Gujarat: Soils

&<2/”>a >nbsp;

Below is the analysis of soils of Gujarat regionwise:

Central Gujarat:

The Soils of central Gujarat varies from shallow to deep Soil depth class. The deep & very deep soil depth are found in western part, where as shallow soil depth belongs to eastern part. The soils are fine to coarser and well to moderately drained in general and observed some what excessive drained also. The Soils are slight to moderate saline having slight sodicity.
The Soils of Vadodara, Panchmahal and Dahod district belong to shallow to deep in soil depth classwhere as they vary from moderately deep to very deep in Anand.

The Soils of Central Gujarat belongs to fine to coarser in general. The soils of Anand, Kheda, Panchmahal, Dahod districts are dominantly medium textured (Loamy) followed by fine textured (clayey).The soils adjoining to Anand, Kheda, Panchmahal&Dahod districts are coarser (Sandy). In Vadodara district the soils are dominantly fine textured (clayey) followed by medium textured (loamy) and towards adjoining Vadodara &Dahod district boundary the soils are coarser (sand).

Soil drainage in Anand, Kheda and Panchmahal are well to moderately drained where as in Vadodara &Dahod district varies from well drained to moderately drained followed by some what excessive drained. The soils of western parts of Anand districts are medium saline in nature and towards north slightly saline in nature.

Saurashtra

Accordingly, most of Soils in Saurashtra region is having shallow (25-50 cms.) to moderately shallow (50 to 75 cm) depth Soils Whereas Soils of Kachchh region have moderately deep (75-100 cm) to deep (100 to 150 cm) Soils Mostly Northern part of Saurashtra region comprises of shallow depth Soils, whereas Southern part have moderately shallow to moderately deep depth Soils, Gir area has very shallow (10-25 cms) depth Soils.
Soil Texture acts as a guide to many Soil characteristics directly or indirectly related to plant Growth. Three textural groups used are clayey (fine), Loamy (medium) and Sandy (Coarse). The majority of Soils in Saurashtra region are clayey (fine textured), whereas in Kachchh region, Soils are Loamy (medium textured). Some scattered parts of Saurashtra region have Loamy Soils and Some parts of Kachchh have Sandy soils.

Drainage affects the soil-air-water relationship in Soils and Suggests the availability of Oxygen in mapped soils for root ramification. Majority of the Soils are well drained in Saurashtra and Kachchh region. Some Scattered parts have Some what excessive drainage.

The information on the degree and extent of salt-affected soils and the depth of its occurrence is basic, for ameliorating such degraded soils. The soil salinity / sodicity map provides this kind of information for optimising land use. Major area of Saurashtra and Kachchh region are non-saline.

Costal area of the Saurashtra and Kachchh region are saline. Some parts of Kachchh near Rann, coastal area of Porbandar and Bhavnagar district are strong to very sever saline. North-Western part of Kachchh and costal part of Bhavnagar district are moderately strong saline. Some part of Rajkot district near little Rann of Kachchh, some coastal part of Jamnagar, Junagadh, Porbandar, Amreli and Bhavnagar are slightly saline.

Some interior parts of Amreli and Bhavnagar district, some coastal parts of Rajkot, Jamnagar, Junagadh, Amreli and Bhavnagar district and Western part of Kachchh are having slight sodicity in soils. Bhal area of Bhavnagar district has strong sodicity in soils. The coastal part of Porbandar district has moderate Sodicity in soils.

South Gujarat

South Gujarat region compries of Bharuch Narmada, Surat, Tapi, Navasari, Valasad and Dang Districts. Dominantly the Soils are very deep, well drained and fine and medium textured. They are slightly alkaline, slight to strong saline. The Soil characteristics like Soil depth, Soil texture, Soil drainage, Soil Salinity and Sodicity District wise is mapped characteristic

Soil depth in South Gujarat is well distributed in two parts. The Soils in western side are dominantly very deep followed by moderately deep and in eastern part soils are dominantly shallow followed by moderately shallow.

The Soils in Bharuch, Narmada, Surat, Navasari and Valasad District dominantly distributed to very deep soil depth class followed by shallow depth Moderately deep soil are also observed, Where as in Tapi district the soil depth are dominantly shallow followed by very deep. In Dang district the soils are dominantly distributed in shallow soil depth class.

Soils in South Gujarat in general varies from fine to medium textured. (Clayey to loamy clay), except in Dang District. In Dang the soils are medium textured.

Soil Drainage in South Gujarat are well to moderately drained in general. In Dang district the soil drainage is well drained.

Soil salinity in South Gujarat varies from slight to strong salinity class.In Bharuch District soil salinity belongs to slight to moderate and severe towards coastal. In Narmada ,Tapi and Dang district soil salinity is moderate. The Soil salinity in Surat, Navasari and Valasad belongs to slight to strong salinity class.

