Types of soil and their microfora (1).pptx

Soil types and their microflora

1. SOIL TYPES AND THEIR MICROFLORA Rithika . R BP231510

2. SOIL Soil is the naturally occurring, unconsolidated material on the earth’s surface. It consists of mineral particles ( sand, silt, and clay ), organic matter ( decaying plant and animal remains ), water, air, and living organisms. Soil forms through the weathering of rocks and the accumulation of organic matter over time. Soils vary in texture, structure, fertility, and other properties.

3. ALLUVIAL SOIL Alluvium is the constituent of alluvial soil Due to its predominant distribution in the River basin, it is also known as “Riverine soil” Colour : Light Grey to Ash Grey Soil formation : Deposition of river sediments Nutrients : Potash, lime, and phosphoric acid. 43% of India’s soil is readily available, covering an area of 143 square kilometers.

4. Occurrence in Indian : Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal. Cultivated crops : Rice, Wheat, Sugarcane, Cotton, Oil seeds and Jute. Soil microflora Bacteria ( Bacillus sp . and Pseudomonas sp.) Fungi ( Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp. and Mucor sp.).

5. Black Soil Also known as “ regur ,” black soil is formed from volcanic rocks Suitable for cotton cultivation due to its high fertility and moisture retention capacity Colour : Deep Black to Light Black Texture : Clay and Slity loam. Soil formation : Weathering of Volcanic rocks Soil composition : Rich in Lime, Aluminium , Calcium, Potash, Iron and Magnesium; Poor in Nitrogen, Phosphoric acid, Organic matter and Humus .

6. It covers about 15% of the total land area of the country. Prevalence in Indian states: Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Cultivated crops : Cotton, Sugarcane, Sorghum, Wheat, Rice, Oilseeds and Tobacco. Soil microflora : Iron oxiders & reducers ( Thiobacillus ferrooxidans and Metallogenium sp .), Organic iron accumulators ( Bacillus sp., Serratia sp., Streptomyces sp. and Nocardia sp.) and Aerobic iron reducers (Bacillus sp. And Pseudomonas sp .).

7. Red soil Red soil covers a significant part of India, Red color is due to the presence of iron and becomes yellow when moistened. Also called as “ Omnibus group ”. Colour : Red because of Ferric oxide. The lower layer is Reddish yellow or Yellow. Texture : Sandy to Clay. Soil formation : Decomposition of Granite and Metamorphic rocks It covers about 18.5 % of the total land area of the country.

8. Occurrence in India: less rainfall areas -Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa and Chattisgarh . Cultivated crops: Wheat, Rice, Cotton, Sugarcane, Oilseeds, Tobacco, Maize, Pulses, Potatoes and Fruits. Soil microflora : Bacteria, Actinobacteria and Fungi .

9. Laterite soil laterite soil is common in regions with seasonal rainfall. It’s low in organic matter but can be fertile with the addition of manures and fertilizers. Also called as “ Later soil ” which means Brick. It accounts for about 3.7% of the total area of the country. Colour : Red because of Iron oxide. Texture : Soft when wet and Hard when dried. Soil formation : Leaching of Laterite rocks rich in iron oxide and aluminum Soil composition : Rich in Iron; Poor in Lime, Phosphorous, Calcium and Nitrogen.

10. Occurrence in India : Karnataka, Kerala, Tamilnadu , Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha, Assam and Orissa hills. Cultivated crops : Rice, Ragi , Sugarcane, Coconut, Cashew, Tea, Coffee and Rubber. Soil microflora : Iron oxiders & reducers ( Thiobacillus ferrooxidans and Metallogenium sp.).

11. Peaty soil Accumulating organic materials due to humid conditions, peaty soils are acidic and low in phosphorus and potash ., Also called as “Marshy soil”. Colour : Black Texture : Loamy texture (Combination of Sand, Slit and Clay sized particles) Soil composition : Rich in Organic matter and Humus.

12. Occurence in India: High rainfall and coastal areas- Bihar, Uttaranchal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Coastal track of Orissa, Sunderban area of West Bengal. Cultivated crops : When properly drained and fertilized, these soils produce good crops of Rice. Soil microflora: Anaerobic microorganisms are present in high number.

13. Forest and mountain soil Observed in the areas of high rainfall. Colour : Dark Brown. Texture : Slity loam. Soil formation : Decomposition of Organic matter. Soil composition : Rich in Humus; Poor in Potash, Phosphorous and Lime.

14. Occurrence in India : Himalayan region, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu,Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats. Cultivated crops : Temperate fruits, Spices, Tea and Coffee. Soil microflora : Nitrifiers , Denitrifiers and Ammonifiers .

15. Desert soil Observed under Arid and Semi-Arid conditions. Also called as “Arid soil”. it accounts for over 4.42 % of the total land area of the country. Colour : Red to Brown Texture : Sandy soils. Soil composition : Rich in Soluble salt contents; Poor in Nitrogen and Organic matter and have a high pH value. Occurence in India : Western Rajasthan, North Gujarat and Southern Punjab.(Low rainfall) Cultivated crops : Only drought resistant and salt tolerant crops such as Barley, Cotton, Pearl millets, Maize and Pulses. Soil microflora : Chemolithotrophs ( Pseudomonas sp .).

16. Saline and alkali Soil Also called as “ Usara soil” Colour : light grey Soil formation : Accumulation of Soluble salt. Soil composition : Rich in Chloride, Calcium, Sodium, Potassium and Magnesium; Poor in Nitrogen and Calcium. Occurence in India : Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Maharashtra. Cultivated crops : Barseem ( Trifolium alexandrinum – Fodder for Cattles), Dhaincha ( Sesbania grandifola – Agathi ) and Leguminous crops (Alfalfa, Clover, Peas, Beans, Lentils, Lupins , Mesquite, Carob, Soy and Peanuts). Soil microflora: Halophilic microorganisms.

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