Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the most important layer of the earth's crust for supporting trees, grasses, crops, and lifeforms?
What is the most important layer of the earth's crust for supporting trees, grasses, crops, and lifeforms?
- Rock debris
- Soil (correct)
- Water
- Air
What are the major factors affecting the formation of soil?
What are the major factors affecting the formation of soil?
- Altitude, longitude, latitude
- Light intensity, sound waves, soil color
- Temperature, humidity, cloud cover
- Relief, parent material, climate (correct)
Which component is NOT mentioned as part of the soil composition in the text?
Which component is NOT mentioned as part of the soil composition in the text?
- Sunlight (correct)
- Air
- Humus
- Mineral particles
How has soil evolved over thousands of years according to the text?
How has soil evolved over thousands of years according to the text?
Which agent(s) are responsible for producing a thin layer of soil from the parent rock material?
Which agent(s) are responsible for producing a thin layer of soil from the parent rock material?
What is derived from land-based crops that grow in the soil?
What is derived from land-based crops that grow in the soil?
What are the three layers that make up the soil profile?
What are the three layers that make up the soil profile?
Which layer of the soil profile contains organic materials necessary for plant growth?
Which layer of the soil profile contains organic materials necessary for plant growth?
What is the transition zone between Horizon A and Horizon C called?
What is the transition zone between Horizon A and Horizon C called?
Which of the following is NOT a type of soil classification as per the text?
Which of the following is NOT a type of soil classification as per the text?
Which agency conducted comprehensive studies of soils in selected areas like the Damodar Valley?
Which agency conducted comprehensive studies of soils in selected areas like the Damodar Valley?
Which type of soil covers about 40% of the total area of India?
Which type of soil covers about 40% of the total area of India?
What do alluvial soils deposit away from flood plains represent?
What do alluvial soils deposit away from flood plains represent?
Which zone in the Upper and Middle Ganga plain is deposited annually by floods?
Which zone in the Upper and Middle Ganga plain is deposited annually by floods?
Which soil type is generally rich in potash but poor in phosphorus?
Which soil type is generally rich in potash but poor in phosphorus?
Which type of soil retains moisture for a very long time, helping rain-fed crops sustain during dry seasons?
Which type of soil retains moisture for a very long time, helping rain-fed crops sustain during dry seasons?
What type of soil is known for developing wide cracks during the dry season due to its characteristics?
What type of soil is known for developing wide cracks during the dry season due to its characteristics?
In which part of India can we find black soils known as 'Regur Soil' or 'Black Cotton Soil'?
In which part of India can we find black soils known as 'Regur Soil' or 'Black Cotton Soil'?
Which soil type is more suitable for tree crops like cashewnut in states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala?
Which soil type is more suitable for tree crops like cashewnut in states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala?
What is the main reason why laterite soils are not suitable for cultivation without external intervention?
What is the main reason why laterite soils are not suitable for cultivation without external intervention?
Which type of soil is sandy in structure, saline in nature, and ranges from red to brown in color due to its characteristics?
Which type of soil is sandy in structure, saline in nature, and ranges from red to brown in color due to its characteristics?
What causes the deep black to grey color range of alluvial soils in India?
What causes the deep black to grey color range of alluvial soils in India?
What makes red and yellow fine-grained soils fertile compared to coarse-grained soils in dry upland areas?
What makes red and yellow fine-grained soils fertile compared to coarse-grained soils in dry upland areas?
Which remedial measure is suggested to eliminate finger gullies?
Which remedial measure is suggested to eliminate finger gullies?
How can the erosive velocity of water in bigger gullies be reduced?
How can the erosive velocity of water in bigger gullies be reduced?
What remedial measure is recommended to control the headward extension of gullies?
What remedial measure is recommended to control the headward extension of gullies?
In arid and semi-arid areas, what is suggested to protect cultivable lands from encroachment by sand dunes?
In arid and semi-arid areas, what is suggested to protect cultivable lands from encroachment by sand dunes?
What technique is highlighted as the best for proper soil conservation in the text?
