eng Oriental Scientific Publishing Company Biosciences Biotechnology Research Asia 0973-1245 2026-06-18 23 2 59091 article Sandeep Ashok Marathe 1 Prem Kumar Gautam 1 Amanulla Khan 2 Department of Botany, G. T. Patil Arts, Commerce and Science College, Nandurbar Maharashtra, India Department of Botany, Anjuman Islam Janjira Degree College of Science, Murud Janjira Raigad, Maharashtra, India Soil physicochemical properties play a crucial role in determining crop productivity and sustainability, particularly under varying moisture regimes. The present study evaluates and compares key soil parameters under irrigated and non-irrigated non-Bt cotton cultivation systems in the Vertisol regions of North Maharashtra. Soil samples were analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), and calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) using standard analytical procedures. The results revealed that most soils in both irrigated (75.8%) and non-irrigated (81.0%) conditions were neutral to moderately alkaline (pH 7.01-8.00), suitable for cotton cultivation, with only slight increases in alkalinity under irrigated systems (12.1%). Electrical conductivity values remained within non-saline limits; however, non-irrigated soils showed a higher proportion (34.1%) in the upper EC range (0.51-0.60 mmhos/cm), indicating possible salt accumulation due to limited leaching. Organic carbon content was predominantly moderate (0.31-0.40%), observed in 72.8% of irrigated and 66.0% of non-irrigated soils, suggesting comparable fertility status across systems. Calcium carbonate content ranged mainly between 4.51-6.50%, confirming the calcareous nature of the soils, with minor variation between irrigation regimes. The findings indicate that irrigation practices exert limited influence on soil physicochemical properties, while inherent soil characteristics and agro-ecological conditions play a dominant role. The study provides important insights for sustainable soil management and optimized non-Bt cotton cultivation in semi-arid regions. https://www.biotech-asia.org/vol23no2/physicochemical-characterization-of-soils-supporting-non-bt-cotton-cultivation-under-different-moisture-regimes-in-north-maharashtra/ Calcium Carbonate; Electrical Conductivity; Non Bt Cotton; Organic Carbon; pH