (S1) (S1)(S1)
(S2f)
S2w
S2wf S2f S1 S1 S1 S1 S2f S2s S2wf S2f S2f
Karjana (S2w
(S2w) (S1) (S1) (S1) (S1) (S1) (S1) (S2s) (S2w) (S1) (S1)
)
S2wf S2f S1 S1 S1 S1 S2f S2ws S2f S2f S1 S2f
Banpara
(S2w) (S1) (S1) (S1) (S1) (S1) (S1) (S2ws) (S1) (S1) (S1) (S1)
S3w S3w
Hangra S2f S2f S3w S3w S3w S3w S2ws S3w N1 S3w
(S3w (S3w
m (S1) (S1) (S3w) (S3w) (S3w) (S3w) (S2ws) (S3w) (N1) (S3w)
) )
S3w S3w
Sonagac S3f S3f S3w S3wf S3wf S3wf S2ws S3wf N1 S3wf
(S3w (S3w
hi (S2) (S2) (S3w) (S3w) (S3w) (S3w) (S2ws) (S3w) (N1) (S3w)
) )
S3w S3w
S3f S3f S3w S3wf S3wf S3wf S3w S3wf S3wf S3wf
Bhensul (S3w (S3w
(S2) (S2) (S3w) (S3w) (S3w) (S3w) (S3w) (S3w) (S3w) (S3w)
) )
S3f S3f S2f S2f S2f S2f S3f S2wsf S3f S3f S2f S3f
Kharjuli
(S2) (S2) (S2f) (S1) (S1) (S1) (S2) (S2ws) (S2) (S2) (S2f) (S2)
S2wf S2tf S2f S1 S1 S1 S2f S2wsf S2f S2f S2f S2f
Hargram
(S2w) (S2t) (S1) (S1) (S1) (S1) (S1) (S2ws) (S1) (S1) (S1) (S2f)
S2wf S1 S1 S1 S1 S1 S2f S2s S2f S2f S1 S2f
Kasipur
(S2w) (S1) (S1) (S1) (S1) (S1) (S1) (S2s) (S1) (S1) (S1) (S1)
S2w S2w
S2f S2w S3w S2w S2w S2w S2w S2wf S2wf S2w
Naopara (S2w (S2w
(S1) (S2w) (S3w) (S2w) (S2w) (S2w) (S2w) (S2w) (S2w) (S2w)
) )
S3wf S3w
Madhpu S2f S3tf S3wf S3wf S3w S3wf S3ws S3wf S3wf S3wf
(S3w (S3w
r (S1) (S2t) (S3w) (S3w) (S3w) (S3w) (S3ws) (S3w) (S3w) (S3w)
) )
Note: Value within parenthesis indicates potential suitability class (PSC). PSC was assigned as per the recommendation [4].

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Evaluation of Soil-site Suitability of Major Crops in Damodar Command Area Bera et al.

Fig. 2: Soil-site Suitability of Wet Season Paddy in Damodar Command Area, West Bengal.

Table 2: Soils-site Suitability of Cereals in the suitable (S2) for winter season paddy
Study Area. cultivation due to moderate limitations of soil
Suitability Soil Map Area % of fertility in terms of low organic carbon status.
Class Unit (ha). TCA* Moderate suitability of the crop was also
Wet season paddy observed in Khamrp soil series due to
Moderately 1, 2, 3, 6, moderate limitation of drainage, texture and
93063.76 76.91
suitable (S2) 7, 8
Marginally
low organic carbon status. On the other hand
4, 5 24051.14 19.88 poor drainage in Naopara soil series and
suitable (S3)
Winter season Paddy limitations of slope and low organic carbon
Moderately status in Hargram soil series restricted these
1, 2, 3, 6 61038.51 50.45 soils in the moderate suitability class (S2) with
suitable (S2)
Marginally
4, 5, 7, 8 56076.39 46.34
respect to winter season paddy cultivation.
suitable (S3)
Wheat Soil-site suitability evaluation also revealed
Highly suitable high suitability (S1) of wheat in the soils under
1, 2, 3, 7 83599.69 69.10
(S1)
Khamrp, Karjana, Banpara and Kashipur soil
Moderately
suitable (S2)
6 3973.78 3.28 series. Soils under Totpara, Kharjuli, and
Marginally Hargram were rated as moderately suitable
4, 5, 8 29541.43 24.41
suitable (S3) (S2) for the crop due to moderate limitations
*TCA: Total cultivable area of low organic carbon status.