What technique is highlighted as the best for proper soil conservation in the text?
'Regur Soil' is another name for which type of soil?
'Regur Soil' is another name for which type of soil?
What is the main reason mentioned for the loss of top soil in India?
What is the main reason mentioned for the loss of top soil in India?
'Arable land in irrigated zones turning saline' is attributed to which factor?
'Arable land in irrigated zones turning saline' is attributed to which factor?
What organization prepared plans for soil conservation in different parts of India?
What organization prepared plans for soil conservation in different parts of India?
'Khadar' and 'Bhangar' are terms used to describe the difference in which type of soil?
'Khadar' and 'Bhangar' are terms used to describe the difference in which type of soil?
What is one of the major causes of soil erosion mentioned in the text?
What is one of the major causes of soil erosion mentioned in the text?
Which type of soil erosion is more significant in regions with heavy rainfall and steep slopes?
Which type of soil erosion is more significant in regions with heavy rainfall and steep slopes?
What is the impact of sheet erosion on level lands?
What is the impact of sheet erosion on level lands?
How does overirrigation contribute to soil degradation in India?
How does overirrigation contribute to soil degradation in India?
What is the impact of chemical fertilizers without organic manures on soil fertility?
What is the impact of chemical fertilizers without organic manures on soil fertility?
What happens to agricultural lands affected by gully erosion?
What happens to agricultural lands affected by gully erosion?
What is the term used for a region with a large number of deep gullies or ravines?
What is the term used for a region with a large number of deep gullies or ravines?
Why are forests important in preventing soil erosion?
Why are forests important in preventing soil erosion?
What is the primary purpose of soil conservation as mentioned in the text?
What is the primary purpose of soil conservation as mentioned in the text?
What is the main reason for the formation of 'Kankar' layers in the lower horizons of the soil?
What is the main reason for the formation of 'Kankar' layers in the lower horizons of the soil?
Which type of soils are found in areas of heavy rainfall and high humidity?
Which type of soils are found in areas of heavy rainfall and high humidity?
What is a characteristic feature of arid soils according to the text?
What is a characteristic feature of arid soils according to the text?
In which regions are saline soils more widespread according to the text?
In which regions are saline soils more widespread according to the text?
What is the main reason for the presence of saline soils in arid and semi-arid regions?
What is the main reason for the presence of saline soils in arid and semi-arid regions?
What promotes the occurrence of saline soils in areas of seawater intrusions?
What promotes the occurrence of saline soils in areas of seawater intrusions?
What is a characteristic feature of forest soils according to the text?
What is a characteristic feature of forest soils according to the text?
What is the main factor leading to the depleting soil resource base in India according to the text?
What is the main factor leading to the depleting soil resource base in India according to the text?
'Soil degradation' can be defined as:
'Soil degradation' can be defined as:
What are the major factors affecting the formation of soil?
What are the major factors affecting the formation of soil?
Which component is NOT mentioned as part of the soil composition in the text?
Which component is NOT mentioned as part of the soil composition in the text?
What is the characteristic feature of arid soils according to the text?
What is the characteristic feature of arid soils according to the text?
How has soil evolved over thousands of years according to the text?
How has soil evolved over thousands of years according to the text?
What is a term used to describe a region with a large number of deep gullies or ravines?
What is a term used to describe a region with a large number of deep gullies or ravines?
Which type of soil is more suitable for tree crops like cashew nut in states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala?
Which type of soil is more suitable for tree crops like cashew nut in states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala?
Which layer of the soil profile is composed of the loose parent material and serves as the first stage in the soil formation process?
Which layer of the soil profile is composed of the loose parent material and serves as the first stage in the soil formation process?
Which institution made comprehensive studies of soils in selected areas like in the Damodar Valley?
Which institution made comprehensive studies of soils in selected areas like in the Damodar Valley?
Which type of soil classification system has been adopted by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research to classify Indian soils?
Which type of soil classification system has been adopted by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research to classify Indian soils?
What percentage of the total area of India do Alluvial soils cover?
What percentage of the total area of India do Alluvial soils cover?
