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Soils of India: Classification, Characteristics & Conservation

Introduction

Soil is the skin of the earth. ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) classifies Indian soils into 8 categories. The most important ones are:

1. Alluvial Soil (40%)

• Formation: Deposition of silt by rivers (Ganga, Brahmaputra).
• Crops: Wheat, Rice, Sugarcane.
• Regions: Northern Plains, Coastal Plains.

2. Black Soil (Regur)

• Formation: Volcanic nature (Deccan Trap).
• Feature: Moisture retentive (self-ploughing).
• Crops: Cotton, Soybean.

3. Red and Yellow Soil

• Region: Eastern and Southern Decccan.
• Color: Red due to iron oxide. Yellow when hydrated.

4. Laterite Soil

• Formation: Intense leaching due to heavy rain and temperature. "Brick-like".
• Crops: Cashew, Coffee, Tea suitable with manure.

Soil Erosion & Conservation

Nearly 30% of India's land is degraded. Conservation methods: Afforestation, Contour Ploughing, Mulching.