The Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, has released an extensive analysis of flood-affected soils across Punjab, revealing that the recent deluge has reshaped farmlands in complex ways. While the red silt deposits from the Himalayan foothills have enriched certain areas with minerals, the floods have also caused nutrient imbalances, hardpan formation, and possible threats to rabi crop productivity.
Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor of PAU, observed that the floods have altered the very foundation of Punjab’s agriculture, which is its soil. He explained that though the incoming mountain soil carries minerals beneficial for crops, it has disturbed the state’s native soil profile. The challenge now is to restore balance. The university, he added, has mobilized teams to test soil samples across affected districts and to guide farmers on corrective measures before the rabi sowing season begins.
The Department of Soil Science at PAU, under the supervision of Dr. Rajeev Sikka, conducted tests in villages across Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Ferozepur, Kapurthala and Patiala. The results showed wide variations in sediment depth, texture and composition. Some fields were buried under deposits exceeding one metre, while others had thinner layers. The texture ranged from sandy to fine loam, and pH values were found to be alkaline. Electrical conductivity was generally low, indicating no major salinity threat.
According to Dr. Sikka, the soil organic carbon content was encouragingly high, averaging above 0.75 per cent compared to Punjab’s usual 0.5 per cent. In some samples, it exceeded one per cent. However, areas with heavier sand deposition recorded lower carbon content. Phosphorus and potassium levels varied, while micronutrients like iron and manganese were found in much higher concentrations than normal. The elevated iron levels, he noted, could be due to the iron-coated sand particles brought by floodwaters.
Dr. Ajmer Singh Dhatt, Director of Research, disclosed that in several places, surface and subsurface hardpans have developed due to sediment compaction, which can obstruct water infiltration and root growth. He advised deep tillage with a chisel plough in heavy soils to restore porosity, while in lighter soils, the deposited silt and clay should be mixed thoroughly to prevent layering.
Dr. Makhan Singh Bhullar, Director of Extension Education, urged farmers to integrate organic matter into the soil. He said that farmyard manure, poultry manure and green manures can help rebuild soil structure, stimulate microbial activity and support healthy root systems. He also emphasized the need to avoid burning paddy straw and instead incorporate it into the soil to enhance fertility.
For the rabi season, PAU has advised farmers to follow the university’s recommended fertilizer doses and apply a 2 per cent urea spray (prepared by dissolving 4 kg urea in 200 litres of water) about 40 to 50 days after sowing to boost growth. In wheat and barseem crops, manganese deficiency should be watched for; if symptoms appear, a 0.5 per cent foliar spray of manganese sulphate (0.5% solution of manganese sulphate in 100L of water per acre) is recommended and repeated after a week.
Dr. Gosal remarked that the floods may have disrupted the current and upcoming cropping cycles, but timely soil management can turn the setback into an opportunity. With coordinated testing, targeted nutrient management and community-level extension support, PAU aims to help farmers rebuild the fertility and resilience of Punjab’s farmlands.