What do Black soils in India exhibit that makes them suitable for certain crops?
What do Black soils in India exhibit that makes them suitable for certain crops?
Which type of soil, found in arid regions, can be described as having high clay content leading to wide cracks during dry seasons?
Which type of soil, found in arid regions, can be described as having high clay content leading to wide cracks during dry seasons?
'Khadar' and 'Bhangar' represent the differences between which types of soil in the Upper and Middle Ganga plain?
'Khadar' and 'Bhangar' represent the differences between which types of soil in the Upper and Middle Ganga plain?
What factor contributes to the formation of 'Kankar' layers in the lower horizons of the soil?
What factor contributes to the formation of 'Kankar' layers in the lower horizons of the soil?
Why are Alluvial soils often rich in potash but poor in phosphorus?
Why are Alluvial soils often rich in potash but poor in phosphorus?
Why are saline soils infertile and do not support vegetative growth?
Why are saline soils infertile and do not support vegetative growth?
Which type of soil is characterized by being transported and deposited by rivers and streams?
Which type of soil is characterized by being transported and deposited by rivers and streams?
What characteristic feature is common in peaty soils?
What characteristic feature is common in peaty soils?
Why do forest soils vary in structure and texture depending on the mountain environment?
Why do forest soils vary in structure and texture depending on the mountain environment?
What makes Entisols different from Inceptisols in terms of soil classification?
What makes Entisols different from Inceptisols in terms of soil classification?
What is the impact of soil degradation according to the text?
What is the impact of soil degradation according to the text?
How does soil erosion disturb the balance between soil forming and erosional processes?
How does soil erosion disturb the balance between soil forming and erosional processes?
What is a common characteristic feature of arid soils mentioned in the text?
What is a common characteristic feature of arid soils mentioned in the text?
In what areas are peaty soils usually found?
In what areas are peaty soils usually found?
How are forest soils described in terms of their texture based on their formation location?
How are forest soils described in terms of their texture based on their formation location?
What contributes to the depletion of the soil resource base in India as stated in the text?
What contributes to the depletion of the soil resource base in India as stated in the text?
Which remedial measure can be used to eliminate finger gullies?
Which remedial measure can be used to eliminate finger gullies?
What is the most effective technique highlighted in the text for proper soil conservation?
What is the most effective technique highlighted in the text for proper soil conservation?
Why are shelter belts of trees and agro-forestry developed in arid and semi-arid areas?
Why are shelter belts of trees and agro-forestry developed in arid and semi-arid areas?
What is the main reason for the loss of topsoil in India?
What is the main reason for the loss of topsoil in India?
In which zones is arable land turning saline due to over irrigation?
In which zones is arable land turning saline due to over irrigation?
What method can reduce the erosive velocity of water in bigger gullies?
What method can reduce the erosive velocity of water in bigger gullies?
What is the primary reason for the presence of saline soils in arid and semi-arid regions?
What is the primary reason for the presence of saline soils in arid and semi-arid regions?
'Regur Soil' is another name for which type of soil?
'Regur Soil' is another name for which type of soil?
What characterizes black soils in terms of moisture retention during the dry season?
What characterizes black soils in terms of moisture retention during the dry season?
Which soil type is known for developing wide cracks during the dry season?
Which soil type is known for developing wide cracks during the dry season?
Why are black soils not suitable for cultivation without external intervention?
Why are black soils not suitable for cultivation without external intervention?
What is the primary reason for the reddish color of red soil?
What is the primary reason for the reddish color of red soil?
In which areas are laterite soils commonly found according to the text?
In which areas are laterite soils commonly found according to the text?
What characteristic feature makes red and yellow fine-grained soils fertile?
What characteristic feature makes red and yellow fine-grained soils fertile?
Why are arid soils generally sandy and saline in nature?
Why are arid soils generally sandy and saline in nature?
What is the main reason why laterite soils lack organic matter, nitrogen, phosphate, and calcium?
What is the main reason why laterite soils lack organic matter, nitrogen, phosphate, and calcium?
