Karnataka soil

Eleven groups of Soil orders are found in Karnataka

Entisols, Inceptisols, Mollisols, Spodosols, Alfisols, Ultisols, Oxisols, Aridisols, Vertisols, Andisols and Histosols.

Depending on the agricultural capability of the soil, the Soil Types are divided into six types viz., Red, lateritic(lateritic soil is found in bidar and kolar district), black, alluvio-colluvial, forest and coastal soils.

The common Types of Soil groups found in Karnataka are

Red soils: Red gravelly loam soil, Red loam soil, Red gravelly clay soil, Red clay soil
Lateritic soils: Lateritic gravelly soil, Lateritic soil
Black soils: Deep black soil, Medium deep black soil, Shallow black soil
Alluvio-Colluvial Soils: Non-saline, saline and sodic
Forest soils: Brown forest soil
Coastal soils: Coastal laterite soil, Coastal alluvial soil

These have been further divided into 11 sub groups. Red soils have 4 subgroups, Laterite soils have 2 subgroups, Black soils have 3 subgroups and alluvial soils have 2 subgroups (ICAR, 1980).

Coastal laterite soils, alluvial soils and forest soils have no subgroups. The alluvial soils possess great natural fertility. These soils are suitable for the cultivation of a wide range of crops such as wheat, rice, sugarcane etc; nevertheless, at some places, gram, barley, maize etc are found to be the most common crops cultivated.
The sandy soil consists of Aeolian sand (90-95%) and clay (5-10%). These soils are very Light and comprise about 8.46% of the country’s soil cover. These are suitable for high salt tolerant crops, such as barley, rape and Cotton, and also medium salt tolerant crops, such as wheat, Millets, maize and pulses.
The black soils vary in depth from shallow to deep. The typical soil derived from the Deccan Trap is theregur or black soil. Many black soil areas have a high degree of fertility, but some, especially in the uplands are poor. Black soils are highly argillaceous, very fine grained and dark and contain a high proportion of calcium and magnesium carbonates. They are exceedingly sticky, when wet. On drying, they contract forming large and deep cracks. These soils contain abundant iron, and fairly high quantities of lime, magnesia and alumina. They are deficient in potash, nitrogen and organic matter.
The black soils of Karnataka are fine-textured with varying salt concentration. The soils are generally rich in lime and magnesia. The intensively cultivated tracts where adequate rainfall occurs are most suitable for cotton, wheat and jowar. But where Irrigation facilities have been made available rice and sugarcane crops are also cultivated.

Red soil of Karnataka:

The predominant soil in the eastern tract of Karnataka is the red soil overlying the granite from which it is derived. In the districts of Bangalore, Kolar, Mysore, Tumkur and Mandya, this soil is found in varying depths. They occur as shades of red and pass on to yellow. Loamy red soils are predominant in the plantation districts of Shimoga and Hassan. They are rich in P 2 O 5 (0.05-0.3%) and their lime content varies from 0.1-0.8%. Nitrogen is below 0.1%. Iron and alumina is high, being 30-40%. A broad strip of area running between the eastern and western parts of Coorg is covered by red loam. A large variety of crops, such as paddy, jowar, ragi, and cotton, are grown under irrigation but crops such as millets, pulses and even gram are raised under rain-fed conditions.

Laterite soil:

Laterite soils occur in the western parts in the districts of Uttara Kannada, Dakshina Kannada, Shimoga, Hassan and Mysore. They support tea, coffee, rubber and coconut plantations. The traditional soil groups of Karnataka and the soils of the major Landforms of Karnataka are given below.

South Deccan plateau-soil:

The soils of south Deccan Plateau are classified into two moisture regimes – ustic (deficient in water, but most of the water available comes from the Cropping season) and aridic (highly water deficient). Ustic moisture regime covers major areas in the State except in parts of Bellary, Raichur, Chitradurga and Bijapur districts, which has an aridic moisture regime. The granite/gneiss Landform covering an area of 8.1 Mha in Bangalore, Kolar, Tumkur, Mandya, Mysore, Hassan, Chikmagalur, Shimoga, Chitradurga, Raichur, Bellary and Gulbarga district is mostly covered with soils that are shallow to moderately shallow, excessively drained, gravely sandy clay in nature. The rolling lands have shallow to deep, somewhat excessively to well drained, red gravely loamy to clay soils. The soils of the valley are dominantly very deep, moderately well to poorly drained, fine textured and at places stratified. The major crops cultivated in these soils are rice and sugarcane.

The soils of the basalt landform cover an area of about 2.7 Mha in the districts of Bidar, Gulbarga, Bijapur and Belgaum. These soils are moderately to very strongly alkaline, slightly to moderately calcareous and have organic carbon of 0.33 to 0.63%.