Winter season paddy was found to be highly
suitable (S1) in Kashipur soil series while
marginal suitability (S3) was observed in
Sonagachi, Bhensul, Kharjuli and Madhpur
soil series due to severe limitations imposed
by the low soil organic carbon status in these
soils. Soils of Totpara, Karjana, Banpara and
Hangram soil series were rated moderately
However, the crop was found to be only
marginally suitable (S3) for cultivation in the
soils under Hangram, Sonagachi, Bhensul and
Madhpur soil series due to severe limitation of
poor drainage in Hangram, with additional but
moderate limitation of low organic carbon
status in Sonagachi, Bhensul and Madhpur soil
series.

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Research & Reviews: Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology
Volume 6, Issue 1
ISSN: 2278-2206 (Online), ISSN: 2349-3682 (Print)

Fig. 3: Soil-site Suitability of Winter Season Paddy in Damodar Command Area, West Bengal.

Fig. 4: Soil-site Suitability of Wheat in Damodar Command Area, West Bengal.

The overall Soil-site suitability evaluation for
cereals revealed (Table 2) that majority of the
soils (76.91 % of TCA) comprising soil map
units 1, 2, 3, 6, 7 and 8 were moderately
suitable (S2) for wet season paddy whereas
marginal suitability (S3) was observed in only
19.88 percent of TCA (covering map units 4
and 5). Winter season paddy exhibited similar
trend of suitability; however, area under
moderate suitability (50.45 percent of TCA
comprising soil map units 1, 2, 3 and 6) and
marginal suitability (46.34 percent of TCA
comprising map units of 4, 5 and 7 and 8)
classes did not vary much (Figure 3). Soil-site
suitability evaluation of wheat revealed high
suitability (S1) of the crop in majority of the

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Evaluation of Soil-site Suitability of Major Crops in Damodar Command Area Bera et al.

soils covering 69.1 percent of TCA, which rating of these soils in the moderate suitability
comprised soil map units1, 2, 3 and 7 class (S2). On the other hand moderate
(Figure 4) . Moderate suitability (S2) of the limitations of pH and low organic carbon
crop was observed in only 3.28 percent of status in Kharjuli soil series, moderate
TCA, (representative of soil map unit 6) while limitations of drainage in Naopara soil series
marginal suitability was observed in 24.41 restricted these soils under moderate suitability
percent of TCA (soil map units 4, 5 and 8). class (S2). Soils of Hangram, Sonagachi and
Bhensul soil series were rated as marginally
Soil-site Suitability Evaluation of Pulses suitable (S3) for black gram cultivation
Lentil was found to be highly suitable (S1) in (Figure 6).
Khamrp, Karjana, Banpara, Hargram and
Kasipur soil series. On the other hand soils Table 3: Soils-site Suitability of Pulses in the
under Totpara, Kharjuli and Naopara were Study Area.
rated moderately suitable (S2) for the crop due Suitability Soil map Area % of
to moderate limitation imposed by low organic class unit (ha). TCA*
carbon status in Totpara and Kharjuli soil Lentil
series, while drainage problem in Naopara soil 1, 2, 3, 6,
Highly sui (S1) 87573.47 72.38
7
series. Severe limitation due to poor drainage Marginally
in Hangram soil series and additional but 4, 5, 8 29541.43 24.41
suitable (S3)
moderate limitation due to low organic carbon Black gram
status in Sonagachi, Bhensul and Madhpur soil Highly suitable
series, restricted these soils in the marginal 2, 3, 6, 7 76309.31 63.07
(S1)
suitability class (S3) with respect to lentil Moderately
1 11264.16 9.31
cultivation (Figure 5). suitable (S2)
Marginally
4, 5, 8 29541.43 24.41
suitable (S3)
Soils under Karjana, Banpara, Hargram and
Gram
Kashipur were rated as highly suitable (S1) for
Highly suitable 1, 2, 3, 6,
black gram while moderate suitability (S2) of (S1) 7
87573.47 72.38
the crop was observed in Khamrp, Totpara, Marginally
4, 5, 8 29541.43 24.41
Kharjuli and Naopara soil series. Moderate suitable (S3)
limitation of texture in Khamrp soil series and *TCA: Total Cultivable Area
that of pH in Totpara soil series caused the

Fig. 5: Soil-site Suitability of Lentil in Damodar Command Area, West Bengal.

