Soils of Meghalaya

Soils of Meghalaya

The soils of the hills are derived from gneissic complex parent materials; they are dark brown to dark reddish-brown in colour, varying in depth from 50-200 cm.
The texture of soils varies from loamy to fine loamy.
The soils of the alluvial plains adjacent to the northwest and southern plateau are very deep, dark brown to reddish-brown in colour and sandy-loam to silty-clay in texture.
Soils of Meghalaya are rich in organic carbon, which is a measure of nitrogen supplying potential of the Soil, deficient in available phosphorous and medium to low in available potassium.
The reaction of the soils varies from acidic (pH 5.0 to 6.0) to strongly acidic (pH 4.5 to 5.0).
Most of the Soils of Meghalaya occurring on higher altitudes under high rainfall belt are strongly acidic due to intense leaching.
Base saturation of these soils is less than 35 %.
These Soils of Meghalaya are not suitable for intensive crop production.
There is not much difference in fertility classes of the Soils of Meghalaya .
Four Soils of Meghalaya fertility classes, namely, High Low Medium (HLM), High Medium Medium (HMM), Medium Medium Low (MML), Medium Low Medium (MLM) have been established from the soil test data so far compiled in the Soil Testing Laboratory of the State.
Regarding micronutrient status, it has been observed that almost all the Acid Soils of the North-Eastern region of the country are deficient in available Boron (B) and Molybdenum (Mo).
Acid soils of Meghalaya are rated low in available B and Mo.
Total Zinc, Copper and Manganese contents of these soils vary from 10.00 to 17.25, 17.00 to 71.00 and 110 to 770 ppm (parts per million), respectively and DIPA (Diethylene Triamine Penta Acetic Acid) extractable zinc, copper and manganese contents of these soils ranges from 0.72 to 3.20,n 0.6 to 2.8 and 3.0 to 162.0 ppm respectively.
A study conducted by the Indian council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Complex, Shillong revealed that about 40% of the soils of the state contain micronutrients below the critical level.

Major Soils of Meghalaya

The Climate, rock structure, slope and relief within the State differs from place to place and thereby brings heterogeneity in the composition and character of soil in the region.
Broadly, the soils of Meghalaya are of three types,

Red loain or Hills soils,
The Lateritic soils,
New and old alluviums.

Red loain or Hill Soils

The red loamy soils are found all along the foot hills and sub-mountain fringes of the region.
But, these soils are predominant in central upland of Khasi-Jaintia Hills, where the soil is mostly sandy because of the sandstone outcrops, whereas in parts of Ri-Jaintia area the soil tends to be silty.
They are also rich in organic matter which again tends to be more in higher altitudes because of low temperature.
The soils on the central, upland region have high moisture content.
Though the humus content is high, it is devoid of base minerais like calcium, potassium, sodium, etc., except being rich in iron oxides.

Lateritic Soils

Towards the western part of the central uplands, hill soils are gradually replaced by lateritic soils.
These hill soils being acidic in nature, have their significance in being suitable for the cultivation of fruits and potatoes and in areas of hill slopes and terraces for the cultivation of rice.
The southern War Country is practically devoid of any soil cover because of excessive rain.
The sandstones being disintegrated constantly by rain make the soil, if there is any, extremely sandy.
Towards the lower part, where the slope becomes t gentler, soil tends to be slightly silty to clay.
Further down, near the border of Bangladesh, lateritic soils occur in small 60 fringes.
These soils are highly leached, poor in plant Nutrition and acidic in reaction, and thus they do not hold a favourable base for agricultural purposes.
Along the northern face of the central upland (Bhot Country) lateritic soil is found.
These soils varying from sandy to silty loam (especially on flat ri’ler valleys) are very much acidic in character and are highly leached.
Because of extensive Jhum cultivation practised here, the area does not contain any thick and tall forest.
In the western section of the Garo Hills regions for major part of surface area, the soil cover is lateritic, varying in nature from loam to silty loam (on the river banks and floodplains).
Further west, nearer to the boarder, lateritic soil occurs on the high ground, but the plains have silty loam to older alluvium.
Along the border areas, the soil is predominantly alluvial being both older and younger.
The lateritic soils become workable only after rains and by heavy application of organic matter which may increase the fertility of the soil.

