CHARACTERIZATION OF MANGO (MANGIFERA-INDICA)-GROWING SOILS AND SOIL-RELATED CONSTRAINTS FOR PRODUCTION IN SOUTH KARNATAKA

A field survey was carried out in February 1992 to characterize and di agnose the soil-related constraints of mango (Mangifera indica L.) gro wing in red and lateritic soils of south Karnataka. Eleven soils studi ed varied widely in their morphology and physico-chemical characterist ics. The soils were categorized low, medium and high for N, P and K fe rtility status. Soil depth, coarse fragments, erosion and surface run- off were the major soil-related constraints. Most of the orchards were found suffering from K deficiency. Leaf-tip and marginal chlorosis an d scorching on older leaves were some of the typical symptoms of K def iciency. 'Bangalora' and 'Neelum' cultivars were found most susceptibl e to it.