What makes black soils develop wide cracks during the dry season?
What makes black soils develop wide cracks during the dry season?
Why are red and yellow coarse-grained soils generally poor in fertility compared to fine-grained ones?
Why are red and yellow coarse-grained soils generally poor in fertility compared to fine-grained ones?
What type of erosion is more significant in arid and semi-arid regions?
What type of erosion is more significant in arid and semi-arid regions?
In which type of soil erosion is the soil removal not easily noticeable but harmful since it removes the finer and more fertile topsoil?
In which type of soil erosion is the soil removal not easily noticeable but harmful since it removes the finer and more fertile topsoil?
What is the term used for a region with a large number of deep gullies or ravines?
What is the term used for a region with a large number of deep gullies or ravines?
What is the primary cause of arable land in irrigated zones becoming saline?
What is the primary cause of arable land in irrigated zones becoming saline?
Which factor contributes to overirrigated zones in India becoming saline and losing their fertility?
Which factor contributes to overirrigated zones in India becoming saline and losing their fertility?
How does deforestation contribute to soil erosion?
How does deforestation contribute to soil erosion?
In which type of soil profile layer are organic materials necessary for plant growth found?
In which type of soil profile layer are organic materials necessary for plant growth found?
'Regur Soil' is another name for which type of soil found in India?
'Regur Soil' is another name for which type of soil found in India?
'Bhangar' and 'Khadar' are terms used to describe the difference in which type of soil?
'Bhangar' and 'Khadar' are terms used to describe the difference in which type of soil?
What role do human activities play in influencing the formation of soil?
What role do human activities play in influencing the formation of soil?
In the context of soil composition, what is humus primarily composed of?
In the context of soil composition, what is humus primarily composed of?
Which factor has the least significant impact on the formation of soil as mentioned in the text?
Which factor has the least significant impact on the formation of soil as mentioned in the text?
What does the term 'Khadar' refer to in the context of soil types?
What does the term 'Khadar' refer to in the context of soil types?
Which layer of the soil profile serves as the first stage in the soil formation process?
Which layer of the soil profile serves as the first stage in the soil formation process?
What does the term 'Bhangar' refer to in relation to soil classification?
What does the term 'Bhangar' refer to in relation to soil classification?
What is the main reason for the formation of 'Kankar' layers in the lower horizons of the soil?
What is the main reason for the formation of 'Kankar' layers in the lower horizons of the soil?
In which regions are 'Saline Soils' more likely to be found based on the text?
In which regions are 'Saline Soils' more likely to be found based on the text?
Which component is most likely to be lacking in Peaty Soils according to the text?
Which component is most likely to be lacking in Peaty Soils according to the text?
What is the main cause for the development of forest soils with low humus content in snow-bound areas of the Himalayas?
What is the main cause for the development of forest soils with low humus content in snow-bound areas of the Himalayas?
How do forest soils vary in texture based on their location within mountain environments?
How do forest soils vary in texture based on their location within mountain environments?
Why are arid soils in Western Rajasthan characterized as infertile?
Why are arid soils in Western Rajasthan characterized as infertile?
Which soil type is more likely to be alkaline in nature based on the text?
Which soil type is more likely to be alkaline in nature based on the text?
What promotes the occurrence of saline soils in the deltas according to the text?
What promotes the occurrence of saline soils in the deltas according to the text?
How do 'Saline Soils' differ from 'Arid Soils' based on their composition?
How do 'Saline Soils' differ from 'Arid Soils' based on their composition?
'Peaty Soils' are found in regions with heavy rainfall. How does this heavy rainfall contribute to soil formation?
'Peaty Soils' are found in regions with heavy rainfall. How does this heavy rainfall contribute to soil formation?
What contributes to the reddish color of red soil in the eastern and southern part of the Deccan Plateau?
What contributes to the reddish color of red soil in the eastern and southern part of the Deccan Plateau?
Why are black soils in India also known as 'Regur Soil'?
Why are black soils in India also known as 'Regur Soil'?
Which element is found in excess in laterite soils but is insufficient in arid soils?