The Soil Sodicity in South Gujarat in general belongs to slight sodicity class except in Navasari where soil sodicity varies from slight to moderate.

North Gujarat

North Gujarat Region consists of Banaskantha, Patan, Mahesana, Sabarkantha, Gandhinagar, Surendranagar and Ahmedabad districts of Gujarat State.

In this region, major area falls into ‘very deep’ soil. However, ‘deep’ soil is in major area of Surendranagar district and in few area of Ahmedabad and Patan district. There are ‘moderately deep’ soils in few area of Surendranagar, Patan and Ahmedabad district and in North-East of Sabarkanthadistrict.There are ‘very shallow’ to ‘shallow’ soil in North-East part (Sabarkantha district) and South West (Surendranagar district) part of the region. Rock outcrops are also found in some part of the region especially in North-East (Banaskantha and Sabarkantha district) & South – West (Surendranagar District) of the region.

A major texture of the soil in the region is ‘Loamy’. However, in South-West part (in Ahmedabad and Surendranagar district) a soil texture in few area is found to be ‘Clayey’. It is also ‘Sandy’ soil in some area of the Northern part (Banaskantha district) of the region.

Major area of the region is having ‘Well’ drained soil. However, in some area of region especially in central part (Adjoining area of Mehsana, Sabarkantha and Gandhinagar district.) and eastern part of Banaskantha and Western part of Surendranagar district is representing ‘Some what excessively’ drained soil. A very few area of southern part of the region (Adjoining area of Ahmedabad and Surendranagar district) and in Western part (Patan district) is showing ‘moderately well’ drained soil.

In few area of middle part of Ahmedabad district and Eastern part of Surendranagar district is ‘Slightly Saline’. A considerable area of Eastern part of Patan and Western part of Mahesana, a southern part of Ahmedabad district and North-West part of Banaskantha district is representing ‘Moderate’ salinity of the soil. ‘Strongly’ saline soil is observed in South-West part of Banaskantha and Western part of Patan district. Very few area have ‘Severe’ saline soil in Southern part of Ahmedabad district.

Slight sodicity is found in central part of the region ( In Patan, Mahesana and Ahmedabad district) and in North-East part of Surendranagar district. In west part of the region (Banaskantha, Patan,Surendranagar and Ahmedabad district). ‘Moderate’ to ‘strong‘ sodicity of the soil is found in the region.

 

The plains and the peninsulas constitute two basic soil regions of the State of Gujarat.

  1. The southern parts of the Gujarat plains shows deep black soils.
  2. The central Gujarat possesses sandy loam soil, locally called Goradu which is highly fertile.
  • The Goradu region of Gujarat is called the ‘Garden of Gujarat’ because of it’s amazingly fertility in raising crops in abundance.
  1. The Kathiawar and Kachchh peninsulas contain soils derived from Deccan lava, but each one of them has its peculiarities.
  2. The northern parts of Jamnagar, Rajkot and Surendranagar contain alluvium sandy soils.

 ,

Gujarat is a state in northwestern India. It is the ninth-largest state by area and the sixth-most populous state in India. The state is bordered by Rajasthan to the north, Madhya Pradesh to the east, Maharashtra to the south, and the Arabian Sea to the west. The capital of Gujarat is Gandhinagar.

The soils of Gujarat are classified into six major types: alluvial soils, black Cotton soils, laterite soils, red soils, Saline Soils, and sandy soils.

Alluvial soils are the most common type of soil in Gujarat. They are found in the river valleys and floodplains of the state. Alluvial soils are rich in nutrients and are well-drained. They are suitable for growing a variety of crops, including rice, wheat, cotton, and sugarcane.

Black cotton soils are found in the central and southern parts of Gujarat. They are dark in color and have a high clay content. Black cotton soils are well-suited for growing cotton, but they can be difficult to work when they are wet.

Laterite soils are found in the eastern and southern parts of Gujarat. They are reddish-brown in color and have a high iron content. Laterite soils are not very fertile and are prone to erosion. They are mostly used for grazing and Forestry.

Red soils are found in the northern and western parts of Gujarat. They are reddish-brown in color and have a high iron content. Red soils are not very fertile and are prone to erosion. They are mostly used for grazing and forestry.

Saline soils are found in the coastal areas of Gujarat. They are salty and have a high sodium content. Saline soils are not suitable for growing crops. They can be used for salt production and other industrial purposes.

Sandy soils are found in the desert areas of Gujarat. They are Light in color and have a high sand content. Sandy soils are not very fertile and are prone to erosion. They are mostly used for grazing and forestry.

The soils of the Kachchh region are mostly saline and sandy. The soils of the Saurashtra region are mostly black cotton soils. The soils of the Western Ghats region are mostly red soils.

The soils of Gujarat are a valuable resource. They are used for growing crops, grazing Livestock, and forestry. The State Government is taking steps to conserve and improve the quality of the soils.