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Research & Reviews: Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology
Volume 6, Issue 1
ISSN: 2278-2206 (Online), ISSN: 2349-3682 (Print)

Fig. 6: Soil-site Suitability of Blackgram in Damodar Command Area, West Bengal.

Fig. 7: Soil-site Suitability of Gram in Damodar Command Area, West Bengal.

Suitability of gram followed more or less Kashipur soil series (Figure 7). The crop
similar trend as black gram with respect to the exhibited moderate suitability (S2) in Totpara
different soil series and was rated as highly and Kharjuli soil series due to moderate
suitable (S1) in Khamrp, Karjana, Banpara and limitations imposed by low pH in the former

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Evaluation of Soil-site Suitability of Major Crops in Damodar Command Area Bera et al.

with an additional problem of low organic Table 4: Soils under Different Suitability
carbon status in the latter soil series. On the Classes for Oilseeds.
other hand, soils under Naopara soil series Suitability Soil Map Area % of
were rated as moderately suitable (S2) for Class Unit (ha). TCA*
gram due to moderate limitations of drainage. Sesamum
Soils under Hangram, Bhensul, Sonagachi and Moderately 1, 2, 3, 6,
87573.47 72.37
suitable (S1) 7
Madhpur soil series were rated marginally Marginally
suitable (S3) for the crop due to common and 4, 5, 8 29541.43 24.42
suitable (S3)
severe limitation of drainage in all the soils Mustard
except in Madhpur soil series where additional Highly
but moderate limitations due to low organic 1 11264.16 9.31
suitable (S1)
carbon status was also encountered. Moderately 2, 3, 4, 6,
835353.87 69.04
suitable (S2) 7
Marginally
The overall result of soil-site suitability 5, 8 22314.87 18.44
suitable (S3)
evaluation of pulses revealed that majority of
Soyabean
the soils (soil map units 1, 2, 3, 6 and 7
Moderately 1, 2, 3, 6,
covering 72.38 percent of TCA) were highly suitable (S1) 7
87573.47 72.37
suitable (S1) for lentil and gram while soil Marginally
4, 5, 8 29541.43 24.42
map units 4, 5 and 8 (covering 24.41 percent suitable (S3)
of TCA) were only marginally suitable for the *TCA: Total Cultivable Area
crop. For black gram, majority of the soils
covering 63.07 percent of TCA (soil map units Soil-site suitability evaluation revealed that
2, 3, 6 and 7), were highly suitable (S1) for the mustard was highly suitable (S1) only in
crop, moderate suitability (S2) was observed Kharmp soil series while soils under Hangram,
in only a small area covering 9.31 percent of Sonagachi, Bhensul and Madhpur soil series
TCA (soil map unit 1) while 24.41 percent of were rated only marginally suitable (S3) for
TCA (covering soil map units 4, 5 and 8) was the crop. Severe limitations of drainage and
only marginally suitable (S3) for the crop texture and moderate limitation due to low
(Table 3). organic carbon status caused the rating of soils
under Hangram, Sonagachi and Madhpur soil
Soil-site Suitability Evaluation of Oilseeds series in the marginal suitability (S3) class
Sesamum was found to be moderately suitable (Figure 9). On the other hand, marginal
(S2) in soils under Khamrp, Totpara, Karjana, suitability (S3) of the crop in Bhensul soil
Banpara, Hargram, Kashipur and Naopara soil series occurred due to severe limitations of
series while marginal suitability (S3) of the drainage, moderate limitations of texture and
crop was observed in rest of the soils of the low organic carbon status in these soils. Rest
study area (Table 4). In Naopara soil series of the soils were rated moderately suitable
moderate suitability of the crop occurred due (S2) for mustard due to varied but moderate
to moderate limitations of drainage and low limitations of drainage, texture, pH and low
organic carbon status, while in the rest of the organic carbon status in the different soil
soil series soil pH imposed major limitation. In series.
general, low organic carbon status was the
primary limiting factor towards sesamum In general soyabean exhibited only moderate
cultivation in all the soils. (S2) and marginal (S3) suitability for
cultivation in the soils of the study area
In Sonagachi, Bhensul and Madhpur soil series (Figure 10). Soils under Khamrp, Totpara,
both low organic carbon status and drainage Karjana, Banpara, Hargram and Kashipur soil
posed severe limitations, restricting these soils series were rated as moderately suitable (S2)
under the marginal suitability class (S3). On for the crop due to moderate limitations
the other hand, marginal suitability of the crop imposed by low organic carbon status while in
in Hangram and Kharjuli soil series occurred Naopara soil series an additional problem of
due to severe limitations of drainage in the drainage was also encountered. Soils under
former while low organic carbon status in the Hangram, Sonagachi, Bhensul, Kharjuli and
latter soil series (Figure 8). Madhpur soil series were rated as marginally

