Classification of Indian Soils

Classification of Indian Soils – Key Notes for Competitive Exams

India has a diverse range of soil types, primarily due to its varied climate, topography, and vegetation. The classification of Indian soils is an important topic in the Geography section of competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, and other state exams. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) classifies Indian soils into several categories based on characteristics such as texture, color, and fertility.

1. Major Types of Soils in India (Classification Based on FAO System)

India’s soils are broadly classified into 8 major types based on their formation, texture, and other characteristics:

1. Alluvial Soils

Location: Found in the Indo-Gangetic Plains (Himalayan foothills, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and coastal regions).
Formation: Formed by the deposition of sediments brought by rivers and their tributaries.
Texture: Mostly loamy (a mixture of sand, silt, and clay).
Characteristics:
- Very fertile and suitable for agriculture.
- Rich in potash and lime, but poor in phosphorus and micronutrients.
- Supports crops like wheat, rice, sugarcane, and cotton.
Sub-types:
- Bhangar (old alluvial): Found on the uplands of riverbeds, less fertile.
- Khadar (new alluvial): Found in the floodplains, more fertile.

2. Black Soils (Regur Soils)

Location: Found in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.
Formation: Formed by the weathering of volcanic rocks.
Texture: Clayey, very sticky when wet.
Characteristics:
- Rich in lime, iron, magnesium, and alumina.
- Ideal for growing cotton (also called cotton soils), along with groundnut, soybean, jowar, and pulses.
- Poor in nitrogen and phosphorus, but rich in potassium.
Water Retention: Good water retention capacity, but poor drainage when wet.

3. Red Soils

Location: Found in Tamil Nadu, Odisha, parts of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and the Deccan Plateau.
Formation: Formed by the weathering of crystalline rocks under moderate rainfall conditions.
Texture: Loamy to clayey.
Characteristics:
- Rich in iron, which gives them a reddish color.
- Low in lime, potash, and phosphorus, but rich in iron and aluminum.
- Suitable for crops like millets, tobacco, groundnut, and potatoes.
Sub-types:
- Shallow red soils: Found on hill slopes.
- Deep red soils: Found in river valleys and plains.

4. Laterite Soils

Location: Found in the Western Ghats, parts of Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Kerala.
Formation: Formed by high rainfall and intensive leaching of nutrients, often under tropical conditions.
Texture: Sandy to clayey, rich in aluminum and iron.
Characteristics:
- These soils are poor in fertility and often require irrigation and fertilization.
- Used for growing tropical crops like tea, coffee, rubber, and spices.
Sub-types:
- Red Laterite: Found in moist regions.
- Yellow Laterite: Found in drier regions.

5. Saline Soils (Sali and Alkaline Soils)

Location: Found in Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and coastal regions.
Formation: Formed due to the accumulation of salts and alkalies in the soil, usually in arid and semi-arid regions.
Texture: Clayey and have a high level of soluble salts.
Characteristics:
- Low in fertility due to the high content of salts.
- Not suitable for most crops but can support salt-tolerant plants like barley, wheat, and millets.
Types:
- Saline Soils: High in sodium salts.
- Alkaline Soils: High in sodium bicarbonate.

6. Arid Soils

Location: Found in Rajasthan, parts of Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, and the Thar Desert.
Formation: Formed under dry conditions with very little rainfall, leading to low organic matter.
Texture: Sandy, with poor water retention.
Characteristics:
- Low fertility due to limited moisture and organic matter.
- Suitable for drought-resistant crops like millets, gram, mustard, and groundnut.

7. Forest Soils

Location: Found in the Himalayan mountain ranges, Northeast India, and Western Ghats.
Formation: Formed under forest vegetation due to the decomposition of organic matter.
Texture: Loamy to sandy.
Characteristics:
- Rich in humus and organic matter.
- Fertility varies depending on altitude and rainfall.
- Ideal for growing tea, coffee, spices, and timber.

8. Peaty and Marshy Soils

Location: Found in high rainfall regions, coastal areas, and wetland regions (e.g., parts of West Bengal, Kerala, coastal Tamil Nadu).
Formation: Formed in waterlogged areas where organic matter decomposes very slowly.
Texture: Clayey, with a high content of organic material.
Characteristics:
- Rich in humus and moisture.
- Suitable for rice cultivation, but requires proper drainage and management.

