Bihar Soils

Introduction Soil is one of the most important Resources on the earth. It is the great gift of nature of immense value. The most common use of soil is as the medium in which Plants grow, although it has a different connotation at different time and place, and for persons engaged in different professions.

Apart from this most of the economic activities are directly or indirectly dependent on soil. Thus soil is the pivot of agricultural and industrial development of the world.

Soil has several characteristics, which may be regarded as the aggregate of the physical, chemical and biological properties.

Bihar plane made of a thick alluvial mantle of drift origin overlying in most part. The siwalik and older tertiary rocks.

The soil of Bihar is mainly young loam rejuvenated every year by constant deposition of silt, clay and sand brought by different streams.

This soils of Bihar deficient in phosphoric acid, nitrogen and humus, but potash and lime are usually found in optimum level.

Types of soils in Bihar

There are three essential sorts of soil in Bihar:

Piedmont Swamp Soil – found in northwestern section of west Champaran district.
Terai Soil – found in northern section of the state along Nepal border
Gangetic Alluvium – covering the Bihar plains

Bihar Soils

We will discuss about these soil in detail:

Alluvial soil

Alluvial soils are framed primarily because of sediment saved by Indo-Gangetic-Brahmaputra streams. In beach front districts some alluvial stores are framed because of wave activity. Rocks of the Himalayas shape the parent material. Accordingly the parent material of these dirts is of transported starting point.

They are the biggest soil bunch covering around 15 lakh sq km or around 6 for each penny of the aggregate zone. They bolster over 40% of the India’s populace by giving the most gainful agrarian terrains.

Attributes of Alluvial Soils

They are youthful and have powerless profiles because of their current root.

The majority of the dirt is Sandy and clayey soils are normal.

Pebbly and gravelly soils are uncommon. Kankar (calcareous solidifications) beds are available in a few areas along the stream patios. The dirt is permeable as a result of its loamy (measure up to extent of sand and earth) nature.

Porosity and surface give great waste and different conditions positive for farming. These dirts are always recharged by the repetitive surges.

Synthetic properties of Alluvial Soils

The extent of nitrogen is by and large low.

The extent of Potash, phosphoric corrosive and alkalies are satisfactory

The extent of Iron oxide and lime change inside a wide range.

Crop Yields in Alluvial Soils

They are for the most part level and normal soils and are most appropriate for agribusiness. They are most appropriate to water system and react well to waterway and well/tube-well water system.

They yield magnificent harvests of rice, wheat, sugarcane, tobacco, Cotton, jute, maize, oilseeds, vegetables and organic products.

Bhangar

The Bhangar is the more established alluvium along the stream beds framing patios higher than the surge plain (around 30 meters over the surge level).

It is of a more clayey structure and is for the most part dull shaded.

A couple of meters underneath the patio of the bhangar are beds of lime knobs known as “Kankar”.

Khadar

The Khadar is made out of fresher alluvium and structures the surge fields along the waterway banks.

The banks are overwhelmed practically consistently and another layer of alluvium is stored with each surge. This makes them the most fruitful soils of Ganges.

They are sandy dirts and topsoils, more dry and filtered, less calcareous and carbonaceous (less kankary). Another layer of alluvium is stored by stream surge practically consistently.

Terai Soil

Terai is a poorly depleted, soggy (mucky) and thickly forested limited tract (15-30 km wide) toward the south of Bhabar running parallel to it.

The underground surges of the Bhabar belt re-develop in this belt. It is a swampy marsh with silty soils. The terai soils are rich in nitrogen and natural issue yet are insufficient in phosphate.

These dirts are for the most part secured by tall Grasses and woodlands however are reasonable for various harvests, for example, wheat, rice, sugarcane, jute and so forth. This thickly forested area gives asylum to an assortment of natural life.

Piedmont Swamp soil

This is the third prominent type of soil in Bihar. This soil is found in northwestern section of west Champaran district. It is has more features of swamp. Paddy cultivation in this type of soil is more prevalent.

Bihar is a state in eastern India. It is the third-largest state in India by Population, after Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. The state is bordered by Nepal to the north, Uttar Pradesh to the west, Jharkhand to the south, and West Bengal to the east. The Ganges River flows through the state from west to east.

The Climate of Bihar is tropical monsoonal. The summers are hot and humid, with temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius. The winters are cool and dry, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius. The monsoon season lasts from June to September, and brings heavy rains to the state.

The soils of Bihar are varied, and are classified into seven major types: alluvial, black, laterite, red, saline, sandy, and hill soils.

Alluvial soils are the most common type of soil in Bihar. They are formed by the deposition of sediments from the rivers. These soils are rich in nutrients and are suitable for growing a variety of crops.

Black soils are found in the northern part of Bihar. They are rich in iron and aluminum and are known for their fertility. These soils are suitable for growing rice, wheat, and sugarcane.

Laterite soils are found in the southern part of Bihar. They are formed by the weathering of rocks and are rich in iron and aluminum. These soils are not very fertile and are suitable for growing crops such as coffee, tea, and rubber.

Red soils are found in the eastern part of Bihar. They are formed by the weathering of granite rocks and are rich in iron and aluminum. These soils are not very fertile and are suitable for growing crops such as rice, wheat, and pulses.

Saline Soils are found in the western part of Bihar. They are formed by the accumulation of salts in the soil and are not very fertile. These soils are suitable for growing salt-tolerant crops such as barley and millet.

Sandy soils are found in the coastal areas of Bihar. They are composed of sand and are not very fertile. These soils are suitable for growing crops such as coconut, cashew, and mango.