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Research & Reviews: Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology
Volume 6, Issue 1
ISSN: 2278-2206 (Online), ISSN: 2349-3682 (Print)

suitable (S3) for soyabean due to severe series where low organic carbon status was the
limitations of drainage and low organic carbon sole but severe limiting factor towards
status in all the soils except in Kashipur soil successful cultivation of the crop.

Fig. 8: Soil-site Suitability of Sesame in Damodar Command Area, West Bengal.

Fig. 9: Soil-site Suitability of Mustard in Damodar Command Area, West Bengal.

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Evaluation of Soil-site Suitability of Major Crops in Damodar Command Area Bera et al.

Fig. 10: Soil-site suitability of Soyabean in Damodar Command Area, West Bengal.

Soil-site suitability evaluation of sesamum and additional limitations. Severe limitations of

soyabean in the study area revealed similar drainage and low organic carbon status
trend of suitability as lentil and gram and were restricted the soils of Bhensul and Madhpur
found to be highly suitable (S1) in majority of soil series under marginal suitability class
the soils covering 72.37 percent of TCA, while (S3).
rest of the area (covering 24.42 percent of
TCA) was rated as only marginally suitable Table 5: Soils under Different Suitability
(S3) for the crops. In contrast mustard was Classes for Vegetables.
highly suitable (S1) in only a small portion Suitability Soil map Area % of
covering 9.31 percent of TCA (soil map unit class unit (ha). TCA*
1), moderately suitable (S2) in majority of the Potato (Solanum tuberosum)
soils covering 69.04 percent of TCA (soil map Moderately 1, 2, 3, 6,
87573.47 72.37
suitable (S2) 7
units 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7), while only marginally Marginally
suitable in soils (soil map units 5 and 8) 5, 8 22314.87 18.45
suitable (S3)
covering 18.44 percent of TCA. Not suitable
4 7226.56 5.97
(Ni)
Soil-site Suitability Evaluation of Chilli
Vegetables Highly suitable
1, 3, 7 77272.41 63.86
Soil-site suitability assessment (Table 5) of (S1)
Moderately
potato revealed that in general soils of the 2, 6 10301.06 8.51
suitable (S2)
study area do not have much potential for Marginally
cultivation of the crop. Potato was found to be 4, 5, 8 29541.43 24.42
suitable (S3)
only moderately (S2) and marginally (S3) Tomato
suitable in majority of the soils, while in few Moderately 1, 2, 3, 6,
87573.47 72.37
soil series the crop was found to be unsuitable suitable (S1) 7
(N1) for cultivation. Moderate suitability (S2) Marginally
4, 5, 8 29541.43 24.42
of potato in soils under Khamrp, Totpara, suitable (S3)
Karjana, Banpara, Kashipur and Naopara soil
series occurred due to moderate limitations On the other hand, marginal suitability of
imposed by low organic carbon status while in potato in Kharjuli soil series occurred due to
Naopara soil series drainage problem posed severe limitations imposed by low organic
carbon status. Very severe limitations of

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Research & Reviews: Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology
Volume 6, Issue 1
ISSN: 2278-2206 (Online), ISSN: 2349-3682 (Print)

drainage rendered the soils under Hangram
and Sonagachi soil series practically
unsuitable (N1) for potato cultivation
(Figure 11). Soil-site suitability evaluation
revealed that chilli was highly suitable (S1) in
Karjana, Banpara and Kashipur soil series
while moderate suitability (S2) of the crop was
observed in Totpara, Karjana, Kharjuli,
Hargram and Naopara soil series (Figure 12).
Rating of Hargram and Kharjuli soil series
under moderate suitability class was due to
moderate limitations imposed by soil pH in
Hargram soil series and additional but
moderate limitation due to low organic carbon
status in Kharjuli soil series. On the other
hand, moderate suitability of chilli in Naopara
soil series was due to moderate limitations of
drainage. Severe drainage problem caused the
rating of soils under Sonagachi, Bhensul and
Madhpur soil series, in the marginal suitability
(S3) class for chilli cultivation.