2. Distribution of Soil Types in India

Alluvial Soils: North India (Ganga-Yamuna Doab, Indo-Gangetic Plains), Coastal regions.
Black Soils: Deccan Plateau (Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat).
Red Soils: South India, parts of the Deccan Plateau (Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh).
Laterite Soils: Western Ghats, parts of the Eastern Ghats and Assam.
Saline Soils: Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat.
Arid Soils: Rajasthan, parts of Gujarat and Haryana.
Forest Soils: Himalayan region, Northeast India, Western Ghats.
Peaty and Marshy Soils: Coastal areas, delta regions, waterlogged regions.

3. Soil Erosion in India

Cause: Overgrazing, deforestation, and improper agricultural practices.
Consequences: Loss of fertile topsoil, reduction in agricultural productivity, and desertification.
Measures: Afforestation, proper crop rotation, and construction of check dams.

4. Key Points to Remember for Competitive Exams

Alluvial Soils: Fertile, found in river plains and deltas; suitable for rice, wheat, and sugarcane.
Black Soils: Also called Regur, suitable for cotton, high in calcium, magnesium, and iron.
Red Soils: Found in dry regions, rich in iron, but poor in nutrients like phosphorus.
Laterite Soils: Rich in iron and aluminum, suitable for tea and coffee.
Saline Soils: High in salts, poor fertility, found in arid and semi-arid regions.
Arid Soils: Found in deserts, low in fertility.
Forest Soils: Rich in humus, found in forests, support timber and forest crops.
Peaty Soils: Found in wetland areas, rich in organic matter, ideal for rice.

Conclusion

The classification of Indian soils provides essential insights into the agricultural potential and challenges in different regions of the country. Understanding these soil types is crucial for developing sustainable farming practices, managing natural resources, and tackling environmental challenges like soil erosion and desertification. This topic is frequently asked in competitive exams under Geography and Environmental Science sections.

MAGME QueCAFE

ONE LINER CLASSIFICATION OF INDIAN SOILS

1· The most widespread soil in India is the Alluvial soil.

2· The black soil, also known as Regur soil, is primarily found in Deccan Plateau (Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat) India.

3· The red soil in India is rich in Iron oxide and is mainly found in the Southern and Eastern parts of India region.

4· The laterite soil is typically found in Western Ghats, parts of Karnataka, Kerala, and northeastern India areas with high rainfall.

5· The saline and alkaline soils, known as Arid and Desert soils, are found in regions with poor drainage and high evaporation.

6· The alluvial soil is most fertile and is mainly found in the Ganga and Brahmaputra river basins.

7· The mountain soils are typically found in the Himalayan regions of India.

8· The black soil is ideal for the cultivation of Cotton crops.

9· The clayey soils found in India are mainly found in the Ganga river basin.

10· The peaty and marshy soils are found in the Coastal, deltaic regions of India.

OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS ON CLASSIFICATION OF INDIAN SOILS

