A case study was conducted to assess soil nutrient constraints in the intensive maize growing soils of Hoovina Hadagali Taluk, Vijayanagara District, Karnataka. A total of 60 soil samples were collected from five villages, comprising 30 surface (0-15 cm) and 30 subsurface (15-30 cm) samples. In surface soils, available nitrogen, P₂O₅ and K₂O ranged from 109.72 to 238.29, 11.42 to 22.84 and 140.68 to 401.08 kg ha⁻¹, respectively. The mean soil pH was 7.74 (neutral to slightly alkaline) the mean electrical conductivity was 0.18 dS m⁻¹ and soil organic carbon ranged from 3.20 to 5.80 g kg⁻¹. In subsurface soils, available nitrogen, P₂O₅ and K₂O ranged from 78.71 to 207.28, 10.20 to 19.45 and 112.57 to 354.11 kg ha⁻¹, respectively. The mean soil pH was 7.88, the mean electrical conductivity was 0.29 dS m⁻¹, and soil organic carbon ranged from 1.90 to 4.50 g kg⁻¹. Available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and organic carbon decreased with increasing soil depth. The results showed that the available nitrogen and phosphorus status of the maize-growing area of Hoovina Hadagali Taluk was low to medium, while available potassium ranged from low to high. This may be attributed to continuous cultivation coupled with inadequate nutrient management, such as continuous use of chemical fertilizers and limited use of organic sources which has led to nutrient depletion and low maize yield. The study highlighting the importance of organic matter in enhancing soil fertility and crop yield.