Soils of Haryana

Soils of Haryana

An overview of Haryana Soil

• Soil in Haryana is formed almost entirely of alluvium.
• The state is situated towards the depressions of the rivers Ganges and Indus.
• Haryana State is a broad level plain standing nearly on the watershed between the basins of the two rivers.
• Haryana state is a vast ground of moist land.
• In the whole of the region except the flood plains of the Yamuna and the Ghaggar, the alluvium is of the old type containing sand, clay, silt and hard calcareous concentrations about the size of nuts known as ‘Kankars’.
• In the Khaddar the deposits of the alluvium are the recent type.
• They consist of coarse sand and some silt regularly deposited by the rivers and small mountain streams of the Indo-Gangetic watershed.
• In the south-western part, a great deal of wind-blown sand has been piled up in the form of sand dunes.

  

• These dunes are sometimes many metres high and extend many kilometers in length.
• The alluvium is covered by sand, making the region as arid and unproductive as a desert.
• The only parts useful for cultivation in this region are Tals, where due to some reason or the other sand does not collect.

Analysis of Soil District Wise

• Soil constitutes the most precious natural resource of the State.
• A variety of soils are found in Haryana due to the marked variation in the physiographic and climatic conditions.
• The Soil fertility and it reflects that major parts of Panipat, Sonipat, Palwal, north eastern part of Jhajjar and parts of Faridabad district fall under medium fertility zone; eastern part of Panipat, Sonipat, Faridabad and Palwal district lie under low to medium fertility zone; district Rohtak, Jhajjar & central upper part of Gurgaon lie in low fertility zone and rest of the areas are under poor fertility zone, especially parts of Rewari, Mewat, southern part of Gurgaon and western part of Palwal & Faridabad.
• Soil of the Haryana Sub-Region have been classified and described under the following major Soil Types :

1. Typic Ustochrepts : Soil of old alluvial plains
2. Typic Ustipsamments : Soil of Aravali plains
3. Typic Ustifluvents : Soil of recent alluvial plains and flood plains
4. Typic Torripsamments : Soil of Aeofluvial plains
5. Rocky Outcrops : Aravali rocky hills

The district wise details of soil characteristics are described below.

Soil in Panipat District of Haryana

• The soils are well drained, Sandy loam to clay loam/silty clay loam in plains and loam to clay loam/ silty/ loose clay loam in relic channels/depressions/basins.

Soil in Sonipat District of Haryana

• The district comprises of recent flood plains, young meander plains, old meander plains and old alluvial plains.
• Recent flood plains occur along the Yamuna River and clearly show fluvial features.
• The soils are loamy sand to sandy loam on the surface and sandy loam to clay loam in the sub surface.

Soil in Rohtak District of Haryana

• The district mainly comprises of old alluvial plains.
• The soils are loamy sand to sandy loam on the surface and sandy loam to clay loam in the sub surface.
• Old meander plains are almost flat with loamy sand to silty clay loam soils.
• Oldest among all the land forms are old alluvial plains, which cover major areas in the district.
• These soils are sand to loamy sand/sandy loam (surface) to silt loam/silty clay loam (subsurface).

Soil in Jhajjar District of Haryana

• The district mainly comprises of old alluvial plains and some parts of the district also have soil belonging to Aravali plains.

Soil in Rewari District of Haryana

• The soils of the district fall under Entisols and Inceptisols orders. The surface Soil Texture varies from sand to fine loamy sand.

Soil in Gurgaon District of Haryana

• The district comprises of sand dunes, sandy plains, alluvial plains, salt affected areas, low lands, lakes, hills and pediments.
• The soil varies from sand to loamy sand in sand dunes and sandy plain areas, sandy loam to clay loam / silty clay loam in alluvial plains, calcareous, loamy sand to loam in salt affected plains, silty loam to loam in low lands and calcareous, loamy sand to loam in hills.

Soil in Mewat District of Haryana

• The soils of the area are generally sandy loam to loam.
• In parts of the low-lying areas, they are clayey and saline.
• The upper hills are mostly barren.

