Abstract

The present study is a comparison of chemical and microbial status of wheat cultivated and non-cultivated soil from different localities. Soil samples were collected randomly and tested for soluble salts, pH, electrical conductivity, sodium adsorption ratio and microbial population. Soil samples pH, mostly lied in range between 7.29-7.94 [H⁺]. The electrical conductivity (EC) of all soil samples except selected wheat agriculture land, lies within the standard range, that is, <4 ds/l which shows that soluble salts are present in the soils. The specific absorption rate (SAR) value varies greatly in wheat agricultural land due to more adsorption of sodium by roots in rhizosphere. Agricultural land soil samples showed high level of salinity and toxicity as compare to other test samples. Cocci and rod shape bacteria were present in the all soil samples. It has been also found that all the soil samples sites have less pathogenic microbes and have less accumulated salts and toxin and can be used efficiently for other crops cultivation. Uncultivated land was suitable for wheat cultivation but wheat cultivated lands was diverging towards salinity which is quite alarming. Agricultural lands need some amendments for salinity.

Key words:  Soil bacteria, electrical conductivity, specific absorption rate, soil mycoflora, soil pH, wheat field soil.