Assessment of Physical Properties of Soil from Different Villages of Devikulam Block of Idukki District of Kerala, India

Assessment of Physical properties of soil from Different villages in the Devikulam block of idukki district of Kerala was carried out in 2022-23. The study was conducted with the objective of evaluating the physical characteristics of soil, over various soil depths in the Devikulam block. Nine sampling locations were selected for the study. A total of 27 soil samples were taken at depths of 0-15 cm, 15-30 cm and 30-45 cm respectively. The result indicated that the soil of Marayoor, Kanthaloor and Keezhanthoor villages were sandy clay loam in texture. The bulk density and particle density did not vary much with increasing soil depth. The particle density remained constant because the total amount or chemical composition of the soil mineral particles remains unaltered. Water Retaining Capacity of these villages was found to be good. The pore space was found to be higher than water retaining capacity in all the villages. For sustainable soil use and agricultural Production, the physical characteristics of the soil are crucial. The movement of air and water/dissolved chemicals through soil, as well as conditions affecting germination, root growth, and erosion processes.