Soil in Faridabad and Palwal District of Haryana

• The district comprises of recent Yamuna flood plains, low lying plains, depressions, sand dunes and hills.
• The texture of the soil is sand to loamy sand in recent Yamuna flood plains, sandy loam in plains, sandy loam to clay loam in alluvial plains, sandy loam to loam (surface), clay loam/silty clay (sub-surface) in low lying plains and depressions.

agriculture in Haryana based on Soil Types

• Haryana Sub-Region’s predominant land use is agriculture.
• There are two main Cropping seasons, namely Kharif and Rabi.
• Majority of the area is utilized for agriculture during Rabi and Kharif (double crop) season due to better Irrigation facilities in the region; major Kharif Crops include rice, jowar, bajra, gaur, maize, Cotton, sugarcane, groundnut and pulses.
• Rabi Crops include wheat, barley, gram rapeseed/mustard and pulses.
• The short period available between mid-May and July is sometimes also used for raising a third crop particularly in the areas where irrigation facility is available.
• Northern portion of the region is characterized by good agricultural area due to alluvial soils, marginal to good quality of ground water, Network of irrigation, i.e canals, tube wells and relatively better natural drainage.
• Southern parts of the sub-region containing Gurgaon and Rewari, due to lack of rain, poor irrigation facilities, poor Ground water quality coupled with desert terrain, is under relatively less cultivated area in the Kharif season.

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The soils of Haryana are a diverse group, reflecting the state’s varied geography. The major soil types are alluvial, black, desert, forest, laterite, red, saline, and sandy.

Alluvial soils are the most common type of soil in Haryana. They are found in the river valleys and floodplains of the state. Alluvial soils are rich in nutrients and are well-drained, making them ideal for agriculture.

Black soils are found in the southern part of Haryana. They are rich in organic matter and are well-suited for growing crops such as cotton and sugarcane.

Desert soils are found in the northwestern part of Haryana. They are low in nutrients and are prone to erosion. However, they can be used for growing crops such as wheat and barley if they are properly irrigated.

Forest soils are found in the Shivalik Hills and the Aravalli Range. They are rich in organic matter and are well-drained. However, they are not suitable for agriculture due to their steep slopes.

Laterite soils are found in the southern part of Haryana. They are rich in iron and aluminum oxides and are not suitable for agriculture. However, they can be used for brickmaking and other industrial purposes.

Red soils are found in the northern part of Haryana. They are low in nutrients and are prone to erosion. However, they can be used for growing crops such as wheat and barley if they are properly irrigated.

Saline Soils are found in the northwestern part of Haryana. They are high in salt content and are not suitable for agriculture. However, they can be used for salt production.

Sandy soils are found in the northwestern part of Haryana. They are low in nutrients and are prone to erosion. However, they can be used for growing crops such as wheat and barley if they are properly irrigated.

The soils of Haryana are a valuable resource that supports the state’s economy and Environment. It is important to manage these soils wisely to ensure their long-term sustainability.

The following are some of the challenges facing the soils of Haryana:

• Soil erosion: Soil erosion is a major problem in Haryana. It is caused by a number of factors, including deforestation, overgrazing, and unsustainable agricultural practices. Soil erosion can lead to a loss of topsoil, which is the most fertile layer of soil. It can also lead to sedimentation in rivers and streams, which can damage aquatic Ecosystems.
• Salinization: Salinization is another major problem in Haryana. It is caused by the accumulation of salts in the soil. Salts can accumulate in the soil due to irrigation with saline water, poor drainage, and Evaporation. Salinization can make the soil infertile and can damage crops.
• Desertification: Desertification is the process of land degradation that turns fertile land into desert. It is caused by a number of factors, including Climate change, deforestation, and overgrazing. Desertification can lead to a loss of Biodiversity-2/”>Biodiversity, a decline in agricultural productivity, and an increase in POVERTY.

