Depletion in basic soil components and increased heavy metal load is associated with declined saffron growth in Kashmir valley region

Abstract

Kashmir is the only state in the Indian continent, where saffron is being cultivated. Saffron is known as the “golden condiment” over the world due to its distinct commercial properties, and extremely high money value to its low volume. Saffron has long been the world’s most pricey spice by weight, other uses includes in perfumery, cosmetic industry and medicine Industry. Over the year the production of saffron in the region has been declined in term yield as well as quality. In the present study physico-chemical parameters as well as heavy metal load of soil sample were accessed with reference to saffron growth. Soil sample were collected from pampore, chandhara and chadoora sites from Kashmir valley region and accessed for soil characterstics viz. pH, soil salinty, organic carbon, organic matter, avail.nitrogen, avail. phosphorous, avail.potassium, avail.sulphur, avail.boron, soil moisture. Heavy metal …