Question

How many and what are types of soils in India?

Answer 1

Hint: Soil is a mixture of water, gas, organic matter, living organisms and minerals. Based on the size of the particles, soils are further divided into clay, slit and sand.

Complete answer: Based on genesis, colour, composition and location, the soils of India have been classified into alluvial soil, black soil, red and yellow soil, laterite soil, arid soil, peaty soil and forest soils.

Alluvial soil is formed by the deposits of rivers and streams. They are mostly found in the Gangetic plain and deltas of the Peninsula.

Black soil has its origins in cretaceous lava and is found in areas of Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh. It has excellent water retaining capacity and is rich in iron, lime, calcium, potash. Cotton is grown on black soil.

Red and Yellow soil is mostly found in regions of the Deccan plateau. This soil develops in areas of crystalline igneous rocks in areas of low rainfall. It appears red due to diffusion of iron in crystalline and metamorphic rocks. This soil appears yellow when hydrated.

Laterite soil is found in areas of heavy rainfall and high temperature. It has low humus and other mineral content as they are leached away from other minerals by rains. This soil is found in hilly areas of the peninsula and is rich in iron oxide and aluminium compounds.

Arid soil is sandy in texture and saline in nature. It is found in areas of low humidity and high temperature like desert areas of Rajasthan.

Peaty soil is found in areas of high rainfall, high humidity and good vegetation cover. It is rich in organic matter and is found in areas of northern part of Bihar, southern part of Uttaranchal and the coastal areas of West Bengal, Orissa and Tamil Nadu.

Forest soil is found in forest areas with heavy rainfall. Its texture and nature depends on the altitude on which the forest is.These soils are loamy and silty on valley sides and coarse-grained in the upper slopes of mountains.

Saline soils are found in areas of dry climate and poor drainage. Found mostly in arid and semi arid regions , this soil is rich in sodium, potassium and magnesium. This soil is mostly infertile.

Note: There are subtypes of the main 8 types of soils found in India. Bhangar and Khadar are subtypes within alluvial soil. Karewa soils are lacustrine deposits found in Kashmir valley.