Major types of Soils.(ICAR classification) and their distribution. Soil degradation and conservation

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Soil is defined as upper layer of the earth composed of loose surface material. It is a mixture of many substances including endless variety of Minerals, remnants of Plants and animals, water and air. It is the end product of continuing interaction between the parent material, local Climate, plant and animal organisms and elevation of land. Since each of the Elements varies over space, soils also differ from place to place. Soil is an important segment of our ecosystem, as it serves an anchorage for plants and source of nutrients. Thus, soil is the seat, the medium and fundamental raw material for plant Growth.
Soils are formed from materials that have resulted from the disintegration of rocks by various processes of physical and Chemical Weathering. The nature and structure of a given soil depends on the processes and conditions that formed it:

Breakdown of parent rock: weathering, decomposition, erosion.
Transportation to site of final deposition: gravity, flowing water, ice, wind.
Environment of final deposition: flood plain, river terrace, glacial moraine, lacustrine or marine.
Subsequent conditions of loading and drainage: little or no surcharge, heavy surcharge due to ice or overlying deposits, change from saline to freshwater, leaching, contamination.

According to ICAR Indian soils are classified as:-

Alluvial soils:-Alluvial soils are formed mainly due to silt deposited by Indo Gangetic Brahmaputra rivers. In coastal regions some alluvial deposits are formed due to wave action.
Black soils:-The black soils are found mainly on the Deccan lava region covering large parts of Maharashtra, some parts of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh and small parts of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The soils are formed by disintegration of volcanic basaltic lava. The colour of the soil is generally black due to presence of compounds of aluminium and iron.
Red soils:- these soils are Light textured with porous and friable structure and there is absence of lime Kankar and free carbonates. They have neutral to acidic reaction and are deficient in nitrogen humus, phosphoric acid and lime.
Laterite and Lateritic soils:-These soils are red to reddish yellow in colour and low in N, P, K, lime and magnesia. These soils are formed in-situ under conditions of high rainfall with alternation dry and wet periods. On account of heavy rainfall there is an excessive leaching of soil colloids and silica hence the soils are porous.
Forest and Mountain soils:-These soils occur at high elevations as well as at low elevations, where the rainfall is sufficient to support trees. These soils are very shallow, steep, stony, and infertile for the production of field crops. However, they serve a very useful purpose by supplying forest product such as timber and fuel.
Arid and Desert soils:-These soils occur in western Rajasthan, Saurashtra, Kutchchh, western Haryana and southern Punjab . The soil is sandy to gravelly with poor organic matter, low humus contents, infrequent rainfall, low moisture and long drought season. The soils exhibit poorly developed horizons.
Saline and Alkaline soils :-These soils occur in areas having a little more rainfall than the areas of desert soils. They show white incrustation of salts of calcium & Magne sium and sodium on the surface. These are poor in drainage and are infertile.
Peaty and Marshy soils:-These are soils with large amount of organic matter and considerable amount of soluble salts. The most humid regions have this type of soil. They are black, heavy and highly acidic. They are deficient in potash and phosphate.

Soil erosion is described as the carrying away of soil. It is the removal of the soil by natural elements like water, wind, glacier and wave. Gravity tends to move soil down slope either very slowly as in soil creep or very rapidly as in landslides. The present shape of land has been carved through thousands of years.

Soil conservation is the preventing of soil loss from erosion or reduced fertility caused by over usage,Soil acidification, Salinization or other chemical soil contamination. Slash-and-burn and other unsustainable methods of subsistence farming are practiced in some lesser developed areas.,

Soil is a vital resource that is essential for life on Earth. It provides a home for plants, animals, and Microorganisms. It also helps to regulate the climate and filter water. However, soil is also a fragile resource that is easily degraded.

Soil degradation is the decline in the quality of soil. It can be caused by a number of factors, including deforestation, overgrazing, and unsustainable agricultural practices. Soil degradation can lead to a number of problems, including reduced crop yields, increased soil erosion, and Water Pollution.

Soil conservation is the practice of protecting soil from degradation. It can be achieved through a number of methods, including planting trees, terracing, and using cover crops. Soil conservation is important because it helps to protect the environment and ensure Food Security.

In India, soil degradation is a major problem. According to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), about 30% of India’s land is degraded. This degradation is caused by a number of factors, including deforestation, overgrazing, and unsustainable agricultural practices.

Deforestation is the clearing of forests for other uses, such as agriculture or development. When forests are cleared, the soil is exposed to the elements and is more likely to be eroded. Overgrazing is the grazing of Livestock on land that is not able to support them. This can lead to the compaction of the soil and the loss of vegetation. Unsustainable agricultural practices, such as the use of chemical Fertilizers and pesticides, can also lead to soil degradation.

Soil degradation can have a number of negative impacts on the environment. It can lead to the loss of Biodiversity-2/”>Biodiversity, the decline in water quality, and the increase in greenhouse gas emissions. Soil degradation can also have a negative impact on the economy. It can lead to reduced crop yields, increased costs of food production, and the loss of jobs.

There are a number of things that can be done to conserve soil in India. One important step is to plant trees. Trees help to protect the soil from erosion and provide habitat for wildlife. Another important step is to practice Sustainable Agriculture. This includes using methods such as Crop Rotation, cover Cropping, and no-till farming. These methods help to protect the soil and improve crop yields.