Which element is found in excess in laterite soils but is insufficient in arid soils?
What characteristic feature of black soils allows them to sustain rain-fed crops during dry seasons?
What characteristic feature of black soils allows them to sustain rain-fed crops during dry seasons?
Why are red and yellow coarse-grained soils generally poor in fertility compared to fine-grained soils?
Why are red and yellow coarse-grained soils generally poor in fertility compared to fine-grained soils?
What contributes to the high salt content in some arid soils where common salt is obtained by evaporating saline water?
What contributes to the high salt content in some arid soils where common salt is obtained by evaporating saline water?
Which soil type is not suitable for cultivation without external intervention due to its poor organic matter and nutrient content?
Which soil type is not suitable for cultivation without external intervention due to its poor organic matter and nutrient content?
What is the primary reason for black soils developing wide cracks during the dry season?
What is the primary reason for black soils developing wide cracks during the dry season?
What contributes to the reddish color of red soil found along the piedmont zone of the Western Ghats?
What contributes to the reddish color of red soil found along the piedmont zone of the Western Ghats?
Which remedial measure is specifically recommended to control the headward extension of gullies?
Which remedial measure is specifically recommended to control the headward extension of gullies?
What is the main corrective action proposed to eliminate finger gullies?
What is the main corrective action proposed to eliminate finger gullies?
In arid and semi-arid regions, how can cultivable lands be safeguarded from encroachment by sand dunes?
In arid and semi-arid regions, how can cultivable lands be safeguarded from encroachment by sand dunes?
Which institution conducted experiments to stabilize sand dunes in western Rajasthan?
Which institution conducted experiments to stabilize sand dunes in western Rajasthan?
What type of soil conservation technique is highlighted in the text as fragmental in nature?
What type of soil conservation technique is highlighted in the text as fragmental in nature?
Which category of soil is found to be most saline in nature and is turning arable lands saline in irrigated zones according to the text?
Which category of soil is found to be most saline in nature and is turning arable lands saline in irrigated zones according to the text?
What is the primary cause of arable land in irrigated zones turning saline as mentioned in the text?
What is the primary cause of arable land in irrigated zones turning saline as mentioned in the text?
What type of erosion is more significant in arid and semi-arid regions?
What type of erosion is more significant in arid and semi-arid regions?
Which activity is NOT mentioned as a human cause of soil erosion in the text?
Which activity is NOT mentioned as a human cause of soil erosion in the text?
What is the term used for a region with a large number of deep gullies or ravines?
What is the term used for a region with a large number of deep gullies or ravines?
What is the main cause of soil degradation in the command areas of river valley projects?
What is the main cause of soil degradation in the command areas of river valley projects?
What is the primary factor contributing to saline soils in arid and semi-arid regions?
What is the primary factor contributing to saline soils in arid and semi-arid regions?
Why are chemical fertilizers, without organic manures, harmful to the soil in the long run?
Why are chemical fertilizers, without organic manures, harmful to the soil in the long run?
What is the negative impact of overirrigation on arable land in India?
What is the negative impact of overirrigation on arable land in India?
What is the primary purpose of soil conservation according to the text?
What is the primary purpose of soil conservation according to the text?
In which regions are ravines most widespread according to the text?
In which regions are ravines most widespread according to the text?
Which factor contributes significantly to the degradation of arable land in irrigated zones?
Which factor contributes significantly to the degradation of arable land in irrigated zones?
What is the primary reason for the different soil types found in India?
What is the primary reason for the different soil types found in India?
Which agricultural practice has contributed to the depletion of the soil resource base in India?
Which agricultural practice has contributed to the depletion of the soil resource base in India?
Why are 'Inceptisols' and 'Entisols' significant in soil classification according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) taxonomy?
Why are 'Inceptisols' and 'Entisols' significant in soil classification according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) taxonomy?
What distinguishes 'Ultisols' from 'Mollisols' in the classification of Indian soils?
What distinguishes 'Ultisols' from 'Mollisols' in the classification of Indian soils?