1. Which type of soil is known for its high fertility and is primarily found in the northern plains of India?

A) Black soil

B) Alluvial soil

C) Red soil

D) Laterite soil

Answer: B) Alluvial soil

2. Black soil is best suited for the cultivation of which crop?

A) Rice

B) Cotton

C) Tea

D) Wheat

Answer: B) Cotton

3. Which soil is rich in iron and is typically found in the southern and eastern parts of India?

A) Alluvial soil

B) Laterite soil

C) Red soil

D) Peaty soil

Answer: C) Red soil

4. Laterite soil is primarily found in which of the following regions of India?

A) Punjab and Haryana

B) Rajasthan and Gujarat

C) Western Ghats, parts of Karnataka, and Kerala

D) Gangetic plains

Answer: C) Western Ghats, parts of Karnataka, and Kerala

5. Which type of soil is most suitable for growing tea and coffee in India?

A) Red soil

B) Laterite soil

C) Black soil

D) Alluvial soil

Answer: B) Laterite soil

6. Which soil is formed by the deposition of fine particles by rivers and is commonly found in the Indo-Gangetic plains?

A) Arid soil

B) Laterite soil

C) Alluvial soil

D) Mountain soil

Answer: C) Alluvial soil

7. Saline and alkaline soils are primarily found in which region of India?

A) Coastal areas

B) Desert regions of Rajasthan

C) Himalayas

D) Gangetic plains

Answer: B) Desert regions of Rajasthan

8. Which soil is characterized by its dark color and is rich in calcium, magnesium, and iron?

A) Black soil

B) Alluvial soil

C) Red soil

D) Mountain soil

Answer: A) Black soil

9. The laterite soil is rich in which of the following minerals?

A) Calcium

B) Phosphorus

C) Iron and Aluminium

D) Nitrogen

Answer: C) Iron and Aluminium

10. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of desert soils found in Rajasthan?

A) High salinity

B) Low organic matter

C) Rich in nutrients

D) Poor drainage

Answer: C) Rich in nutrients

FILL IN THE BLANKS ON CLASSIFICATION OF INDIAN SOILS

1. The soil which is most commonly found in the Indo-Gangetic plains and is very fertile is called ____ soil.

Answer: Alluvial

2. ____ soil is primarily found in the Deccan Plateau and is ideal for growing cotton.

Answer: Black

3. The ____ soil is rich in iron oxide and is typically found in the southern and eastern parts of India.

Answer: Red

4. ____ soil is typically found in areas with high rainfall and is rich in iron and aluminum, making it acidic.

Answer: Laterite

5. ____ soil is found in arid regions and is characterized by its high salt content, which makes it unfit for cultivation without proper irrigation.

Answer: Arid

6. ____ soil is found in the coastal regions of India and in swampy or marshy areas with high organic content.

Answer: Peaty

7. ____ soil is found in the Himalayan region and is rich in organic material due to its forested areas.

Answer: Mountain

8. ____ soil is formed by the deposition of fine particles by rivers and is commonly found in the deltaic regions.

Answer: Alluvial

9. In the desert areas of Rajasthan, saline and alkaline soils are found, which are also known as ____ soils.

Answer: Arid

10. The black soil is also known as ____ soil, and it is ideal for growing crops like cotton and groundnut.

Answer: Regur

ASSERTIONS AND REASON QUESTIONS ON CLASSIFICATION OF INDIAN SOILS

1. Assertion (A): Black soil is ideal for growing cotton and is mainly found in the Deccan Plateau.

Reason (R): Black soil is rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron, which are beneficial for the growth of crops like cotton.

A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.

C) A is true, but R is false.

D) A is false, but R is true.

Answer: A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

2. Assertion (A): Alluvial soil is highly fertile and found in the Indo-Gangetic plains.

Reason (R): Alluvial soil is formed by the deposition of fine particles carried by rivers, making it highly suitable for agriculture.

A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.

C) A is true, but R is false.

D) A is false, but R is true.

Answer: A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

3. Assertion (A): Red soil is found in the southern and eastern parts of India and is rich in iron.

Reason (R): Red soil is formed due to the weathering of crystalline rocks, which results in the formation of iron oxide and its characteristic color.

A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.

C) A is true, but R is false.

D) A is false, but R is true.

Answer: A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

4. Assertion (A): Laterite soil is found in regions with high rainfall, such as the Western Ghats.

Reason (R): Laterite soil is rich in aluminum and iron, which results from leaching caused by heavy rainfall.

A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.

C) A is true, but R is false.

D) A is false, but R is true.

Answer: A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

5. Assertion (A): Arid soils are found in desert areas and are not suitable for farming without irrigation.

Reason (R): Arid soils have a high concentration of salts, which makes them unfit for cultivation unless proper irrigation techniques are used.

A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.

C) A is true, but R is false.

D) A is false, but R is true.

Answer: A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

6. Assertion (A): Mountain soil is rich in organic material and is found in the Himalayan region.

Reason (R): Mountain soil forms in forested regions, where decayed plant material enriches the soil with nutrients.

A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.

C) A is true, but R is false.

D) A is false, but R is true.

