Study reveals soil degradation in Nagaland’s Dhansiripar

Guwahati: A comprehensive study conducted by multiple institutions has revealed rapid soil degradation in the Dhansiripar region of Nagaland, highlighting the transformation of once-virgin soils into unusable land for cultivation.The research, which examined soil conditions across six villages, identified strongly acidic soils, declining structural stability, and significant variations in nutrient availability.Prof. Tanmoy Karak from Nagaland University’s soil science department pointed to urbanisation and improper soil usage as key factors in the deterioration of soil nutritional content. “Strongly to moderately acidic soil conditions, ranging from pH 4.9 to 5.9, were documented across the six villages,” he said, cautioning that such acidity levels could impede future agricultural productivity. The study found that organic carbon content varied significantly, with approximately 60% of the land exhibiting low organic content, leading to a gradual decline in fertility.The research highlighted the susceptibility of Dhansiripar’s soil to erosion and fertility loss, particularly in low-land paddy zones, as indicated by the Soil Structural Stability Index. These findings underscore the need for land-use-specific conservation strategies and sustainable farming interventions.The study, published in the international journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment by Springer, was conducted by Nagaland University in collaboration with researchers from ICAR-Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute, University of California San Francisco, Dibrugarh University, Tocklai Tea Research Institute, and Diphu Medical College and Hospital.Reshinaro Tzudir, a PhD scholar at Nagaland University, stressed the urgency of the situation, noting the degradation observed across many areas. Prof. Jagadish K Patnaik, vice-chancellor of Nagaland University, called for the immediate adoption of sustainable land-management practices.The research team assessed the impact of rapid agricultural expansion, urbanisation, and forest conversion on essential soil properties, including soil acidity, bulk density, porosity, water-holding capacity, organic carbon, and nutrient availability. They found that current practices contribute to soil degradation, declining fertility, and increased erosion risks.The researchers aim to provide data-driven insights to help farmers improve crop yields, support sustainable agriculture, enhance local livelihoods, and contribute to national goals of environmental resilience.