Hill soils are found in the northeastern part of Bihar. They are formed by the weathering of rocks and are rich in nutrients. These soils are suitable for growing a variety of crops.

The soils of Bihar are an important resource for the state. They are used for agriculture, Forestry, and other purposes. The State Government is taking steps to conserve and improve the quality of the soils.

One of the major challenges facing the soils of Bihar is soil erosion. Soil erosion is the process of the removal of soil from the land by water or wind. It is a major problem in Bihar, as the state is located in a region with high rainfall and strong winds. Soil erosion can lead to a loss of topsoil, which is the most fertile layer of soil. It can also lead to the degradation of land and the loss of Biodiversity-2/”>Biodiversity.

The state government is taking steps to address the problem of soil erosion. One of the main initiatives is the construction of check Dams. Check dams are small dams that are built across streams and rivers. They help to slow down the flow of water and reduce soil erosion. The government is also promoting the use of rainwater harvesting and other water conservation measures.

Another major challenge facing the soils of Bihar is soil contamination. Soil contamination is the presence of harmful chemicals or other pollutants in the soil. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including industrial activities, agricultural practices, and the disposal of waste. Soil contamination can have a negative impact on human Health, the Environment, and the economy.

The state government is taking steps to address the problem of soil contamination. One of the main initiatives is the development of a soil quality monitoring program. The program will help to identify areas of soil contamination and develop strategies to address the problem. The government is also promoting the use of sustainable agricultural practices and the proper disposal of waste.

The soils of Bihar are an important resource for the state. They are used for agriculture, forestry, and other purposes. The state government is taking steps to conserve and improve the quality of the soils.

Here are some frequently asked questions and short answers about soil:

What is soil?
Soil is a mixture of Minerals, organic matter, water, air, and living organisms. It is the foundation of life on Earth, providing plants with the nutrients they need to grow.
What are the different Types of Soil?
There are many different types of soil, but they can be broadly classified into three categories: mineral soils, organic soils, and mixed soils. Mineral soils are the most common type of soil and are made up of minerals from rocks and minerals from the weathering of rocks. Organic soils are made up of organic matter, such as plant and animal remains. Mixed soils are a combination of mineral and organic soils.
What are the properties of soil?
The properties of soil vary depending on the type of soil, but some common properties include texture, structure, pH, and fertility. Texture refers to the size of the particles in the soil. Structure refers to the way the particles in the soil are arranged. pH refers to the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. Fertility refers to the ability of the soil to support plant Growth.
What are the benefits of soil?
Soil provides many benefits, including:
It is a source of nutrients for plants.
It helps to regulate the climate.
It provides habitat for wildlife.
It helps to filter water.
It is a source of building materials.
What are the threats to soil?
Soil is threatened by a number of factors, including:
Soil erosion: Soil erosion is the removal of soil from the land by wind or water.
Soil contamination: Soil contamination is the presence of harmful chemicals in the soil.
Soil compaction: Soil compaction is the squeezing of soil particles together, which makes it difficult for water and air to penetrate the soil.
Soil Salinization: Soil salinization is the buildup of salts in the soil, which can make it difficult for plants to grow.
How can we protect soil?
There are a number of things we can do to protect soil, including:
Reduce soil erosion: We can reduce soil erosion by planting trees and other vegetation, using cover crops, and practicing conservation Tillage.
Reduce soil contamination: We can reduce soil contamination by preventing the release of harmful chemicals into the environment, properly disposing of waste, and using pesticides and Fertilizers carefully.
Reduce soil compaction: We can reduce soil compaction by using heavy equipment carefully, planting trees and other vegetation, and rotating crops.
Reduce soil salinization: We can reduce soil salinization by using water wisely, planting salt-tolerant plants, and draining excess water from the soil.
What is the future of soil?
The future of soil depends on the choices we make today. If we continue to degrade soil, we will face serious consequences, including food shortages, Climate Change, and the loss of biodiversity. However, if we take steps to protect soil, we can ensure that it will continue to provide us with the many benefits it offers.

Here are some MCQs about soil:

What is soil?
(A) The loose material on the surface of the Earth
(B) The solid part of the Earth’s crust
(C) The liquid part of the Earth’s crust
(D) The gas part of the Earth’s crust
What are the three main components of soil?
(A) Sand, silt, and clay
(B) Water, air, and organic matter
(C) Minerals, water, and air
(D) All of the above
What is the role of soil in the environment?
(A) It provides a habitat for plants and animals
(B) It helps to regulate the Earth’s climate
(C) It is a source of food and water for humans
(D) All of the above
What are some of the factors that affect soil quality?
(A) Climate
(B) Vegetation
(C) Topography
(D) All of the above
What are some of the ways that soil can be degraded?
(A) Erosion
(B) Salinization
(C) Acidification
(D) All of the above
What are some of the ways that soil can be protected?
(A) Conservation tillage
(B) Cover Cropping
(C) Rotational grazing
(D) All of the above
What is the importance of soil conservation?
(A) It helps to protect the environment
(B) It helps to ensure a sustainable food supply
(C) It helps to reduce the risk of natural disasters
(D) All of the above
What are some of the benefits of soil conservation?
(A) Improved water quality
(B) Reduced erosion
(C) Increased crop yields
(D) All of the above
What are some of the challenges of soil conservation?
(A) The cost of implementing conservation practices
(B) The need for cooperation from landowners
(C) The need for public Education about the importance of soil conservation
(D) All of the above
What can you do to help conserve soil?
(A) Practice conservation tillage
(B) Plant cover crops
(C) Rotationally graze Livestock
(D) All of the above