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The State is endowed with a wide variety of soils having less fertile coastal sands to highly fertile and productive deltaic alluviums of major river basins developed from different parent materials. The major Soil groups are red and laterite, black, alluvial and coastal soils occupying 66, 25, 5 and 3 per cent of the total area, respectively.
Red soils
The red soils include red Sandy soils (Dubbas and coarse chalkas), red earth with loamy subsoil (medium and fine chalkas) red loamy soils (shallow to moderately deep), red loamy soils deep to very deep and red soils with clayey sub soils. These soils are in general, rapidly to moderately permeable with good drainage conditions. Soils are neutral in reaction (pH 6.5 to 7.5) and non saline. The clay Minerals consist of a mixture of kaolinite and illite with low to medium Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC). They are prone to erosion.
Red sandy soils
These coarse soils have an effective depth ranging from 20 to 60 cm indicating that they are shallow to moderately deep. The pH of the soils varies from 6.5 to 7.5 and these are non saline. The soils are rapidly permeable with intensive leaching exhibited under heavy Irrigation or high intensity rain fall conditions. The clay content is usually < 15 per cent . These soils have low base exchange capacity and are poor in fertility.
Red earths
These soils show a loamy or clay sub soils. The soils with the former usually exhibit pH ranging from 6.5 to 7.5 and occur on the elevated regions nearer to hills , hill ranges and on sloping terrains. These are non saline and have low CEC. The surface drainage is good to excessive. The soils vary in depth ranging from as low as 8 to 75 cm (shallow to moderately deep). The red earths with clayey subsoil show rapid permeability at surface while the subsoil is moderately permeable. pH of these soils is ranging from 6.5 to 8.0 and these soils show more CEC than the ones with loamy sub soil. The effective depth of these soils ranges from 30 to 75 cm.
Red loamy soils
Based on depth, these soils are shallow to moderately deep red loamy soils and deep to very deep red loamy soils. The former usually have depth ranging from 20-39 cm and occur where the area was subjected to severe erosion. The surface coarse texture favor easy drainage while the subsoil is denser tending to show more clay with depth. The latter category exhibits variation in drainage viz., well drainage with Light textured sub soil and moderately well to well drainage with clayey subsoil.
Laterite soils
Laterite soils are deep (0.9 to 1.8 m) to very deep (> 1.8 m), medium to fine textured with clay subsoil and rapidly permeable and well drained. These soils are formed under conditions of high rainfall with alternate wetting and drying period. The leaching of the bases leads to development of soil acidity with soil reaction (pH ) values as low as 4.0 to 5.0, in a general pH range of 4.0 to 6.0. Soils are non saline. The soils have very low CEC and ,hence, are poor in fertility.
Black Soils
These soils have a local name as regur. Deep black soils (Vertisols) have high clay content (30- 60 per cent or more) and , hence, are slowly permeable and ill drained. They exhibit an effective depth of over 180 cm. The pH ranges between 8.0 to 9.0. These soils are usually non saline at surface but salt content increases with depth. The soils exhibit high base exchange capacity due to high clay content. Moderately deep soils are loamy to clay loamy with clay sub soil, moderately drained, neutral to moderately alkaline in reaction (pH 7.0 to 8.5), non saline but have higher salt content than red soils. These soils are also having similar fertility characteristics as above.
Deltaic alluvium
These soils occurring in major river deltas have finer fraction ranging from 60 to 70 per cent. They are very deep (> 1.8 m) and lack of profile development. Drainage is a main constraint in these soils. Water table occurs within 5 cm depth coming up to ground level in basins. These soils are neutral to alkaline (pH 7.0 to 9.0) and marginal to highly saline. Clay mineral composition shows wide variations. The CEC of soils is usually high and, hence, they are productive. Taxonomically, these are Entisols and Vertisols.
Coastal soils
These are very deep (1.8 to 5.0 m and above), coarse textured with sandy sub soil, belonging to the order Entisols. The soils are rapidly permeable, neutral in reaction (pH 6.5 to 7.5) with sub soil salinity due to shallow water table and low CEC due to very low clay contents.
Salt affected soils
It is estimated that about 1 per cent of the total area of the state is under the problem soils like saline, saline-alkali and non saline alkali soils mainly occurring along the sea coast, streams and are usually interspersed in black, red and alluvial soils.
These soils occupy considerable area in coastal districts of the state with salts contents exceeding even 0.2 per cent reaching a high concentration of even more than 4.0 per cent. The soils have low Exchangeable Sodium Percentage (ESP) of less than 15. The pH is around 7.0 and seldom goes beyond 8.5.The high water table can cause moist conditions at the surface.
Saline – alkali soils
These soils are also occurring in the coastal districts and in some hinterland areas along the stream sides. The pH ranges from 8.0 to 10.0 while the salt content was found ranging from 0.3 to 1.5 per cent or even above. The water table is usually shallow showing not only high salt contents but also the presence of alkali carbonates.
Non saline alkali soils
Though the pH values are similar to the above category, the salt content generally is low. The ESP values exceed 15.These soils have poor physical conditions and exhibit even Water Logging due to dispersion of clay clogging the pores. Though depending upon the salt content, the saline soils can be of some fertility value, the other two categories exhibit poor fertility and physical conditions affecting the crop production seriously. Management of these soils requires implementation of technologies generated so far specific to the given type of problem soil to improve its productivity .,
Soil is a complex mixture of minerals, organic matter, water, air, and living organisms. It is essential for life on Earth, as it provides Plants with the nutrients they need to grow. Soil also helps to regulate the Climate and water cycle.
There are many different Types of Soil, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the most common types of soil include alluvial soils, black soils, red soils, laterite soils, saline soils, alkaline soils, peaty soils, forest soils, mountain soils, and desert soils.
