India’s diverse landscapes host an intricate tapestry of soil types, each with its unique characteristics and influences on agriculture, ecology, and geography. Let’s get details here on the types of soil in India.
From the fertile plains to the arid deserts, and the lush mountains to the coastal regions, the varied soil compositions play a crucial role in shaping the nation’s land use and development.
How many types of soil in India?
India is home to a wide variety of soil types, with estimates ranging from 8 to 12 major soil groups, depending on the classification system used. The major types of soil found in India are mentioned below as…
Types of Soil in India
India has a diverse range of soil types due to its varied geographical and climatic conditions. The soils in India are classified into several categories based on their properties, origin, and composition.
The major different types of soil in India are as…
1. Alluvial Soils
These are the most widespread soils in India and are found in the plains and river valleys. They are formed by the deposition of sediments brought down by rivers and are generally fertile. Alluvial soils are further divided into three subtypes:
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- Khadar: These are newer alluvium soils found in the floodplains and are usually very fertile.
- Bhangar: These are older alluvium soils found on slightly elevated terraces above the floodplains.
- Ravi Soil: Found in parts of Punjab, they are relatively infertile due to excessive leaching.
2. Red and Yellow Soils
These are predominantly found in the Deccan Plateau region. They are rich in iron and aluminum and have a reddish or yellowish color. These soils can be fairly fertile but need proper management to sustain agriculture.
3. Laterite Soils
Found in areas with high rainfall and high temperatures, these soils are highly leached and acidic. They are typically found in parts of the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, and some parts of northeastern India. Laterite soils are not very fertile and require special treatment to be suitable for agriculture.
4. Forest (Mountain) Soils
These soils are found in hilly and mountainous regions. They vary in composition and fertility based on the altitude and climatic conditions. Generally, they are rich in organic matter and suitable for certain types of crops.
5. Arid and Desert Soils
Found in the arid regions of northwestern India, especially in Rajasthan, these soils are saline and alkaline. They have low water-holding capacity and are not suitable for most crops.
6. Black Soils (Regur)
Also known as black cotton soils, these are clay-rich soils found mainly in the Deccan Plateau region. They are highly moisture-retentive and swell when wet, but they can crack and become hard when dry. These soils are known for their fertility and are suitable for growing crops like cotton, cereals, and oilseeds.
7. Saline and Alkaline Soils
These soils have high levels of salts and are found in regions with poor drainage. They are often found in coastal areas and can be challenging for agriculture due to their high salt content.
8. Peat and Marshy Soils
Found in areas with high rainfall and poor drainage, these soils are rich in organic matter. They are mainly found in the swampy areas of the Sundarbans in West Bengal and some parts of Kerala.
9. Lateritic Soils
These soils are found in areas with high temperatures and heavy rainfall. They are generally infertile due to leaching, but they can be improved with proper management practices.
These are the major different types of soil found in India, and their distribution is influenced by factors like climate, topography, parent material, and human activities.
Chart types of soil in India
Here is a chart of the major types of soil in India, along with their characteristics and the crops that are grown in them…
| Soil Type | Characteristics | Crops Grown |
|---|---|---|
| Alluvial Soil | Rich in minerals and organic matter, deep, and well-drained | Rice, wheat, jute, oilseeds, sugarcane, tobacco, maize, cotton, soybean, etc. |
| Black Soil | Also known as regur soil, it is black in color, clayey, and has a high water-holding capacity | Cotton, jowar, wheat, linseed, gram, etc. |
| Red Soil | Sandy loam to clayey loam in texture, acidic in nature, and low in organic matter | Wheat, rice, millet, pulses, oilseeds, etc. |
| Laterite Soil | Forms in tropical and subtropical regions with high rainfall and poor drainage, rich in iron and aluminum oxides, and low in organic matter | Coconut, banana, yams, pepper, pineapple, vegetables, etc. |
| Mountain Soil | Generally shallow, immature, and rich in organic matter | Maize, barley, wheat, and temperate fruits |
| Arid and Desert Soil | Sandy to loamy in texture, low in organic matter, and high in salts | Date palm, wheat, millet, etc. |
Types of soil in India images
Here are some images of the major types of soil in India
- Alluvial soil: This kind of soil is the most fertile found in India. It is found in the river valleys of the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra. It is deep, well-drained, and rich in minerals and organic matter. It is suitable for growing a variety of crops, including rice, wheat, jute, oilseeds, sugarcane, tobacco, maize, and cotton.
