Evaluation of soils of Jalgaon district of Maharashtra for cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) cultivation

Major soils of Jalgaon District of Maharashtra were evaluated for their sui tability for cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivation and their irrigatio n requirement. Umarti soil series was found permanently unsuitable (N(2)ts) while Lasur and Pimpri series were rated as presently unsuitable (N(1)ts). Bodvad and Bhod series were marginally suitable (S(3)s) for cotton, while Hingona, Bhava and Dhupa series were evaluated as moderately suitable (S(2) ts and S(2)t). Slope, soil depth and coarse fragments were the major determ ining parameters for suitability class. Net irrigation water requirement of different soils was varied between 142-255 mm based on soil depth, plant a vailable water capacity and length of growing period.