Abstract
The main aim of current study was to explore the spatial variability of micronutrients (Cu, Fe, Zn & Mn) and mycoflora in a
potato growing valleys of CKNP region, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. Ninety sixty soil samples were collected by a random
sampling technique using Global Positioning System (GPS). In general, soils of survey valleys are loamy or silty loam with
slightly alkaline pH and low to medium organic matter. Geographic Information System (GIS) was applied for micronutrients
mapping of the analyzed data obtained from laboratory test. Results indicated that micronutrients (Cu, Fe and Mn) were found
high except Zn. The Zinc concentration was low in 57.29% samples, medium in 30.20% samples and high in 12.50% samples
respectively. The GIS mapping of soil micronutrients can be used in precision farming studies with the application of fertilizers
and this approach is also proposed for the evaluation of sustainable soil management practices. The observed spatial variability
of micronutrients helps potato growers in crop management decisions to increase productivity and improve farmer’s livelihood.
Knowledge and conservation of soil mycoflora is essential for sustainable agriculture development. In the current study a total
number of thirteen mycoflora species were isolated from the composite soil sample of four valleys. The valley wise population
per gram of soil was recorded as 24x10-6
in Bagrote, 18x10-6 in Haramosh, 15x10-6 in Hoper and 26x10-6 in Shigar valley. The
most dominant among them were Aspergillus flavus, Mucor species, Rhizopus stolonifer, Penicillium species and Alternaria
alternate
