India has diverse Soil Types and their Distribution is also non-uniform. In this article, we will analyze different soil types found in India, their characteristics, and their distribution across the country.
India has different soil types, like Alluvial, Black, Red, Laterite, Desert, and Mountain soils.
Table of Contents
Alluvial Soil
Alluvial soil is the most common soil type in India. It is found in the Indo-Gangetic plains, the Brahmaputra valley, and the coastal plains. This soil is formed by the deposition of silt and clay by rivers and is rich in nutrients. This soil is ideal for agriculture.
Black Soil
Black Soil is rich in clay and has a high moisture-retaining capacity. It is black and swells when wet and contracts when dry. It has a high moisture retention capacity. So, it is prone to cracks. Black soil is found in the Deccan Plateau region, like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and some parts of Tamil Nadu. These soils are suitable for cotton and tobacco cultivation. Black soil is known as regur soil. This soil is rich in iron, magnesium, and other nutrients.
Red Soil
Red soil is found in the southern and eastern parts of India, like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha. This soil is rich in iron and aluminum, and is low in fertility, making it less suitable for agriculture.
Laterite Soil
Laterite soil is found in the hilly areas of western and eastern ghats, like Kerala, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. This soil is red in color, has high iron content, and has poor fertility. This makes it unsuitable for agriculture.
Desert Soil
Desert soil is found in the Thar desert region of India. It has a sandy texture and low fertility. This soil is used for grazing livestock and is unsuitable for agriculture.
Mountain Soil
Mountain soil is found in the Himalayan region of India. It has a rocky texture and low fertility. This soil is used for horticulture and plantation crops.
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