Soil Types

<<–2/”>a >a href=”https://exam.pscnotes.com/soil/”>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 is a complex mixture of minerals, organic matter, water, air, and living organisms. It is essential for life on Earth, as it provides a medium for plants to grow, and it helps to regulate the Earth’s climate.

There are 12 major soil orders, each with its own unique characteristics. The following is a brief description of each soil order:

Aridisols are soils that are dry for most of the year. They are found in arid and semi-arid regions, such as deserts and steppes. Aridisols are typically low in organic matter and nutrients, and they have a hard, compacted surface layer.
Entisols are young soils that have not had time to develop well. They are found in areas that are recently exposed to the elements, such as floodplains and volcanic ash deposits. Entisols are typically low in nutrients and organic matter, and they have a loose, sandy texture.
Gelisols are soils that are permanently frozen. They are found in polar regions and high Mountains. Gelisols are typically low in nutrients and organic matter, and they have a thick layer of ice on the surface.
Histosols are soils that are made up of organic matter. They are found in wetlands, such as bogs and swamps. Histosols are typically high in organic matter and nutrients, and they have a loose, spongy texture.
Inceptisols are soils that are in the early stages of development. They are found in a variety of environments, including forests, grasslands, and deserts. Inceptisols are typically low in nutrients and organic matter, and they have a loose, sandy texture.
Mollisols are soils that are rich in organic matter. They are found in grasslands, such as prairies and steppes. Mollisols are typically high in nutrients and organic matter, and they have a dark, crumbly texture.
Oxisols are soils that are highly weathered. They are found in tropical and subtropical regions. Oxisols are typically low in nutrients and organic matter, and they have a red or yellow color.
Spodosols are soils that are acidic and have a high content of aluminum and iron. They are found in coniferous forests and bogs. Spodosols are typically low in nutrients and organic matter, and they have a light, sandy texture.
Ultisols are soils that are highly weathered and leached. They are found in tropical and subtropical regions. Ultisols are typically low in nutrients and organic matter, and they have a red or yellow color.
Vertisols are soils that are high in clay and shrink and swell when wet and dry. They are found in semi-arid and tropical regions. Vertisols are typically high in nutrients and organic matter, and they have a deep, dark color.

Soil is a valuable resource that needs to be protected. It is important to use soil wisely and to avoid practices that can damage it, such as overgrazing, deforestation, and pollution.

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. Soil also helps to regulate the climate and protect water Resources.

What are the different Types of Soil?

There are many different types of soil, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the most common types of soil include:

Sandy soil: Sandy soil is loose and well-drained, but it does not hold nutrients well.
Clay soil: Clay soil is dense and holds nutrients well, but it can be difficult to work with.
Loam soil: Loam soil is a mixture of sand, clay, and organic matter. It is the most ideal type of soil for growing plants.

What are the benefits of healthy soil?

Healthy soil provides many benefits, including:

Improved crop yields: Healthy soil can help to increase crop yields by providing plants with the nutrients they need to grow.
Reduced erosion: Healthy soil can help to reduce erosion by holding soil in place.
Improved water quality: Healthy soil can help to improve water quality by filtering pollutants from runoff.
Enhanced Biodiversity-2/”>Biodiversity: Healthy soil supports a diversity of plants and animals, which can help to improve the overall Health of the ecosystem.

How can I improve the health of my soil?

There are many things you can do to improve the health of your soil, including:

Add organic matter: Organic matter, such as compost, helps to improve Soil Structure and fertility.
Avoid tilling: Tilling can damage soil structure and reduce the amount of organic matter in the soil.
Plant cover crops: Cover crops help to protect the soil from erosion and improve Soil fertility.
Use Crop Rotation: Crop rotation helps to prevent the build-up of pests and diseases in the soil.
Water wisely: Overwatering can damage soil structure and reduce the amount of Oxygen in the soil.

What are the dangers of Soil Pollution?

Soil pollution can have a number of negative impacts on human health and the environment, including:

Reduced crop yields: Soil pollution can reduce crop yields by making it difficult for plants to absorb nutrients.
Increased risk of disease: Soil pollution can increase the risk of disease in humans and animals by contaminating food and water supplies.
Damage to Ecosystems: Soil pollution can damage ecosystems by killing plants and animals.
Climate Change: Soil pollution can contribute to climate change by releasing greenhouse gases into the Atmosphere.

What can be done to prevent soil pollution?

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

Reduce the use of pesticides and Fertilizers: Pesticides and fertilizers can pollute soil and water supplies.
Properly dispose of waste: Waste, such as industrial waste and sewage, can pollute soil.
Plant trees: Trees help to filter pollutants from the air and water.
Educate people about the dangers of soil pollution: Education can help people to understand the importance of protecting soil.

Which of the following is not a type of soil?
(A) Sandy soil
(B) Clay soil
(C) Loam soil
(D) Soil type
Which of the following is the most common type of soil?
(A) Sandy soil
(B) Clay soil
(C) Loam soil
(D) Soil type
Sandy soil is best for growing which of the following crops?
(A) Corn
(B) Wheat
(C) Tomatoes
(D) Potatoes
Clay soil is best for growing which of the following crops?
(A) Corn
(B) Wheat
(C) Tomatoes
(D) Potatoes
Loam soil is best for growing which of the following crops?
(A) Corn
(B) Wheat
(C) Tomatoes
(D) Potatoes
Soil is made up of which of the following?
(A) Water
(B) Air
(C) Minerals
(D) All of the above
Soil is important for which of the following reasons?
(A) It provides nutrients for plants.
(B) It helps to regulate the climate.
(C) It is a home for many different organisms.
(D) All of the above
Soil erosion is the process of which of the following?
(A) The loss of soil from the land
(B) The movement of soil from one place to another
(C) The degradation of soil quality
(D) All of the above
Soil conservation is the practice of which of the following?
(A) Preventing soil erosion
(B) Restoring degraded soil
(C) Maintaining 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) Soil type