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The distribution of soils in India is influenced by various factors such as climate, topography, parent material, and human activities. The map of soil distribution in India reflects the country's diverse geographical features and climatic conditions. The Indo-Gangetic plains, with their extensive alluvial soils, form one of the most fertile agricultural regions in the world. The Deccan Plateau is characterized by black soils, while the southern states have predominantly red and laterite soils. Arid and desert soils are found in the western and northwestern regions, while mountain soils are prevalent in the Himalayan and Western Ghats regions.
The fertile alluvial soils are predominantly found in the Indo-Gangetic plains, including regions such as Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand.
Black soil regions, mainly in the Deccan Plateau, support the cultivation of crops like cotton, pulses, and oilseeds due to their moisture retention properties.
Red and yellow soils are rich in iron and potash but typically lack nitrogen, phosphorus, and humus. They support the cultivation of crops like wheat, rice, cotton, sugarcane, millets, pulses, and groundnuts.
In ancient times, soils were broadly categorized as Urvara (fertile) and Usara (sterile). However, by the 16th century A.D., soil classification evolved to consider intrinsic traits and external attributes like texture, color, slope, and moisture. Soil types were identified based on texture (sandy, clayey, silty, loam) and color (red, yellow, black). This systematic classification facilitated better understanding and management of soils, laying the foundation for modern soil science and agricultural practices.
Soil Formation Factors are categorized into two groups:
Since Independence, numerous scientific surveys of soils have been conducted by various agencies in India. The Soil Survey of India, established in 1956, conducted comprehensive studies of soils in specific regions like the Damodar Valley.In an effort to standardize soil classification internationally, ICAR classified Indian soils based on their nature and characteristics according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Soil Taxonomy as follows :
India's soils are classified into various categories based on their origin, color, composition, and location, including alluvial soils, black soils, red and yellow soils, laterite soils, arid soils, saline soils, peaty soils, and forest soils.
Alluvial soil :
Black Soils (Regur Soils):
Red and Yellow Soils:
Laterite Soils:
Arid and Desert Soils:
Saline and Alkaline soils
Peaty soils
Mountain soil:
Soil serves as a vital resource with immense significance in various aspects:
Soils in India exhibit remarkable diversity in terms of composition, texture, and agricultural suitability. Understanding the characteristics and distribution of soils is essential for sustainable land management, agricultural productivity, and environmental conservation. However, soil degradation poses significant challenges, impacting agricultural yields, water quality, biodiversity, and economic stability. Government initiatives like the Soil Health Card Scheme and afforestation programs aim to address these concerns. By implementing soil conservation and management practices, India can safeguard its soil resources for future generations and ensure the sustainability of its agricultural and natural ecosystems.
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