Soils of laterite landform cover an area of 1.5 Mha in the districts of Bangalore, Kolar, Bidar, Gulbarga, Belgaum, Dharwad, Shimoga, Chikmagalur, Kodagu, Hassan and Uttara Kannada.

Soils of metamorphic landform cover an area of 2.7Mha running Northwest to Southeast within the granite and gneiss landforms in Tumkur, Chikmagalur, Chitradurga, Kolar, Mysore, Belgaum, Bellary and Raichur districts. The landform includes ridges, rolling lands and valleys. The ridges and the rolling lands have gravely loam to clay soils. Valleys have deep, poorly drained, calcareous, cracking clay soils. Soils of sedimentary landform cover an area of 0.8Mha in the districts of Gulbarga, Bijapur and Bidar (Soils of Karnataka, 1998-NBSS).

Western ghat-soil

Soils of the Western Ghats covers an area of 2Mha in the districts of Belgaum, Uttara Kannada, Dharwad, Dakshina Kannada, Shimoga, Chikmagalur, Hassan, Kodagu and Mysore. These soils are generally dark brown to dark reddish brown and black in colour due to the accumulation of high organic matter under the forest cover. The Eastern Ghats covers an area of 0.4 ha in the districts of Mysore and Bangalore bordering Tamil Nadu. The soils are very shallow, somewhat excessively drained, gravely loam to clay soils. Soils of the West Coast cover an area of 0.7 Mha in the districts of Uttara Kannada and Dakshina Kannada.

Karnataka is a state in southern India. It is the third-largest state in India by area and the ninth-most populous. The state is home to a diverse range of soil types, including red soil, black soil, and laterite soil.

Red soil is the most common type of soil in Karnataka. It is a clayey soil that is rich in iron and aluminum oxides. Red soil is well-drained and has good water retention capacity. It is suitable for growing a variety of crops, including rice, sugarcane, and cotton.

Black soil is another common type of soil in Karnataka. It is a rich, loamy soil that is ideal for growing crops such as rice, sugarcane, and cotton. Black soil is also known as “black cotton soil” because it is dark in color and has a high clay content.

Laterite soil is a type of soil that is found in tropical and subtropical regions. It is a reddish-brown soil that is rich in iron and aluminum oxides. Laterite soil is not very fertile and is prone to erosion. It is suitable for growing crops such as coffee, tea, and rubber.

Soil fertility in Karnataka is a major concern. The state’s soils are being depleted of nutrients due to intensive Farming practices. This is leading to a decline in crop yields and an increase in the use of chemical Fertilizers. Chemical fertilizers can pollute groundwater and harm the Environment.

Soil erosion is another major problem in Karnataka. The state’s soils are being eroded by wind and water. This is leading to a loss of topsoil and a decline in crop yields. Soil erosion can also cause flooding and landslides.

Soil conservation is essential to protect Karnataka’s soils. There are a number of ways to conserve soil, including:

Planting trees and shrubs
Using cover crops
Terrace farming
Contour farming
Strip cropping
No-till farming

Soil Pollution is a serious problem in Karnataka. The state’s soils are being polluted by industrial waste, sewage, and agricultural runoff. This pollution is contaminating groundwater and harming the environment.

Soil remediation is the process of cleaning up polluted soils. There are a number of ways to remediate polluted soils, including:

In situ remediation
Ex situ remediation
Bioremediation
Phytoremediation/”>Phytoremediation

Soil management is the process of maintaining and improving the quality of soils. There are a number of ways to manage soils, including:

Soil testing
Soil Classification
Soil erosion control
Soil conservation
Soil fertility management
Soil pollution prevention

Soil testing is the process of evaluating the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils. Soil testing can be used to determine the nutrient content of soils, the pH level of soils, and the presence of pollutants.

Soil classification is the process of grouping soils based on their characteristics. Soil classification can be used to identify the best uses for soils and to develop management plans for soils.

Soil erosion control is the process of preventing or reducing soil erosion. Soil erosion can be controlled by planting trees and shrubs, using cover crops, terrace farming, contour farming, strip cropping, and no-till farming.

Soil conservation is the process of protecting soils from degradation. Soil conservation can be achieved by planting trees and shrubs, using cover crops, terrace farming, contour farming, strip cropping, and no-till farming.

Soil fertility management is the process of maintaining or improving the nutrient content of soils. Soil fertility management can be achieved by applying fertilizers, liming soils, and rotating crops.

Soil pollution prevention is the process of preventing or reducing soil pollution. Soil pollution can be prevented by reducing the use of pesticides and herbicides, managing animal waste, and disposing of industrial waste properly.

Soil remediation is the process of cleaning up polluted soils. Soil remediation can be achieved by in situ remediation, ex situ remediation, bioremediation, and phytoremediation.