The following are some of the ways to conserve the soils of Haryana:

• Afforestation: Afforestation is the process of planting trees. Trees help to prevent soil erosion by holding the soil in place with their roots. They also help to improve the quality of the soil by adding organic matter.
• Soil conservation practices: Soil conservation practices are a set of techniques that are used to prevent soil erosion and improve the quality of the soil. These practices include terracing, contour farming, and Crop Rotation.
• Water management: Water management is the process of managing water Resources. This includes irrigation, drainage, and flood control. Water management can help to prevent soil erosion and improve the quality of the soil.
• Reforestation: Reforestation is the process of planting trees in an area that has been deforested. Trees help to prevent soil erosion by holding the soil in place with their roots. They also help to improve the quality of the soil by adding organic matter.

Here are some frequently asked questions about soils:

1. What are the different Types of Soil?

There are three main types of soil: sand, silt, and clay. Sand is the coarsest type of soil, while clay is the finest. Silt is in between sand and clay.

1. What are the properties of soil?

Soil has many properties, including texture, structure, pH, and fertility. Texture refers to the size of the particles in the soil. Structure refers to how the particles are arranged. pH is a measure of how acidic or basic the soil is. Fertility refers to the ability of the soil to support plant Growth.

1. What are the factors that affect soil formation?

The factors that affect soil formation include climate, parent material, topography, organisms, and time. Climate affects the rate of weathering and the type of vegetation that grows in an area. Parent material is the material from which the soil is formed. Topography affects the drainage and slope of an area. Organisms, such as Plants and animals, help to break down rocks and organic matter. Time is needed for the soil to develop its characteristic properties.

1. What are the benefits of good soil?

Good soil provides many benefits, including:

• It supports plant growth.
• It helps to regulate the climate.
• It provides habitat for organisms.
• It filters water.

• It stores carbon.

• How can we improve soil quality?

There are many ways to improve soil quality, including:

• Adding organic matter.
• Managing pests and diseases.
• Conserving water.
• Rotating crops.
• Planting cover crops.

• No-till farming.

• What are the challenges facing soil?

Soil faces many challenges, including:

• Soil erosion.
• Soil degradation.
• Soil contamination.
• Soil salinization.

• Soil compaction.

• What can we do to protect soil?

There are many things we can do to protect soil, including:

• Reduce soil erosion.
• Reduce soil degradation.
• Reduce soil contamination.
• Reduce soil salinization.

• Reduce soil compaction.

• What is the future of soil?

The future of soil depends on the choices we make today. We need to protect soil and manage it sustainably if we want to ensure a healthy planet for future generations.

1. Which of the following is not a type of soil?
   (A) Sandy soil
   (B) Clay soil
   (C) Loam soil
   (D) Soil of Haryana

2. Which of the following is the most common type of soil in the world?
   (A) Sandy soil
   (B) Clay soil
   (C) Loam soil
   (D) Soil of Haryana

3. Which of the following is the best type of soil for growing crops?
   (A) Sandy soil
   (B) Clay soil
   (C) Loam soil
   (D) Soil of Haryana

4. Which of the following is the least fertile type of soil?
   (A) Sandy soil
   (B) Clay soil
   (C) Loam soil
   (D) Soil of Haryana

5. Which of the following is the most fertile type of soil?
   (A) Sandy soil
   (B) Clay soil
   (C) Loam soil
   (D) Soil of Haryana

6. Which of the following is the most common type of soil in India?
   (A) Sandy soil
   (B) Clay soil
   (C) Loam soil
   (D) Soil of Haryana

7. Which of the following is the best type of soil for building houses?
   (A) Sandy soil
   (B) Clay soil
   (C) Loam soil
   (D) Soil of Haryana

8. Which of the following is the least suitable type of soil for building houses?
   (A) Sandy soil
   (B) Clay soil
   (C) Loam soil
   (D) Soil of Haryana

9. Which of the following is the most common type of soil in Haryana?
   (A) Sandy soil
   (B) Clay soil
   (C) Loam soil
   (D) None of the above

10. Which of the following is the best type of soil for growing crops in Haryana?
    (A) Sandy soil
    (B) Clay soil
    (C) Loam soil
    (D) None of the above