Abstract
Soil testing for physical and chemical characteristics of a soil is key in assessment of a soil fertility that
leads to productivity of a soil. A total of 11231 soil samples from six tehsils of Attock district were collected during
five years (2012-17). Samples were analyzed for different parameters like pH, EC (1:10), texture, organic matter,
Olsen Phosphorus and NH4-acetate extractable Potassium. As regards pH, 98% samples ranged between 7.5-8.5
while 97% samples were normal with respect to salinity/sodicity (ECe<4 dSm-1 and SAR<15). Similarly 22%
samples were light and 78% were medium in texture. Soils (96% ) were poor in organic matter (<0.86%) while
99% had available phosphorus <7 mg kg-1
. 1362 soil samples were also analyzed for potassium showing poor in
31% samples (<80 mg kg
-1 ) while 69% samples lie in satisfactory to adequate range (81-180 mg kg
-1
). Depending
upon the soil analysis, farmers were guided for fertilizer recommendations according to climate suitability,
crop/orchard/vegetable and water/rainfall conditions as being implemented throughout the rain fed conditions of
the Punjab by the Directorate of Soil Fertility, Thokar Niaz Beg, Lahore.
