Soils of Nagaland for Nagaland PSC

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Nagaland consists of a narrow strip of hilly country running North-east to South-west and facing the Assam plains to its North and North-west.
The Barail range enters the state at the South- west corner and runs in a North-easterly direction almost up to Kohima.
Near Kohima the Barail range merges with the mountain ranges which have extended to Manipur and the main range assumes a much more northerly trend.
This range is considerably higher than the Barail, with peaks like Saramati (3826.15 m) and Mataung Kien (3420 m) at its extreme east.Soil-233×300.gif” alt=”Soils of Nagaland” width=”233″ height=”300″ />
Between Mao and Kohima, there are several very high peaks including Japvo.
North of Kohima the main range declines in height, and as far north as Mokokchung district, the Japukong range attains an Average elevation of 750m.
In general, 94% area falls under hilly and rugged terrain and only 6% land is plain, especially those bordering Assam plains along western boundary of the state.
The State has a rolling landscape with low hills covered with very dense vegetation
The Soils of Nagaland belong to 4 orders, 7 sub-orders, 10 great groups, 14 sub groups and 72 soil families.
The 4 orders found in Soils of Nagaland are

Alfisols
Entisols
Inceptisols
Ultisols

Inceptisols dominate the soils of the State with 66% followed by Ultisols 23.8%, Entisols 7.3% and Alfisols 2.9% of the total 16.6 million Hectares of the State Geographical area.

ALFISOLS of Soils of Nagaland

Alfisols are base-rich mineral soils of sub-humid and humid region.
They have Light coloured surface horizon over a clay enriched sub –surface horizon that is rich in exchangeable cations with base saturation of more than 35%.
This type of soil order is found on the western flank of the State bordering Assam.
They are deep and well drained of fine to fine loamy texture.
They have a clay-enriched subsoil and relatively high native fertility.
“Alf” refers to aluminium (Al) and iron (Fe).
Because of their productivity and abundance, the Alfisols represent one of the more important soil orders for food and fiber productio
Common families of Alfisols which have been identified in Nagaland are :

Fine Typic Kanhapludalfs
Fine Loamy Typic Paleudalfs

ENTISOLS of Soils of Nagaland

They are recently developed, mineral soils with no diagnostic horizon.
This is because either of limiting time available for development or because of exceedingly unfavourable conditions.
In USDA soil taxonomy, entisols are defined as soils that do not show any profile development other than an A horizon.
An entisol has no diagnostic horizons, and most are basically unaltered from their parent material, which can be unconsolidated sediment or rock.
This soil order is found in the Western and North Western part of the State on the low hill slope and narrow river valleys.
They are moderately to deep, well drained, fine to fine loamy textured soils.
Families which have been identified under this orders are :-

Fine-loamy typic Udifluvents
Fine-loamy typic Udorthents
Coarse-loamy typic Udorthents
Fine-loamy Lithic Udorthents
Coarse loamy Lithic Udorthents

INCEPTISOLS of Soils of Nagaland

This soil order represents beginning stage of soil formation which belong to that of Entisols but still short of the degree of development found in Alfisols.
They may have some accumulation of clay in the sub-surface horizon, limiting in depth, organic matter content, and base saturation.
Although not found under aridic Climate regimes, Inceptisols nevertheless are widely distributed and occur across a wide range of ecological settings
This soil dominates the entire State having fine loamy, fine clay, clay loam etc.
The identified families under this order are:

Fine- loamy Umbric Dystrochrepts
Fine loamy typic Dystrochrepts
Fine Umbric Dystrochrepts
Loamy , skeletal Umbric Dystrochrepts
Fine typic Dystrochrepts
Loamy-skeletal typic Dystrochrepts
Clayey-skeletal Umbric Dystrochrepts
Loamy-skeletal Pachic Haplumbrepts
Fine Pachic Haplumbrepts
Fine-loamy typic Haplumbrepts
Clayey-skeletal Pachic Haplumbrepts
Fine loamy Pachic Haplumbrepts
Fine-loamy Dystric Eutrochrepts
Coarse loamy typic Dystrocrepts
Loamy skeletal typic Dystrocrepts
Loamy skeletal Dystric Eutrocrepts

ULTISOLS of Soils of Nagaland

The Ultisols are similar with Alfisols, except for having low base saturation on the exchange complex due to advance stage at weathering.
These are base-poor mineral soils of humid region developed under high rainfall and forest vegetation.
The high acidity and relatively low quantities of plant-available Ca, Mg, and K associated with most Ultisols make them poorly suited for continuous agriculture without the use of fertilizer and lime
They are characterized by low, less than 35% base saturation and clay enriched sub-surface horizon.
This soil is sparely scattered in all parts of the State having fine loam, clay loam and clayey texture.
Well to excessively drained with moderate to deep soils. The families under this order which have been identified so far are :
1. Fine Humic Hapludults
2. Fine Typic Paleudults
3. Fine Typic Haplohumults
4. Fine Loamy Typic Hapludults

Soils of Nagaland

Nagaland is a state in northeastern India. It is bordered by Assam to the north, Manipur to the east, and Myanmar to the south and west. The state has a total area of 16,579 square kilometers (6,391 sq mi).

