2019 Volume 10 Issue 2 Pages 14-19
In Myanmar, pulses are a very important crop with great potential for export. Black gram (Vigna mungo L.) is one of the predominant pulse species grown, with planting after the harvest of monsoon rice in the winter season. Understanding the spatial variability of soil chemical properties is critical for improving the productivity of pulses and ensuring sustainable farming practices. However, a systematic assessment on the spatial variability of pulses yield has not been conducted. Therefore, this study was carried out to examine the variability of black gram yields in relation to soil chemical properties, at Kyee Inn Village, Pyinmana Township, central Myanmar from May 2017 to March 2018. Eighty composited soil samples were collected across the study area and analyzed for common soil chemical properties. Sixty seven farmers were surveyed as sample respondents to determine yields and management practices. Interpolation allowing overlay mapping of variations in black gram yields on soil chemical properties was accomplished using ArcGIS software. It was observed that these soil chemical properties and black gram yield varied considerably throughout the study area. Slight variability was observed in total nitrogen content. The pH value of the soils was moderately acidic to moderately alkaline with pH values of 5.48 to 7.58. The fields were characterized by low levels of soil organic matter and total phosphorus. The variation in black gram yields, ranging from 0.16 to 1.97 ton per hectare, is probably a result of the high variation of total soil nitrogen and phosphorus content. The results suggest that to improve soil fertility and sustain and improve black gram yields, it is very important to apply organic matter, nitrogen and phosphorus in parts of the study area.