Soil conservation is essential for the protection of the environment and the economy. It is important to take steps to conserve soil in India and around the world.

Here are some additional information about soil conservation in India:

The Indian government has taken a number of steps to conserve soil. In 2015, the government launched the National Mission for Soil Health and Fertility (NMSHF). The NMSHF aims to improve soil health and fertility through a number of measures, including the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices, the development of new technologies, and the provision of training and extension Services.
The government has also established a number of soil conservation programs. These programs provide financial assistance to farmers who adopt sustainable agricultural practices. They also provide training and extension services to farmers on soil conservation techniques.
In addition to the government, a number of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are working to conserve soil in India. These NGOs provide training and extension services to farmers, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and undertake research on soil conservation.
Soil conservation is a complex issue that requires a multi-pronged approach. The government, NGOs, and farmers all have a role to play in conserving soil in India. By working together, we can protect this vital resource for future generations.

Soil degradation is the decline in the quality of soil. It can be caused by a number of factors, including erosion, salinization, acidification, and nutrient depletion. Soil degradation can have a number of negative impacts, including reduced crop yields, increased flooding, and increased soil erosion.

Soil conservation is the prevention of soil degradation. It can be achieved through a number of methods, including:

Cover cropping: Planting cover crops helps to protect the soil from erosion and improve its fertility.
Contour farming: Planting crops in rows that follow the contours of the land helps to reduce erosion.
Terracing: Building terraces on sloping land helps to reduce erosion and improve water retention.
No-till farming: Planting crops without tilling the soil helps to reduce erosion and improve Soil Structure.
Crop rotation: Rotating different crops in the same field helps to reduce soil erosion and improve Soil fertility.
Organic Farming: Using organic methods of farming helps to improve soil health and reduce soil degradation.

Major types of soils

There are many different types of soils, 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. They are made up of minerals that have been weathered from rocks. Mineral soils are typically classified based on their texture, which is the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay.
Organic soils are made up of the remains of plants and animals. Organic soils are typically found in wetlands and other areas where there is a lot of organic matter.
Mixed soils are a combination of mineral and organic soils. Mixed soils are typically found in areas where there is a mix of different types of land cover, such as forests and grasslands.

Soil distribution

Soils are found all over the world, but they are not evenly distributed. The type of soil that is found in a particular area depends on a number of factors, including climate, geology, and vegetation.

In general, soils are found in areas that have a moderate climate. Soils are also found in areas that have a lot of rainfall. Soils are not found in areas that are too dry or too wet.

Soils are also found in areas that have a lot of vegetation. Vegetation helps to protect the soil from erosion and improve its fertility.

Frequently asked questions

What is soil?

Soil is the loose material that covers the Earth’s surface. It is made up of a mixture of minerals, organic matter, water, and air.

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. They are made up of minerals that have been weathered from rocks. Mineral soils are typically classified based on their texture, which is the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay.
Organic soils are made up of the remains of plants and animals. Organic soils are typically found in wetlands and other areas where there is a lot of organic matter.
Mixed soils are a combination of mineral and organic soils. Mixed soils are typically found in areas where there is a mix of different types of land cover, such as forests and grasslands.

What are the benefits of soil?

Soil provides a number of benefits, including:

It supports plant growth.
It helps to regulate the climate.
It provides a home for a variety of organisms.
It stores water and nutrients.
It protects the Earth’s surface from erosion.

What are the threats to soil?

Soil is threatened by a number of factors, including:

Erosion: Soil can be eroded by wind and water.
Salinization: Soil can become salty due to Irrigation or poor drainage.
Acidification: Soil can become acidic due to the use of fertilizers or Acid Rain.
Nutrient depletion: Soil can lose its nutrients due to crop production or other human activities.

What can be done to protect soil?

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

Conserving water: Water conservation helps to reduce soil erosion.
Using sustainable agricultural practices: Sustainable agricultural practices help to protect soil from erosion and nutrient depletion.
Restoring degraded soils: Restoring degraded soils helps to improve soil health and productivity.

Which of the following is not a type of soil?
(A) Alluvial soil
(B) Black soil
(C) Red soil
(D) Sandy soil
Which of the following is the most fertile type of soil?
(A) Alluvial soil
(B) Black soil
(C) Red soil
(D) Sandy soil
Which of the following is the most common type of soil in India?
(A) Alluvial soil
(B) Black soil
(C) Red soil
(D) Sandy soil
Which of the following is the most suitable type of soil for growing rice?
(A) Alluvial soil
(B) Black soil
(C) Red soil
(D) Sandy soil
Which of the following is the most suitable type of soil for growing wheat?
(A) Alluvial soil
(B) Black soil
(C) Red soil
(D) Sandy soil
Soil degradation is the process of
(A) Soil becoming less fertile
(B) Soil becoming more fertile
(C) Soil becoming drier
(D) Soil becoming wetter
Soil conservation is the process of
(A) Preventing soil degradation
(B) Promoting soil degradation
(C) Making soil more fertile
(D) Making soil less fertile
Which of the following is a cause of soil degradation?
(A) Overgrazing
(B) Deforestation
(C) Mining
(D) All of the above
Which of the following is a method of soil conservation?
(A) Terrace farming
(B) Contour farming
(C) Crop rotation
(D) All of the above
Which of the following is a benefit of soil conservation?
(A) Increased crop yields
(B) Reduced soil erosion
(C) Improved water quality
(D) All of the above