Alluvial soils are formed from the deposition of sediments by rivers and streams. They are typically rich in nutrients and organic matter, and they are well-drained. Alluvial soils are often used for agriculture, as they are very fertile.
Black soils are also known as chernozem soils. They are formed in semi-arid climates, and they are characterized by their dark color and high organic matter content. Black soils are very fertile, and they are often used for agriculture.
Red soils are formed in tropical and subtropical climates. They are characterized by their reddish color, which is due to the presence of iron oxides. Red soils are typically poor in nutrients, but they are well-drained and can be used for agriculture if they are properly fertilized.
Laterite soils are formed in tropical climates, and they are characterized by their high iron and aluminum content. Laterite soils are often infertile, and they are not suitable for agriculture. However, they can be used for other purposes, such as brickmaking.
Saline soils are formed in areas with high Evaporation rates. They are characterized by their high salt content, which can make them difficult for plants to grow. Saline soils can be treated by leaching, which is the process of removing the salt from the soil by flooding it with water.
Alkaline soils are formed in areas with high pH levels. They are characterized by their high calcium and magnesium content, which can make them difficult for plants to grow. Alkaline soils can be treated by adding sulfur to the soil, which will lower the pH level.
Peaty soils are formed in areas with high rainfall and poor drainage. They are characterized by their high organic matter content, which makes them acidic and low in nutrients. Peaty soils can be used for agriculture, but they must be properly drained and fertilized.
Forest soils are formed under forests. They are characterized by their high organic matter content and their low nutrient content. Forest soils are not suitable for agriculture, but they are important for the Environment, as they provide habitat for many different plants and animals.
Mountain soils are formed in mountainous areas. They are characterized by their thin layer of soil and their steep slopes. Mountain soils are not suitable for agriculture, but they are important for the environment, as they provide habitat for many different plants and animals.
Desert soils are formed in deserts. They are characterized by their low organic matter content, their high salt content, and their low water content. Desert soils are not suitable for agriculture, but they are important for the environment, as they provide habitat for many different plants and animals.
Soil is a vital resource, and it is important to protect it. We can do this by reducing soil erosion, conserving water, and using sustainable agricultural practices.
Here are some frequently asked questions and short answers about soils:
What is soil?
Soil is a mixture of minerals, organic matter, water, air, and living organisms. It is the loose material that covers the Earth’s surface and supports plant life.What are the different types of soil?
There are many different types of soil, but they can be broadly classified into three groups: 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 the remains of plants and animals. 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, pH, 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. pH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline the soil is. Fertility refers to the ability of the soil to support plant Growth.What are the uses of soil?
Soil is used for many purposes, including agriculture, construction, and recreation. Agriculture is the most important use of soil, as it is the basis for food production. Soil is also used in construction, as it is a key ingredient in concrete and other building materials. Soil is also used for recreation, such as gardening and golfing.How is soil formed?
Soil is formed over time through the weathering of rocks and other materials. The process of weathering involves the physical and chemical breakdown of rocks and other materials. The weathering process is affected by a number of factors, including climate, topography, and vegetation.What are the threats to soil?
Soil is threatened by a number of factors, including erosion, pollution, and Climate Change. Erosion is the process of soil being carried away by wind or water. Pollution is the contamination of soil by chemicals or other harmful substances. Climate change is the long-term change in the Earth’s climate. Climate change can lead to changes in temperature, Precipitation, and sea level, which can all impact soil.How can we protect soil?
There are a number of things we can do to protect soil, including:Reducing erosion: We can reduce erosion by planting trees and other vegetation, and by using conservation practices such as terracing and contour farming.
- Reducing pollution: We can reduce pollution by reducing the use of chemicals, and by properly disposing of waste.
Adapting to climate change: We can adapt to climate change by planting drought-tolerant crops, and by building sea walls to protect coastal areas from flooding.
What is the importance of soil?
Soil is essential for life on Earth. It provides a home for plants, animals, and Microorganisms. Soil also helps to regulate the Earth’s climate and water cycle. Soil is a non-renewable resource, so it is important to protect it.
Which of the following is not a type of soil?
(A) Sandy soil
(B) Clay soil
(C) Loam soil
(D) Soil of Andhra PradeshWhich of the following is the most fertile type of soil?
(A) Sandy soil
(B) Clay soil
(C) Loam soil
(D) Soil of Andhra PradeshWhich of the following is the least fertile type of soil?
(A) Sandy soil
(B) Clay soil
(C) Loam soil
(D) Soil of Andhra PradeshWhich of the following is the most common type of soil in the world?
(A) Sandy soil
(B) Clay soil
(C) Loam soil
(D) Soil of Andhra PradeshWhich of the following is the least common type of soil in the world?
(A) Sandy soil
(B) Clay soil
(C) Loam soil
(D) Soil of Andhra PradeshWhich of the following is the most important factor in determining the type of soil in an area?
(A) Climate
(B) Vegetation
(C) Parent material
(D) Soil of Andhra PradeshWhich of the following is the most important factor in determining the fertility of a soil?
(A) Climate
(B) Vegetation
(C) Parent material
(D) Soil of Andhra PradeshWhich of the following is the most important factor in determining the productivity of a soil?
(A) Climate
(B) Vegetation
(C) Parent material
(D) Soil of Andhra PradeshWhich of the following is the most important factor in determining the sustainability of a soil?
(A) Climate
(B) Vegetation
(C) Parent material
(D) Soil of Andhra PradeshWhich of the following is the most important factor in determining the Health of a soil?
(A) Climate
(B) Vegetation
(C) Parent material
(D) Soil of Andhra Pradesh