What is a common feature of 'Aridisols' that sets them apart from other soil types?
What is a common feature of 'Aridisols' that sets them apart from other soil types?
How do 'Khadar' and 'Bhangar' differ in terms of alluvial soil composition?
How do 'Khadar' and 'Bhangar' differ in terms of alluvial soil composition?
What factor contributes to the formation of 'Laterite soils' known for their characteristic shortcomings?
What factor contributes to the formation of 'Laterite soils' known for their characteristic shortcomings?
What distinguishes 'Alluvial soils' regarding fertility levels compared to other soil types?
What distinguishes 'Alluvial soils' regarding fertility levels compared to other soil types?
What impact does industrial pollution have on forest soils as described in the text?
What impact does industrial pollution have on forest soils as described in the text?
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Study Notes
Importance of Soil
- Soil is the most important layer of the earth's crust and a valuable resource.
- The bulk of our food and much of our clothing is derived from land-based crops that grow in the soil.
Soil Formation
- Soil is the mixture of rock debris and organic materials which develop on the earth's surface.
- The major factors affecting the formation of soil are relief, parent material, climate, vegetation, and other life-forms and time.
- Human activities also influence soil formation to a large extent.
Components of Soil
- Mineral particles, humus, water, and air are the components of soil.
- The actual amount of each of these components depends upon the type of soil.
Soil Profile
- A soil profile consists of three layers: Horizon A, Horizon B, and Horizon C.
- Horizon A is the topmost zone where organic materials have got incorporated with the mineral matter, nutrients, and water.
- Horizon B is a transition zone between Horizon A and Horizon C, and contains matter derived from below as well as from above.
- Horizon C is composed of the loose parent material.
Classification of Soil
- Soil classification is an effort to understand the importance of soil.
- Indian soils have been classified into: Inceptisols, Entisols, Alfisols, Vertisols, Aridisols, Ultisols, Mollisols, and Others.
Types of Soil
- Alluvial soils: widespread in the northern plains and the river valleys, rich in potash but poor in phosphorous.
- Black soils: found in the Deccan Plateau, clayey, deep, and impermeable, retain moisture for a long time.
- Red and Yellow soils: develop on crystalline igneous rocks, poor in nitrogen, phosphorous, and humus.
- Laterite soils: develop in areas with high temperature and high rainfall, poor in organic matter, nitrogen, phosphate, and calcium.
- Arid soils: sandy in structure, saline in nature, lack moisture and humus.
- Saline soils: infertile, contain a larger proportion of sodium, potassium, and magnesium, and do not support vegetative growth.
- Peaty soils: found in areas of heavy rainfall and high humidity, rich in humus and organic matter.
- Forest soils: formed in the forest areas, vary in structure and texture, and are fertile in the lower valleys.
Soil Degradation
- Soil degradation is the decline in soil fertility, occurs due to erosion and misuse.
- The degree of soil degradation varies from place to place according to the topography, wind velocity, and amount of rainfall.
Soil Erosion
- Soil erosion is the destruction of the soil cover, occurs due to wind and water erosion.
- Water erosion is more serious and occurs extensively in different parts of India, mainly in the form of sheet and gully erosion.
- Deforestation is one of the major causes of soil erosion.
- Over-irrigation, chemical fertilisers, and lack of humus are also harmful to the soil.
Soil Conservation
- Soil conservation is a methodology to maintain soil fertility, prevent soil erosion and exhaustion, and improve the degraded condition of the soil.
- Soil erosion can be prevented by humans, and it is essential to initiate immediate steps to reclaim and conserve soils.
- Soil conservation measures include regulating and controlling over-grazing and shifting cultivation, and educating villagers about the consequences of soil erosion.### Soil Conservation and Classification
- Soil erosion can be reduced through measures such as contour bunding, contour terracing, regulated forestry, controlled grazing, cover cropping, mixed farming, and crop rotation.
- Efforts should be made to prevent gully erosion and control their formation, such as by constructing check dams and planting cover vegetation.
Soil Formation and Components
- Soil is a mixture of rock debris and organic materials that develop on the earth's surface.