Fig. 11: Soil-site Suitability of Potato in Damodar Command Area, Barddhaman, West Bengal.

Fig. 12: Soil-site Suitability of Chilli in Damodar Command Area, Barddhaman, West Bengal.

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Evaluation of Soil-site Suitability of Major Crops in Damodar Command Area Bera et al.

Fig. 13: Soil-site suitability of Tomato in Damodar Command Area, Barddhaman, West Bengal.

Fig. 14: Paddy-paddy is the Suitable Crop Sequence in Major Part of the Damodar Command Area,
West Bengal.

Fig. 15: Corresponding Author with the Project Farmer in Paddy Field in Damodar Command Area,
West Bengal.

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Research & Reviews: Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology
Volume 6, Issue 1
ISSN: 2278-2206 (Online), ISSN: 2349-3682 (Print)
Tomato was found to be marginally suitable
(S3) in the soils under Hangram, Sonagachi,
Bhensul, Kharjuli and Madhpur soil series
(Figure 13). Marginal suitability of the crop in
these soils was due to severe limitations of
drainage and low organic carbon status, except
in Kharjuli soil series where severe limitations
occurred due to low organic carbon status with
an additional but moderate limitation imposed
by soil pH. Moderate suitability (S2) of the
crop was observed in rest of the soils of the
study area. In Naopara soil series drainage
posed moderate limitation, while low organic
carbon status restricted the rating of rest of the
soils of the study area, under moderate
suitability class for tomato cultivation.
Soil-site suitability evaluation of vegetables
viz. potato, chilli and tomato revealed
moderate suitability (S2) of potato in majority
of the soils (soil map units 1, 2, 3, 6 and 7)
covering 72.37 percent of TCA and marginal
suitability (S3) in 18.45 percent of TCA (soil
map units 5 and 8), while small portion of the
study area (5.99 percent of TCA) was found to
be unsuitable (N1) for the crop. Chilli was
found to be highly suitable (S1) in soil map
units 1, 3 and 7 covering 63.86 percent of
TCA, moderate suitability (S2) of the crop was
observed in small portion covering 8.51
percent of TCA (soil map units 2 and 6), while
soil map units 4, 5 and 8 (covering 24.42
percent of TCA) rated out as only marginally
suitable (S3) for the crop. In keeping with
existing trend of tomato cultivation in the area,
the crop rated out as highly suitable (S1) in
majority of the soils covering 72.37 percent of
TCA (soil map units 1, 2, 3, 6 and 7) while
marginal suitability (S3) was observed in the
rest 24.42 percent of TCA (soil map units 4, 5
and 8).
CONCLUSION
Evaluation of soil-site suitability of different
crops revealed that except winter season
paddy, all other crops were highly to
moderately suitable in more than 70 percent of
TGA (Figure 14). Moderate suitability of the
crops in theses soils was primarily due to
fertility based limitations. Hence adoption of
diversified cropping practices after correction
of soil fertility and undertaking proper
management can help to achieve higher crop
RRJoAST (2017) 1-14 © STM Journals 2017. All Rights Reserved
performance. Soil series marginally suitable
for most of the crop cultivation are due to
different soil based limitations viz. heavy soil
texture and poor drainage conditions which led
to the water stagnation for a prolonged period
of time in a year. Hence in these soils there is
limited scope for crop diversification except
the presently followed paddy-paddy cropping
sequence (Figure 15). However adoption of
suggestive cropping practice at the village
level is primarily influenced by micro level
physiography and soil variation, which can be
assessed only by undertaking crop experiments
in the farmer’s field.
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Cite this Article
R. Bera, A. Seal, T.H. Das et al.
Evaluation of Soil-site Suitability of
Major Crops in Damodar Command
Area (Part), West Bengal, India for
Suitable Crop Planning Options.
Research & Reviews: Journal of
Agricultural Science and Technology.
2017; 6(1): 1–14p.

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