Idukki soil nutrients washed away in floods

KOTTAYAM: The floods that hit Idukki in August last destroyed not only the crops, but also the agricultural productivity and soil fertility of the district. Crops, including cardamom, pepper, cocoa, nutmeg, coconut and coffee were hit by diseases resulting in a 30 percent loss of yield after the floods.

This has been found in a study conducted by a team of multi-disciplinary experts under the aegis of Cardamom Research Institute, Pampadumpara, Idukki.
At many places, pesticide residues were found in the soil, water and plant samples due to erosion of the top soil.

Dr Muthuswamy Murukan, professor and head of the institute, who coordinated the study, told DC that they had noticed changes in the soil nutrients level and concentration across the top soil.

The available plant nutrients like nitrate, phosphate, potassium, sulphur and boran were absent, he said.

Due to the decrease in the soil acidity, the concentration of aluminium and manganese over the top soil has increased. "This may affect the root growth and development of the plants," the study said.

The organic carbon of the top soil, water soluble content and plant nutrients were also lost due to the heavy downpour.

 The ph level of the soil, electrical conductivity and organic carbon have also decreased.

The soil which was previously present at the top portion was deposited downstream along with soil components such as sand, silt and clay. Hence the physio-chemical and biological properties of the soil changed which may affect the agricultural prospects in the district, said the study.

The study findings were sent to the state government in December last.

The study was conducted by a team of experts from the Kerala Agricultural University, Agricultural College, Vellayani, College of Horticulture, Vellanikara, Farming System Research Station, Sadanandapuram, and the Sugarcane Research Station, Thiruvalla.