Alluvial Soils

The alluvial soils, on the other hand, have a wider use by human being, since this type of soil is suitable for cultivation of rice, fruits and vegetables.
These soils lack in nitrogen, phosphorus and humus. However, they are generally rich in potash and lime.
The Soil Profile has no stratification.
Alluvial soils are intensively cultivated.
In certain areas, these soils are covered with unproductive wind-borne soil called Loess.
The alluvial soils vary in nature from sandy loam to clay.
The colour of the alluvial soils varies from the Light grey to ash grey depending on the depth of the deposition, the texture of the materials, and the time taken for attaining maturity.

Soil Conservation Policy of Soils of Meghalaya

Meghalaya soil conservation policy is based on the National Land Use Policy in which land has been described as a mix of soil, water, Flora and Fauna.
As per the policy, the main aim of soil conservation in Meghalaya is to develop and maintain the productivity of the land for agricultural purpose as well as for the management of forest.
The other aims behind soil conservation at Meghalaya is to :
Prevent droughts and floods by sustaining a balanced relationship between land and water cycle.
Checking destruction of watersheds from sedimentation, deforestation, land degradation, hydrologic deterioration and soil erosion.
Secure the EMPLOYMENT in rural areas by creating employment opportunities.
Developing and maintaining spoiled land areas, wastelands and fallows so as to meet the growing demands of land for various sectors.
Hence to raise awareness for soil conservation around Meghalaya, the State Government has set up a Soil and Water Conservation Department that looks after soil conservation in Meghalaya. The department have initiated the following programs in this regard :

Jhum Control Programs: It looks after soil deterioration due to jhum or bun cultivation. The program lays Stress on arranging a permanent settlement of jhummia family.
Watershed Management Programs: The program aims at using the land and vegetation Resources for the optimum production at some selective micro watersheds.
Soil Conservation Programs: The program aims at removing the risks of soil erosion, land degradation, etc. The farmers have to take up the faulty Farming practices.

For soil conservation of Meghalaya, measures such as erosion control, afforestation, terracing and reclamation, water conservation and distribution, water harvesting and conservation of farm ponds are taken up.
Meghalaya soil conservation would thereby increase the productivity of the land thereby generating more revenue for the state economy.

Soil is a complex and dynamic natural resource that is essential for life on Earth. It provides a medium for plant Growth, helps to regulate the climate, and filters water. Soil is also a major source of nutrients and Minerals for Plants and animals.

The soils of Meghalaya are a diverse group of soils that have been formed under a variety of environmental conditions. The state’s soils are classified into three major groups: the red lateritic soils, the alluvial soils, and the hill soils.

The red lateritic soils are the most common type of soil in Meghalaya. They are formed under a tropical climate with high rainfall and temperatures. The red lateritic soils are deep and well-drained, and they are highly weathered. They are also rich in iron and aluminum oxides, which give them their characteristic red color.

The alluvial soils are found in the river valleys of Meghalaya. They are formed from the sediments that are deposited by the rivers. The alluvial soils are typically fertile and well-drained. They are also rich in organic matter.

The hill soils are found in the mountainous areas of Meghalaya. They are formed from the weathered rocks and minerals that are found in the Mountains. The hill soils are typically shallow and poorly drained. They are also low in nutrients and organic matter.

The soils of Meghalaya are important for a variety of reasons. They provide a medium for plant growth, help to regulate the climate, and filter water. Soil is also a major source of nutrients and minerals for plants and animals.

The soils of Meghalaya are facing a number of threats, including soil erosion, Soil Pollution, and soil degradation. Soil erosion is the removal of soil from the land by wind or water. Soil pollution is the contamination of soil by chemicals or other pollutants. Soil degradation is the decline in the quality of soil due to human activities or natural processes.