- Black soil: This soil type is found in the Deccan plateau. It is black in color and clayey in texture. It has a high water-holding capacity and is suitable for growing crops that require a lot of water, such as cotton, jowar, wheat, linseed, and gram.
- Red soil: This soil is found in the central and southern parts of India. It is sandy loam to clayey loam in texture and acidic in nature. It is low in organic matter and requires the addition of lime to improve its fertility. It is suitable for growing crops that are tolerant to acidic soil, such as wheat, rice, millet, pulses, and oilseeds.
- Laterite soil: This soil is found in the tropics and subtropics. It is rich in iron and aluminum oxides and low in organic matter. It is hard and impermeable when dry and becomes sticky and plastic when wet. It is not very fertile and is suitable for growing only a few crops, such as coconut, banana, yams, pepper, pineapple, and vegetables.
- Mountain soil: This soil is found in the mountains of India. It is generally shallow, immature, and rich in organic matter. It is suitable for growing crops that are tolerant to cold weather, such as maize, barley, wheat, and temperate fruits.
- Arid and desert soil: This soil is found in the arid and desert regions of India. It is sandy to loamy in texture, low in organic matter, and high in salts. It is not very fertile and is suitable for growing only a few crops, such as date palm, wheat, and millet.
- Saline and alkaline soils are found in coastal regions and areas with poor drainage. It is high in salts and has a high pH. It is not very fertile and is suitable for growing only a few crops, such as salt-tolerant grasses and halophytes.
- Peaty and marshy soil is found in swampy areas and waterlogged regions. It is high in organic matter and has a low pH. It is not very fertile and is suitable for growing only a few crops, such as rice and sugarcane.
Types of soil in India map
Here is a map of India showing the major types of soil
Click here to The different colors on the map represent the different types of soil.
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About Major/Different types of soil in India
The major different soil types in India are listed below…
- Alluvial Soils
- Red and Yellow Soils
- Laterite Soils
- Forest (Mountain) Soils
- Arid and Desert Soils
- Black Soils (Regur)
- Saline and Alkaline Soils
- Peat and Marshy Soils
- Lateritic Soils
The most fertile soil in India is the alluvial soil, which is found in the river valleys of the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra. It is deep, well-drained, and rich in minerals and organic matter.
The black soil is found in the Deccan plateau. It is black in color and clayey in texture. It has a high water-holding capacity and is suitable for growing crops that require a lot of water, such as cotton, jowar, wheat, linseed, and gram.
The red soil is found in the central and southern parts of India. It is sandy loam to clayey loam in texture and acidic in nature. It is low in organic matter and requires the addition of lime to improve its fertility. It is suitable for growing crops that are tolerant to acidic soil, such as wheat, rice, millet, pulses, and oilseeds.
The laterite soil is found in the tropics and subtropics. It is rich in iron and aluminum oxides and low in organic matter. It is hard and impermeable when dry and becomes sticky and plastic when wet. It is not very fertile and is suitable for growing only a few crops, such as coconut, banana, yams, pepper, pineapple, and vegetables.
The mountain soil is found in the mountains of India. It is generally shallow, immature, and rich in organic matter. It is suitable for growing crops that are tolerant to cold weather, such as maize, barley, wheat, and temperate fruits.
The arid and desert soil is found in the arid and desert regions of India. It is sandy to loamy in texture, low in organic matter, and high in salts. It is not very fertile and is suitable for growing only a few crops, such as date palm, wheat, and millet.
These are major different types of soil in India, and within each category, there can be further subtypes or variations based on factors like local conditions, climate, and parent material.