Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, has released a comprehensive study on flood-affected soils across Punjab, revealing how recent floods have drastically transformed the state’s farmlands. While nutrient-rich red silt from the Himalayan foothills has deposited beneficial minerals in some areas, the floods have also led to nutrient imbalances, compacted soil layers, and possible challenges for the upcoming rabi crops.
Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor of PAU, said the floods have altered the foundation of Punjab’s agriculture, its soil. Although the new sediments brought minerals, they disrupted the state’s native soil composition. To tackle this, PAU has deployed teams to test soil samples across districts and guide farmers with region-specific solutions before the rabi season.
The Department of Soil Science, under Dr. Rajeev Sikka, collected and analyzed samples from Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Ferozepur, Kapurthala, and Patiala. Results showed large variations in the depth and texture of sediments. Some fields were covered under a metre-thick layer of soil, while others had lighter deposits ranging from sandy to loamy textures. The soils were mostly alkaline but showed no serious salinity threat.
Interestingly, the tests revealed a rise in organic carbon content, averaging over 0.75 per cent compared to Punjab’s normal 0.5 per cent. However, areas with sandy deposits had lower levels. Phosphorus and potassium levels varied widely, and micronutrients like iron and manganese were found in unusually high concentrations, likely due to iron-coated sand particles brought by floodwaters.
Dr. Ajmer Singh Dhatt, Director of Research, cautioned that compacted layers or hardpans formed due to sediment pressure could restrict water flow and root growth. He advised deep tillage with a chisel plough in heavy soils and thorough mixing of silt in lighter soils to avoid stratification.
To rejuvenate the soil, Dr. Makhan Singh Bhullar, Director of Extension Education, urged farmers to add organic matter through farmyard manure, poultry litter, or green manures. He discouraged stubble burning, suggesting instead that straw be incorporated into the soil to boost fertility.
PAU has also recommended specific nutrient management steps for the rabi season, including a 2 per cent urea spray about 40–50 days after sowing and monitoring manganese deficiency in wheat and barseem. Dr. Gosal emphasized that with timely interventions, Punjab’s farmers can restore soil health and turn this natural disaster into an opportunity for long-term resilience.