- The major factors affecting soil formation are relief, parent material, climate, vegetation, and time, as well as human activities.
- Soil components include mineral particles, humus, water, and air, with varying amounts depending on the type of soil.
Soil Profile and Horizons
- A soil profile consists of three layers: Horizon A (topmost zone), Horizon B (transition zone), and Horizon C (loose parent material).
- Each horizon has distinct characteristics, with Horizon A containing organic materials and nutrients, Horizon B being a transition zone, and Horizon C being the parent material.
Soil Classification in India
- Indian soils have been classified into eight categories: Inceptisols, Entisols, Alfisols, Vertisols, Aridisols, Ultisols, Mollisols, and others.
- Soils have also been classified based on their genesis, color, composition, and location, including Alluvial soils, Black soils, Red and Yellow soils, Laterite soils, Arid soils, Saline soils, Peaty soils, and Forest soils.
Types of Soils in India
- Alluvial soils: widespread in northern plains and river valleys, rich in potash but poor in phosphorus.
- Black soils (Regur soils): found in Deccan Plateau, clayey, deep, and impermeable, with high iron oxide and alumina content.
- Red and Yellow soils: found in eastern and southern parts of Deccan Plateau, developed on crystalline igneous rocks, poor in nitrogen and phosphorus.
- Laterite soils: developed in areas with high temperature and rainfall, poor in organic matter and nutrients, but rich in iron oxide and potash.
- Arid soils: found in western Rajasthan, sandy in structure, saline in nature, with low humus and organic matter content.
Soil Degradation and Erosion
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Soil degradation: decline in soil fertility, resulting in reduced nutritional status and depth of soil due to erosion and misuse.
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Soil erosion: destruction of soil cover, caused by an imbalance between soil formation and erosional processes, leading to removal of fine particles from the surface.### Soil Erosion
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Human activities, such as deforestation, overgrazing, and cultivation, are significant contributors to soil erosion.
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Soil erosion is a serious problem in India, with about 8,000 hectares of land lost to ravines every year.
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Gully erosion is common in regions with steep slopes, and can be prevented by terracing, contour bunding, and regulated forestry.
Types of Soil Erosion
- Wind erosion: significant in arid and semi-arid regions.
- Water erosion: more serious and widespread in India, occurring in the form of sheet and gully erosion.
Soil Conservation
- Soil conservation is essential to prevent soil erosion and maintain soil fertility.
- Measures to conserve soil include: • Contour bunding and contour terracing • Regulated forestry and controlled grazing • Cover cropping, mixed farming, and crop rotation • Preventing gully erosion and controlling headward extension of gullies • Protecting cultivable lands from encroachment by sand dunes
Soil Formation
- Soil is formed through the interaction of relief, parent material, climate, vegetation, and other life-forms, and time.
- Human activities also influence soil formation.
- Soil components include mineral particles, humus, water, and air.
Soil Profile
- A soil profile consists of three horizons: A, B, and C.
- Horizon A: topmost zone with organic materials, nutrients, and water.
- Horizon B: transition zone between horizons A and C, with some organic matter and weathered mineral matter.
- Horizon C: composed of loose parent material, the first stage in soil formation.
Soil Classification
- Indian soils are classified into eight categories according to the USDA Soil Taxonomy.
- These categories are: • Inceptisols • Entisols • Alfisols • Vertisols • Aridisols • Ultisols • Mollisols • Others
Types of Soil
- Alluvial soils: widespread in the northern plains and river valleys, rich in potash but poor in phosphorous.
- Black soils: cover the Deccan Plateau, clayey, deep, and impermeable, with high lime, iron, magnesia, and alumina content.
- Red and Yellow soils: develop on crystalline igneous rocks in areas of low rainfall, with high iron oxide content.
- Laterite soils: develop in high-temperature and high-rainfall areas, with high iron oxide and aluminium content, poor in organic matter, nitrogen, phosphate, and calcium.
- Arid soils: range from red to brown in color, sandy in structure, and saline in nature, with low moisture and humus content.
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