Answer: A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

7. Assertion (A): Peaty soils are found in coastal regions and marshy areas.

Reason (R): Peaty soils are rich in organic matter due to the accumulation of decayed plant material in waterlogged conditions.

A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.

C) A is true, but R is false.

D) A is false, but R is true.

Answer: A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

MATCH THE FOLLOWING – CLASSIFICATION OF INDIAN SOILS

Column A: Type of Soil	Column B: Description
1. Black Soil	A. Found in areas with high rainfall, rich in iron and aluminum, and acidic in nature.
2. Alluvial Soil	B. Formed by the deposition of fine particles by rivers and found in the Indo-Gangetic plains.
3. Laterite Soil	C. Rich in calcium and magnesium, suitable for growing cotton, and found in the Deccan Plateau.
4. Red Soil	D. Found in the Himalayas, rich in organic matter due to forest cover.
5. Arid Soil	E. Found in desert regions, has high salt content, and unsuitable for cultivation without irrigation.
6. Mountain Soil	F. Found in the coastal regions, marshy areas, and rich in organic material.
7. Peaty Soil	G. Found in parts of Rajasthan and coastal areas, containing high amounts of soluble salts.
8. Saline and Alkaline Soil	H. Rich in iron oxide, found in southern and eastern parts of India, and ideal for crops like rice.

Answer Key:

Column A: Type of Soil	Column B: Description
1. Black Soil	C. Rich in calcium and magnesium, suitable for growing cotton, and found in the Deccan Plateau.
2. Alluvial Soil	B. Formed by the deposition of fine particles by rivers and found in the Indo-Gangetic plains.
3. Laterite Soil	A. Found in areas with high rainfall, rich in iron and aluminum, and acidic in nature.
4. Red Soil	H. Rich in iron oxide, found in southern and eastern parts of India, and ideal for crops like rice.
5. Arid Soil	E. Found in desert regions, has high salt content, and unsuitable for cultivation without irrigation.
6. Mountain Soil	D. Found in the Himalayas, rich in organic matter due to forest cover.
7. Peaty Soil	F. Found in the coastal regions, marshy areas, and rich in organic material.
8. Saline and Alkaline Soil	G. Found in parts of Rajasthan and coastal areas, containing high amounts of soluble salts.

MCQ’s ON CLASSIFICATION OF INDIAN SOILS

1. Which of the following soils is found in the Deccan Plateau and is best suited for growing cotton?

A) Alluvial soil

B) Black soil

C) Red soil

D) Laterite soil

Answer: B) Black soil

2. Which soil is rich in iron and aluminum, found in areas with high rainfall, and is acidic in nature?

A) Red soil

B) Laterite soil

C) Mountain soil

D) Alluvial soil

Answer: B) Laterite soil

3. Which soil is most commonly found in the Indo-Gangetic plains and is the most fertile for agriculture?

A) Black soil

B) Alluvial soil

C) Red soil

D) Arid soil

Answer: B) Alluvial soil

4. Which of the following soils is characteristic of desert regions, rich in salts, and unsuitable for cultivation without irrigation?

A) Peaty soil

B) Mountain soil

C) Arid soil

D) Black soil

Answer: C) Arid soil

5. Which soil is typically found in the coastal regions and marshy areas of India and is rich in organic matter?

A) Alluvial soil

B) Peaty soil

C) Laterite soil

D) Black soil

Answer: B) Peaty soil

6. The red soil of India is rich in which of the following elements?

A) Potassium

B) Iron oxide

C) Magnesium

D) Phosphorus

Answer: B) Iron oxide

7. Which of the following is NOT a feature of mountain soils in India?

A) Rich in organic matter

B) Found in the Himalayan region

C) Suitable for the cultivation of crops like tea and coffee

D) High salinity

Answer: D) High salinity

8. Which type of soil is primarily found in the desert regions of Rajasthan and Gujarat and contains high soluble salts?

A) Laterite soil

B) Red soil

C) Arid soil

D) Alluvial soil

Answer: C) Arid soil

9. Which of the following soils is found in the coastal areas and delta regions of India and has high organic content due to the decaying of plant material?

A) Peaty soil

B) Black soil

C) Red soil

D) Laterite soil

Answer: A) Peaty soil