The threats to the soils of Meghalaya are a serious concern. They have the potential to reduce the productivity of the land, damage the Environment, and harm human Health. It is important to take steps to protect the soils of Meghalaya from these threats.

There are a number of things that can be done to protect the soils of Meghalaya. These include:

Reducing soil erosion by planting trees and shrubs, using cover crops, and terracing the land.
Reducing soil pollution by using less pesticides and Fertilizers, and disposing of waste properly.
Reducing soil degradation by planting cover crops, rotating crops, and using sustainable farming practices.

Protecting the soils of Meghalaya is essential for the future of the state. The soils are a valuable resource that provides a number of benefits. It is important to take steps to protect them from the threats that they are facing.

Here are some frequently asked questions 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 grouped into three main categories: mineral soils, organic soils, and mixed soils. Mineral soils 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?
Soil has many different properties, including texture, structure, pH, 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. 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 functions of soil?
Soil has many important functions, including providing a medium for plant growth, filtering water, and storing carbon. Soil also plays a role in the water cycle and the carbon cycle.
How is soil formed?
Soil is formed over time by the weathering of rocks and other materials. The process of soil formation is called pedogenesis.
What are the factors that affect soil formation?
The factors that affect soil formation include climate, parent material, topography, organisms, and time. Climate refers to the Average weather conditions in an area. Parent material refers to the material from which the soil is formed. Topography refers to the shape of the land. Organisms refer to the plants and animals that live in the soil. Time refers to the amount of time that has passed since the soil began to form.
What are the challenges facing soil?
Soil is facing many challenges, including erosion, pollution, and Climate Change. Erosion is the removal of soil 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.
What can be done to protect soil?
There are many things that can be done to protect soil, including reducing erosion, preventing pollution, and managing climate change. Reducing erosion can be done by planting trees and other vegetation, using cover crops, and terracing. Preventing pollution can be done by using less fertilizer and pesticides, and by disposing of waste properly. Managing climate change can be done by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and by planting trees.
What is the importance of soil?
Soil is essential for life on Earth. It provides a medium for plant growth, filters water, and stores carbon. Soil also plays a role in the water cycle and the carbon cycle.
What is the future of soil?
The future of soil is uncertain. Soil is facing many challenges, including erosion, pollution, and climate change. However, there are many things that can be done to protect soil. By reducing erosion, preventing pollution, and managing climate change, we can ensure that soil will be healthy and productive for future generations.

Which of the following is not a type of soil?
(A) Sandy soil
(B) Clay soil
(C) Loam soil
(D) Meghalaya soil
Which of the following is the most common type of soil in the world?
(A) Sandy soil
(B) Clay soil
(C) Loam soil
(D) Alluvial soil
Which of the following is the best type of soil for growing crops?
(A) Sandy soil
(B) Clay soil
(C) Loam soil
(D) Alluvial soil
Which of the following is the least fertile type of soil?
(A) Sandy soil
(B) Clay soil
(C) Loam soil
(D) Alluvial soil
Which of the following is the most common type of soil in the United States?
(A) Sandy soil
(B) Clay soil
(C) Loam soil
(D) Alluvial soil
Which of the following is the best type of soil for building houses?
(A) Sandy soil
(B) Clay soil
(C) Loam soil
(D) Alluvial soil
Which of the following is the least common type of soil in the world?
(A) Sandy soil
(B) Clay soil
(C) Loam soil
(D) Alluvial soil
Which of the following is the best type of soil for growing trees?
(A) Sandy soil
(B) Clay soil
(C) Loam soil
(D) Alluvial soil
Which of the following is the most common type of soil in Asia?
(A) Sandy soil
(B) Clay soil
(C) Loam soil
(D) Alluvial soil
Which of the following is the best type of soil for growing grass?
(A) Sandy soil
(B) Clay soil
(C) Loam soil
(D) Alluvial soil