One of the major challenges facing the soils of Gujarat is soil degradation. Soil degradation is the process of soil becoming less fertile and productive. It can be caused by a number of factors, including deforestation, overgrazing, and unsustainable agricultural practices.

The state government is taking steps to address the problem of soil degradation. It has launched a number of programs to promote sustainable agriculture and soil conservation. The government is also working to educate farmers about the importance of soil conservation.

The soils of Gujarat are a vital part of the state’s economy. They are used for growing crops, grazing livestock, and forestry. The state government is taking steps to conserve and improve the quality of the soils.

Here are some frequently asked questions about soils:

  1. 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.

  2. 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 other materials. Organic soils are made up of decaying plant and animal matter. Mixed soils are a combination of mineral and organic soils.

  3. What are the properties of soil?
    The properties of soil vary depending on the type of soil, but some of the most important properties include texture, structure, drainage, 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. Drainage refers to how well water moves through the soil. Fertility refers to the ability of the soil to support plant growth.

  4. What are the benefits of good soil?
    Good soil provides many benefits, including:

  5. It provides plants with the nutrients they need to grow.

  6. It helps to regulate the Climate.
  7. It provides a habitat for many different plants and animals.
  8. It helps to prevent soil erosion.
  9. It helps to filter water.

  10. What are the threats to soil?
    Soil is threatened by a number of factors, including:

  11. Soil erosion: Soil erosion is the removal of soil from the land by wind or water. It can be caused by natural processes, such as floods and storms, or by human activities, such as deforestation and agriculture.

  12. Soil contamination: Soil contamination is the presence of harmful chemicals or pollutants in the soil. It can be caused by industrial activities, such as mining and manufacturing, or by agricultural activities, such as the use of pesticides and Fertilizers.
  13. Soil compaction: Soil compaction is the process of soil particles being pressed together, making it difficult for water and air to move through the soil. It can be caused by heavy traffic, such as from cars and trucks, or by agricultural activities, such as Tillage.

  14. What can be done to protect soil?
    There are a number of things that can be done to protect soil, including:

  15. Reduce soil erosion: Soil erosion can be reduced by planting trees and other vegetation, using cover crops, and practicing conservation tillage.

  16. Reduce soil contamination: Soil contamination can be reduced by using safe disposal practices for hazardous waste, implementing pollution prevention measures, and using less pesticides and fertilizers.
  17. Reduce soil compaction: Soil compaction can be reduced by using lighter equipment, practicing no-till agriculture, and rotating crops.

  18. What is the future of soil?
    The future of soil is uncertain. Soil is being threatened by a number of factors, but there are also a number of things that can be done to protect it. It is important to raise awareness about the importance of soil and to take steps to protect it.

  1. The most common type of soil in Gujarat is:
    (A) Black soil
    (B) Red soil
    (C) Alluvial soil
    (D) Laterite soil

  2. The main crops grown in Gujarat are:
    (A) Wheat, rice, and cotton
    (B) Sugarcane, groundnut, and tobacco
    (C) Tea, coffee, and rubber
    (D) Jute, oilseeds, and pulses

  3. The main industries in Gujarat are:
    (A) Textiles, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals
    (B) Engineering, automobiles, and electronics
    (C) Gems and jewelry, Software, and tourism
    (D) Iron and steel, cement, and power

  4. The main tourist attractions in Gujarat are:
    (A) The Sabarmati Ashram, the Jama Masjid, and the Akshardham Temple
    (B) The Gir Forest National Park, the Rann of Kutch, and the Porbandar Palace
    (C) The Somnath Temple, the Dwarka Temple, and the Palitana Jain Temples
    (D) The Ajanta Caves, the Ellora Caves, and the Khajuraho Temples

  5. The main languages spoken in Gujarat are:
    (A) Gujarati, Hindi, and English
    (B) Marathi, Kannada, and Telugu
    (C) Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada
    (D) Bengali, Assamese, and Oriya

  6. The main religions practiced in Gujarat are:
    (A) Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity
    (B) Jainism, Buddhism-2/”>Buddhism, and Sikhism
    (C) Zoroastrianism, Judaism, and Baha’i
    (D) Hinduism, Islam, and Sikhism

  7. The capital of Gujarat is:
    (A) Ahmedabad
    (B) Gandhinagar
    (C) Surat
    (D) Vadodara

  8. The Population of Gujarat is:
    (A) 60 million
    (B) 65 million
    (C) 70 million
    (D) 75 million

  9. The area of Gujarat is:
    (A) 200,000 square kilometers
    (B) 220,000 square kilometers
    (C) 240,000 square kilometers
    (D) 260,000 square kilometers

  10. The Literacy rate in Gujarat is:
    (A) 75%
    (B) 80%
    (C) 85%
    (D) 90%

The answers are:
1. (A)
2. (B)
3. (A)
4. (B)
5. (A)
6. (A)
7. (B)
8. (C)
9. (C)
10. (B)