Identify the type of soil on the basis of given characteristics : 1.

Identify the type of soil on the basis of given characteristics :

  • 1. They contain a large proportion of sodium, potassium and magnesium, and thus, they are infertile.
  • 2. Their structure ranges from sandy to loamy.
  • 3. They are more widespread in western Gujarat, deltas of the eastern coast and in Sunderban areas of West Bengal.
Peaty soil
Laterite soil
Arid soil
Saline soil
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2023
The characteristics describe Saline soil.
The key characteristics point towards Saline soil:
1. High proportion of sodium, potassium, and magnesium salts makes them infertile for most crops.
2. Their texture can vary from sandy to loamy.
3. They are typically found in arid and semi-arid regions, areas with poor drainage, and coastal areas or deltas where seawater intrusion occurs or where salts accumulate due to capillary action and evaporation. Western Gujarat, deltas of the eastern coast (like Godavari, Krishna, Cauvery deltas), and the Sunderban areas of West Bengal are all regions known to have issues with soil salinity.
Saline soils are also known as Solonchaks or “Usar” soils in some local Indian contexts. They are often formed due to factors like arid climate, poor irrigation management (leading to salt accumulation from irrigation water), poor drainage, and tidal influences in coastal areas. Reclamation of saline soils often involves improving drainage and leaching out the salts.
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