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 nutrients for Plants and animals.
What are the different types of soil?
There are many different types of soil, but they can be broadly divided 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.
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 are arranged in the soil. Drainage refers to how well water moves through the soil. Fertility refers to the ability of the soil to support plant Growth.
What are the benefits of good soil?
Good soil has many benefits, including:
It provides nutrients for plants.
It helps to regulate the Climate.
It filters water.
It supports Biodiversity-2/”>Biodiversity.
It is a source of food and medicine.
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 move through the soil.
Salinization: Salinization is the buildup of salt in the soil, which can make it difficult for plants to grow.
What can be done to protect soil?
There are a number of things that can be done to protect soil, including:
Reduce soil erosion: Soil erosion can be reduced by planting trees and other vegetation, using cover crops, and practicing conservation Tillage.
Reduce soil contamination: Soil contamination can be reduced by using safe disposal practices for hazardous materials, preventing spills, and cleaning up contaminated sites.
Reduce soil compaction: Soil compaction can be reduced by using heavy equipment carefully, rotating crops, and planting cover crops.
Reduce salinization: Salinization can be reduced by using Drip Irrigation, leaching salts from the soil, and planting salt-tolerant plants.
What is the future of soil?
The future of soil is uncertain. Soil is being degraded at an alarming rate, and it is not clear if we will be able to protect it from further degradation. However, there are a number of things that we can do to protect soil, and if we act now, we may be able to ensure a sustainable future for soil.

Here are some MCQs about soil:

Which of the following is not a type of soil?
(A) Sandy soil
(B) Clay soil
(C) Loam soil
(D) Karnataka soil
The main component of soil is:
(A) Water
(B) Air
(C) Organic matter
(D) Mineral matter
Soil is important because it:
(A) Provides nutrients for plants
(B) Helps to regulate the climate
(C) Filters water
(D) All of the above
Soil erosion is the process of:
(A) The removal of soil by wind or water
(B) The formation of soil
(C) The deposition of soil
(D) The compaction of soil
Soil conservation is the practice of:
(A) Preventing soil erosion
(B) Restoring degraded soil
(C) Improving soil quality
(D) All of the above
Which of the following is not a method of soil conservation?
(A) Terrace farming
(B) Contour farming
(C) Strip cropping
(D) Karnataka farming
The most common type of soil in the world is:
(A) Sandy soil
(B) Clay soil
(C) Loam soil
(D) Alluvial soil
The most fertile type of soil is:
(A) Sandy soil
(B) Clay soil
(C) Loam soil
(D) Alluvial soil
The least fertile type of soil is:
(A) Sandy soil
(B) Clay soil
(C) Loam soil
(D) Alluvial soil
Soil is formed from the weathering of:
(A) Rocks
(B) Minerals
(C) Organic matter
(D) All of the above
The three main types of soil particles are:
(A) Sand, silt, and clay
(B) Clay, silt, and loam
(C) Loam, sand, and clay
(D) All of the above
The size of sand particles ranges from:
(A) 0.002 to 0.05 millimeters
(B) 0.005 to 0.02 millimeters
(C) 0.02 to 0.05 millimeters
(D) 0.05 to 2 millimeters
The size of silt particles ranges from:
(A) 0.002 to 0.005 millimeters
(B) 0.005 to 0.02 millimeters
(C) 0.02 to 0.05 millimeters
(D) 0.05 to 2 millimeters
The size of clay particles is less than:
(A) 0.002 millimeters
(B) 0.005 millimeters
(C) 0.02 millimeters
(D) 0.05 millimeters
The main difference between sand, silt, and clay is their:
(A) Size
(B) Shape
(C) Color
(D) Composition
The main reason why clay soil is more fertile than sand soil is because:
(A) Clay particles have a larger surface area
(B) Clay particles have a smaller surface area
(C) Clay particles are more porous
(D) Clay particles are less porous
The main reason why sandy soil is less fertile than clay soil is because:
(A) Sandy particles have a larger surface area
(B) Sandy particles have a smaller surface area
(C) Sandy particles are more porous
(D) Sandy particles are less porous
The main reason why loam soil is the most fertile type of soil is because:
(A) Loam soil has a good balance of sand, silt, and clay particles
(B) Loam soil has a good balance of organic matter and mineral matter
(C) Loam soil has a good balance of air and water
(D) All of the above
The main reason why soil erosion is a problem is because:
(A) It can lead to the loss of topsoil
(B) It can lead to the loss of nutrients
(C) It can lead to the loss of biodiversity
(D) All of the above
The main reason why soil conservation is important is because:
(A) It helps to prevent soil erosion
(B) It helps to restore degraded soil
(C) It helps to improve soil quality
(D) All of the above