Nutrient status and their relationship with soil properties of dalo (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) growing areas of Rewa district in Fiji

This study was conducted in dalo (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) growing areas of Rewa district in Fiji to know nutrient status and their relationship with soil properties. Representative soil samples were collected to determine soil properties and nutrient status. The soils of the study area were found acidic in nature with the mean pH of 5.6. The electrical conductivity varied from 0.07-0.31 dSm-1with a mean 0.17 dSm-1. Organic carbon varied from 0.30 to 5.5 % with the mean value of 2.1%. Total nitrogen varied from 0.07-0.43 % with a mean of 0.19%. The values of available phosphorus (mg kg-1) varied from 1.0-44.0 mg kg-1 with a mean value 12.9 mg kg-1and that of potassium varied from 27.37-762.45 mg kg-1 with a mean of 169.56 mg kg-1. It was concluded that soils of the dalo growing areas of Rewa district are moderately acidic, having low electrical conductivity and are characterized as non-saline soils. Soils are high in organic carbon, medium in total nitrogen and low in available phosphorus and exchangeable potassium.