Soil Science: Types of Soils in India - Oneliner.pdf
- 1. TYPES OF SOILS IN INDIA - ONELINER Dr. K. VANANGAMUDI Former Dean (Agriculture), Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore-641003, Tamil Nadu, India. India's diverse geography and climate have resulted in a variety of soil types. Understanding these soils is essential for optimizing agricultural practices and promoting sustainable land use. 1. What is Soil? Soil is a mixture of rock debris and organic materials formed on the Earth’s surface. It comprises mineral particles, humus, water, and air. Soil formation is influenced by natural forces such as changes in temperature, water flow, wind, glaciers, and decomposers' activity. It takes millions of years to form just a few centimetres of soil. 2. Types of Soils in India The Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) classifies Indian soils into eight categories: 1. Alluvial Soils 2. Red Soils
- 2. 3. Black Soils (Regur) 4. Desert Soils 5. Laterite Soils 6. Mountain Soils 7. Alkaline Soils 8. Peaty and Marshy Soils 1. Alluvial Soils Distribution Found mainly in the Indo-Ganga-Brahmaputra Plains, Narmada and Tapi Valleys, and Eastern and Western Coastal Plains. Characteristics Covers 46% of India’s total area and supports ~40% of its population. Colour: Light grey to ash grey. Texture: Sandy to silty loam. Well-drained in some areas, poorly drained in others. Chemical Properties Low in nitrogen but adequate in potash, phosphoric acid, and alkali. Types Khadar Soil: Found in flood plains; enriched annually by silt deposits. Bhangar Soil: Above flood level, well-drained, and rich in organic matter. Suitable Crops Rice, wheat, sugarcane, maize, pulses, oilseeds, and vegetables.
- 3. 2. Red and Yellow Soils Distribution Primarily in the Peninsula, including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha. Characteristics Covers18.5% of India’s area. Red due to ferric oxide; yellow when hydrated. Texture varies from sandy to clay loam. Chemical Properties Deficient in nitrogen, phosphate, and organic matter. Prone to intense leaching in high rainfall areas. Suitable Crops Wheat, cotton, pulses, millets, oilseeds, and orchards. 3. Black Soils (Regur) Distribution Found in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. Characteristics Covers 15% of India’s area. High water-retention capacity. Develop wide cracks in dry seasons, aiding in "self-ploughing."
- 4. Chemical Properties Rich in iron, lime, calcium, and magnesium but deficient in nitrogen and phosphorous. Suitable Crops Cotton, pulses, sugarcane, tobacco, and citrus fruits. 4. Desert Soils Distribution Located in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and parts of Haryana and Punjab. Characteristics Sandy and gravelly with low organic matter. Low water-retention capacity but fertile when irrigated. Chemical Properties High in soluble salts and calcium carbonate but low in nitrogen. Suitable Crops Bajra, pulses, guar, and fodder. 5. Laterite Soils Distribution Found in high rainfall areas like the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, and hill regions of Odisha and Meghalaya.
- 5. Characteristics Rich in iron oxide and aluminium. Hardens upon exposure to air, making it usable as bricks. Chemical Properties Poor in nitrogen, potash, and organic matter but responds well to manuring. Suitable Crops Rice, ragi, sugarcane, and cashew nuts. 6. Mountain Soils Distribution Found in hilly regions of the Himalayas and north-eastern states. Characteristics Highly acidic and porous. Varies in fertility based on altitude. Suitable Crops Tea, coffee, spices, and temperate fruits. 7. Saline and Alkaline Soils Distribution Found in Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh. Characteristics High in sodium chloride and sodium sulphate.
- 6. Poor water-retention capacity. Reclamation Improved drainage, gypsum application, and salt-resistant crops like barseem and leguminous plants. 8. Peaty and Marshy Soils Distribution Found in Kerala (Kottayam, Alappuzha) and the Sundarbans. Characteristics Rich in organic matter but highly saline. Suitable for rice cultivation. 3. Conclusion The diversity of soils in India reflects its rich geographical and climatic variations. Each soil type has unique properties, influencing its suitability for specific crops and agricultural practices. Understanding and managing these soils through scientific methods and sustainable practices is vital for improving crop yields and conserving soil health.