Abstract:
The sustainability of any system has become a significant concern nowadays. The assessment of soil fertility is a fundamental decision-making instrument for implementing suitable nutrient management practices. The present study evaluated the fertility status of soil from eight different locations (Blue area, Park view, Simly dam, Barakhau, Chak Shehzad) and sectors (G-13, I-8 and I-9) in Islamabad by assessing the physical, chemical and organic matter of soil. The results of physical parameters showed that TDS and temperature were within the safe limits of 400-500 mg/L and 20-30°C. The results of pH of soil samples were within the safe range of 6 to 8.5. However, the park view sample had a pH of 7.79 pointing towards the slightly alkaline nature of soil. The rest of the samples were classified as neutral. Salts and EC exceeded the safe threshold for soils 4 dS/m in all samples. The highest EC levels corresponding towards higher salinity were found in soils of Simly dam, blue area, Chak Shehzad, Sector G-13, I-8 and I-9. The results of chemical parameters showed that chlorides, sulphates and nitrates were within the safe threshold given by IASS and EPA. Sodium in 4 soils samples (blue area, Chak Shehzad, park view, and Barakhau) surpassed the safe threshold of 400 mg/kg. Five (5) out of 8 samples (G-13, blue area, Chak Shehzad, park view and Barakhau) exceeded safe limit of magnesium 100 mg/kg. Four (04) out of 8 samples (blue area, Chak Shehzad, park view and Barakhau) also had calcium surpassing the safe threshold of 300 mg/kg. Potassium (K) in all soil samples exceeded the safe threshold of 80mg/kg given by IASS and EPA. 3. All eight (08) soil samples from Simly dam, I-9, G13, I-8, Blue area, Barakhau, Park view, and Chak Shehzad, had poor organic matter (SOM). None had satisfactory and adequate amount of organic matter (SOM) according to the SOM criteria. Overall, these results indicated that certain chemical parameters are within safe limits, elevated salinity, nutrient imbalances, and insufficient organic matter substantially undermine soil quality and fertility, presenting obstacles to ecosystem services and sustainable agricultural methods. Future studies should focus on detailed profile assessment of all major minor nutrients and essential parameters in the studied regions. Conducting a detailed nutrient analysis to address the specific nutrient deficiencies and excesses in the soil, particularly focusing on balancing potassium and calcium levels and increasing organic matter.
