Assessment of Soil Fertility Status Using Nutrient Index Approach in Cassava Farms of Rewa Province, Fiji

Background: Nutrient index methods and fertility indicators can be used to determine the fertility status of soils. The information can be used to develop soil management strategies for farmers. Methods: The research was conducted in the Rewa district of Fiji, with an aim to assess soil fertility status using the nutrient index approach. A total of 57 cassava-growing farms were selected from three sub-districts of Rewa province for the present investigation and collected soil samples were analyzed in accordance with standard procedures for evaluating chemical parameters and the status of available nutrients in the soil. Result: The study discovered that the soils of farms are acidic in reaction, have low levels of organic carbon, low to moderate levels of major primary nutrients, however, the soils had a high content of calcium and magnesium. The soil nutrient index value calculated of soil organic carbon and available phosphorus were recorded as low with 1.48 and 1.40 respectively. The NIV for nitrogen and potassium content was medium category values of 1.91 and 1.95, respectively. The nutrient index value calculated for exchangeable calcium and magnesium content was recorded as high with 2.75 and 2.35 values respectively.