The Foundations of Soil: Exploring Texture, Structure, and Classification in India.pptx

Embark on a fascinating exploration of soil science with this detailed presentation. Learn about the physical properties of soil, the distinction between texture and structure, and their impact on fertility, porosity, and water retention. Dive into the classification of Indian soils, from alluvial to forest soils, highlighting their unique characteristics and significances of Alluvial and forest soils.. Perfect for students, educators, and researchers seeking a deeper understanding of the foundation of agriculture and ecosystem health.

1. THE FEEL OF THE SOIL: TEXTURE & STRUCTURE

2. CONCEPT & CLASSIFICATION Soil is a natural body comprised of solids (minerals and organic matter), liquid, and gases that occurs on the land surface, occupies space, and is characterized by one or both of the following: horizons, or layers, that are distinguishable from the initial material as a result of additions, losses, transfers, and transformations of energy and matter or the ability to support rooted plants in a natural environment . Physical properties of soil include color, texture, structure, porosity, density, consistence, aggregate stability, and temperature. These properties affect processes such as infiltration, erosion, nutrient cycling, and biologic activity.

3. TEXTURE V/S STRUCTURE SOIL TEXTURE: Soil texture is a summation of proportions of sand, silt and clay content. Soil texture is a very stable characteristic that influences soil biophysical properties. Soil texture is interrelated with the  soil fertility  and quality in the long term. The soil texture is associated with  soil porosity ,. SOIL STRUCTURE: It refers to the arrangement of soil particles (sand, silt, and clay) into stable units called aggregates (known to soil scientists as peds). Aggregation is important for increasing stability against erosion, for maintaining porosity and soil water movement, and for improving fertility and carbon sequestration in the soil.

4. SOILS IN INDIA The  Indian council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)  set up an All India Soil Survey Committee in 1953 which divided the Indian soils into eight major groups: Alluvial soils Black (or Regur soil) Red and Yellow soils Laterite soils Arid and desert soils Saline and alkaline soils Peaty and marshy soils Forest and mountain soils

5. ALLUVIAL SOIL The majority of the accessible soil in India, which accounts for around 43% and spans 143 square kilometers. Color: Light Grey to Ash Grey. The texture of alluvial soil in India varies depending on location, but it generally ranges from sandy loam to clay. Sandy loam : This type of alluvial soil has a good balance of sand, silt, and clay particles. It's well-drained and easy to work with for agriculture. Clay : Clay-rich alluvial soil can be very fertile, but it can also be prone to waterlogging if not managed properly. The structure of alluvial soil is primarily determined by the deposition of sediments carried by rivers and streams, resulting in layers of varying particle sizes. This stratification leads to a heterogeneous mixture with high porosity and permeability, facilitating good drainage and water retention, making it suitable for agriculture. They occur all along the Indo-Gangetic-Brahmaputra plains except in few places where the top layer is covered by desert sand. They also occur in deltas of the Mahanadi, the Godavari, the Krishna and the Cauvery , where they are called deltaic alluvium (coastal alluvium). Some alluvial soils are found in the Narmada, Tapi valleys and Northern parts of Gujarat.

6. FOREST SOIL These soils occupy about 2.85 lakh sq km or 8.67% of the total land area of India. Forest soil is rich in organic matter due to the continuous deposition and decomposition of plant material such as leaves, twigs, and fallen trees. It has a high humus content, which contributes to its dark brown to black color. The texture of forest soil varies depending on factors like parent material, climate, and vegetation. It can range from sandy loam to clayey loam , with a good proportion of silt and clay particles . The structure of forest soil is distinct from many other types of soil due to the influence of trees and the forest ecosystem. This soil has a layered structure with lots of organic matter on top (O horizon) and mineral content increasing deeper down. This organic matter creates a crumbly structure ideal for plant growth due to good drainage and aeration. These are found in: -Lower and middle ranges of the Himalayas , especially in Assam, Ladakh, Lahaul - Spiti, Kinnaur, Darjeeling, Dehradun, Almora, Garhwal etc. - Nilgiri hills in the south .

7. REFERENCES. . . https://civilspedia.com/soils-of-india/ https://civilspedia.com/soils-of-india/ timesofindia.indiatimes.com www.pmfias.com edukemy.com https://byjus.com/free-ias-prep/classification-of-soil-in-india/#:~:text=The%20colour%20of%20the%20alluvial,from%20sandy%20loam%20to%20clay . https://www.clearias.com/soils-of-india-classification-characteristics/ https://testbook.com/ias-preparation/classification-of-soil-in-india https://www.pmfias.com/alluvial-soils-black-soils-soil-types-of-india-bhabar-terai-bhangar-khadar/ https://microbewiki.kenyon.edu/index.php/Forest_Soils

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