Khadar Definition
Khadir or Khadar are the low-lying areas, also called Nali or Naili. Khadar areas are vulnerable to floods and often have parts of former river beds that were made available for cultivation when the course of a river changes. It is sticky and retentive with moisture when wet.
Khadir formation is composed of fresh alluvial soil that is comparatively higher in the river's new silt content, is topped up with every flood cycle, as well as is very fertile.
In northern Haryana, which is the abundant prairie tract between both the Ghaggar river and the southern limits of the depression of the Saraswati canal, the Khadir is also called Nali. According to the khadar map, these regions get flooded during the rains.
Khadar and Bangur
In the Indo-Gangetic regions of North India and Pakistan, Khadar basha and Bangur are words being used in Hindi, Punjabi, Sindhi, and Urdu to understand the two different kinds of river plains and alluvial soils. In the Doab areas, the areas of Bangur and Kadir are commonly found. Some villagers may have both the areas of Khadar as well as Bangar under their annual limit.
Difference Between Khadar and Bangur
Khadar
Khadir or Khadar also known as Nali or Naili are low-lying lands that are river floodplains and are often narrower than unflooded bangar zones. Flood-prone Khadar lands occasionally include portions of old river beds that became usable for agriculture after a river changed channel. When wet, it retains moisture and becomes sticky. Khadir soil is made up of newly deposited alluvial soil with a greater fresh silt content from the river, which is renewed with each flooding cycle and is frequently quite fruitful.
The lush prairie tract between the Ghaggar river and the southern boundaries of the Saraswati channel depression, which floods during the rains, is known as the Khadir or Nali in northern Haryana. Khadar is an alluvial soil that can be found all throughout the floodplains.
Khadar refers to low-lying portions of a river floodplain that are often narrower than unflooded bangar sections. When the channel of a river changes, segments of former river beds that were once viable for farming become vulnerable to floods in Khadar regions. Old alluvial soils such as khadar have often been subject to changes in climate during their development. This is particularly the case in areas that have existed as alluvial valleys or basins for hundreds of thousands to millions of years
Khadar is more prolific than bangar and is nearly regenerated every year. Because the Indo-Gangetic plains are divided into doabs (zones between two rivers) by a slew of Himalayan rivers, the Indo-Gangetic plains are made up of alternating rivers, khadir, and bangar regions. The doabs' centres are made up of bangar, while the peripheries, which line the rivers, are made up of khadir. Old alluvium is called Bhangar. It contains calcareous deposits locally known as 'Kankar'.
Soil is not very fertile. And hence not suitable for agriculture. Newer alluvium is called Khadar. It contains new alluvium. Used extensively for agriculture. Has no calcareous deposits. It has a lighter colour, a sandier texture, and is more porous. Near the riverbeds, this creature was discovered. Almost every year, a new layer of alluvium is deposited by river flooding. As a result, they are the Ganges' most fertile soils. The Khadar-rich flood plains of Punjab are referred to as 'Betlands' or 'Bets' by locals. The rivers in the Punjab-Haryana plains have large Khadar floodplains surrounded by bluffs known locally as Dhayas. These bluffs reach heights of up to 3 meters.
FAQs on Khadar
1. What is Khadar soil in Geography?
In Geography, Khadar refers to the new alluvial soil found in the low-lying areas of river plains, known as floodplains. It is formed by the fresh deposits of silt and clay carried by rivers during their annual floods. This regular replenishment makes Khadar soil extremely fertile and ideal for intensive agriculture.
2. In which regions of India are Khadar soils typically found?
Khadar soils are predominantly found in the floodplains of major river systems in India. The most extensive Khadar belts are located in the Indo-Gangetic plains, particularly in states like Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal. They are also found in the Brahmaputra valley in Assam and the deltaic regions of other major rivers.
3. What is the main difference between Khadar and Bhangar soils?
The main difference between Khadar and Bhangar soils lies in their age, location, and fertility. Here’s a quick comparison:
- Formation and Age: Khadar is new alluvium, deposited annually. Bhangar is old alluvium, deposited in the past.
- Location: Khadar is found in the low-lying floodplains adjacent to rivers. Bhangar is found on higher river terraces, away from the flood-prone areas.
- Fertility: Khadar is highly fertile due to fresh silt deposits. Bhangar is less fertile and often contains calcareous concretions called 'Kankar'.
- Texture: Khadar soil is fine-textured and retains moisture well. Bhangar soil is coarser and less porous.
4. Why are Khadar soils considered highly fertile?
Khadar soils are considered highly fertile primarily because they are annually rejuvenated by fresh alluvial deposits during floods. This process enriches the soil with a new layer of fine silt, clay, and essential minerals, replenishing the nutrients that were used up by previous crops. This natural cycle ensures the soil remains rich and productive without significant need for artificial fertilisers.
5. What types of crops are best suited for cultivation in Khadar plains, and why?
The high fertility and good moisture retention of Khadar soil make it ideal for growing water-intensive and nutrient-demanding crops. The most suitable crops include sugarcane, rice, wheat, jute, and maize. These crops thrive because the soil provides a consistent supply of nutrients and has a fine texture that supports root development and water availability, leading to high agricultural yields.
6. How does the annual flooding process contribute to the formation and characteristics of Khadar soil?
The annual flooding process is the primary mechanism for the formation of Khadar soil. When a river overflows its banks, the velocity of the water decreases, causing it to deposit the fine sediment it carries, such as silt and clay. This layer-by-layer deposition over centuries creates a deep, uniform, and stone-free soil profile. This process ensures the soil is not only nutrient-rich but also has a fine, loamy texture that is excellent for agriculture.
7. How is the concept of a 'Doab' related to the location of Khadar and Bhangar plains?
A 'Doab' is the tract of land situated between two converging rivers. The concepts of Khadar and Bhangar are directly related to the geography of a Doab. The low-lying areas immediately bordering the two rivers on either side of the Doab are the Khadar plains, which get flooded annually. The higher, older, and more central part of the Doab, which is like an upland region between the rivers, forms the Bhangar belt and is safe from regular flooding.
8. Despite its fertility, are there any agricultural limitations of Khadar soil?
Yes, despite its high fertility, Khadar soil has limitations. The primary limitation is its location in flood-prone areas. While floods bring fertile silt, they can also cause catastrophic damage to standing crops and infrastructure. Additionally, the soil's very fine texture can make it sticky when wet, posing challenges for ploughing and other farming operations. The soil may also be deficient in certain nutrients like nitrogen and humus, which may need to be managed for optimal long-term productivity.
