Soil Science: Types of Soils in India - Oneliner.pdf

Soil Science Oneliner
Types of Soils in India

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.