Question

Give the three chief characteristics of the alluvial soil.

Answer 1

Hint: Alluvial soil is the type of soil that is deposited by the groundwater. We can find alluvial soil near and along the deltas, floodplains and also along the rivers. Deposition of sediments from these water bodies is what forms the alluvial soil.

Complete Step by Step answer: The chief characteristics of Alluvial soil are:
- Alluvial soil is very light and porous. This makes it very easy for the farmers to till the land with alluvial soil.
- Alluvial soil is formed by the sediments of a river when it flows from its upper course to the lower course.
- It is one of the most fertile forms of soil. It is rich in lime and potash.
- This soil is the most suitable soil for the growth of Kharif and rabi crops.
- Alluvial soil, when in dry areas, tends to become alkaline.
- It has two types. Old alluvial soil called Bangar and new alluvial soil called Khadar, based on age.
- They often tend to have a very weak profile and are immature, considering its recent origin from the rivers.
- Most of the alluvial soils are sandy and porous and are rarely clayey.
- These soils are very well-drained and formed.
- Considering that these soils are rich in minerals, they might contain heavy metals.

Note: Do not get confused between alluvial soil and riverine soil. Alluvial soil and riverine soils are the same. It has been named riverine soil because it’s formed by the sediments that have been brought by the rivers, from the mountains.