The soils of Nagaland are classified as Inceptisols, Alfisols, and Ultisols. Inceptisols are young soils that are still developing. Alfisols are older soils that have developed under a forest cover. Ultisols are the oldest soils in Nagaland and have developed under a savanna climate.

The soils of Nagaland are generally fertile. However, they are susceptible to erosion and nutrient loss. Soil erosion is a major problem in Nagaland, as it is caused by deforestation, overgrazing, and cultivation on steep slopes. Nutrient loss is caused by leaching, which is the movement of nutrients down through the Soil Profile.

Soil Classification

Soil classification is the process of grouping soils according to their characteristics. Soils are classified based on their physical, chemical, and biological properties.

The most common soil classification system is the Soil Taxonomy system. The Soil Taxonomy system classifies soils into 12 orders, 57 suborders, 234 great groups, 800 families, and 20,000 series.

The Soil Taxonomy system is based on the following soil properties:

Soil Texture: The size of the soil particles.
Soil Structure: The arrangement of the soil particles.
Soil mineralogy: The type of Minerals in the soil.
Soil chemistry: The chemical composition of the soil.
Soil biology: The living organisms in the soil.

Soil Characteristics

Soils are a complex mixture of minerals, organic matter, water, and air. The physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils vary depending on the climate, parent material, vegetation, and topography.

The physical properties of soils include texture, structure, porosity, permeability, and drainage. Soil texture is the size of the soil particles. Soil structure is the arrangement of the soil particles. Soil porosity is the amount of empty space in the soil. Soil permeability is the ability of water to move through the soil. Soil drainage is the ability of water to move through the soil and remove excess water.

The chemical properties of soils include pH, organic matter content, nutrient content, and salinity. Soil pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. Organic matter content is the amount of organic matter in the soil. Nutrient content is the amount of nutrients in the soil. Salinity is the amount of salt in the soil.

The biological properties of soils include the number and types of organisms in the soil. Soil organisms include bacteria, Fungi, algae, protozoa, nematodes, earthworms, and insects.

Soil fertility

Soil fertility is the ability of a soil to support plant Growth. Soil fertility is determined by the following factors:

Soil texture: The size of the soil particles.
Soil structure: The arrangement of the soil particles.
Soil mineralogy: The type of minerals in the soil.
Soil chemistry: The chemical composition of the soil.
Soil biology: The living organisms in the soil.

Soil fertility can be improved by adding organic matter, nutrients, and liming. Organic matter helps to improve soil structure and drainage. Nutrients help Plants to grow. Liming helps to adjust the pH of the soil.

Soil Management

Soil management is the process of maintaining or improving the quality of soils. Soil management practices include:

Conservation Tillage: Tillage that minimizes soil disturbance.
Crop Rotation: The practice of growing different crops in a field each year.
Cover Cropping: The practice of growing a cover crop between Cash Crops.
Mulching: The practice of applying a layer of organic matter to the soil surface.
Liming: The practice of adding lime to the soil to adjust the pH.
Fertilizing: The practice of adding nutrients to the soil.
Irrigation: The practice of applying water to the soil.

Soil Conservation

Soil conservation is the practice of preventing soil loss and degradation. Soil conservation practices include:

Contour farming: The practice of farming on the contour of the land.
Strip cropping: The practice of planting crops in strips across the slope.
Terrace farming: The practice of building terraces on steep slopes.
Windbreaks: The practice of planting trees or shrubs to protect the soil from wind erosion.
Watershed Management: The practice of managing the land and water Resources in a watershed to prevent soil erosion and flooding.

Soil Pollution

Soil pollution is the contamination of soil

Soil is a mixture of minerals, organic matter, water, air, and living organisms. It is the foundation of life on Earth, and it is essential for agriculture, Forestry, and other human activities.

Soils are formed from the weathering of rocks and minerals. The type of soil that is formed depends on the climate, the parent material, the topography, and the time that has elapsed since the soil began to form.

There are many different types of soils, 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 they are made up of minerals that have been weathered from rocks. Organic soils are made up of the remains of plants and animals, and they are found in wetlands and other areas where there is a lot of organic matter. Mixed soils are a combination of mineral and organic soils.

Soils are important for many reasons. They provide a medium for plant growth, they help to regulate the climate, and they filter water. Soils are also a source of many minerals and nutrients that are essential for life.

Soils are under threat from a number of factors, including deforestation, overgrazing, and pollution. These activities can lead to soil erosion, which can make the land less productive and can also contribute to flooding and other environmental problems.

It is important to protect soils from degradation. This can be done by planting trees, reducing the amount of grazing, and preventing pollution. We can also help to protect soils by choosing sustainable agricultural practices.

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 foundation of life on Earth, and it is essential for agriculture, forestry, and other human activities.
How are soils formed?
Soils are formed from the weathering of rocks and minerals. The type of soil that is formed depends on the climate, the parent material, the topography, and the time that has elapsed since the soil began to form.
What are the different types of soils?
There are many different types of soils, 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 they are made up of minerals that have been weathered from rocks. Organic soils are made up of the remains of plants and animals, and they are found in wetlands and other areas where there is a lot of organic matter. Mixed soils are a combination of mineral and organic soils.
What are the functions of soils?
Soils are important for many reasons. They provide a medium for plant growth, they help to regulate the climate, and they filter water. Soils are also a source of many minerals and nutrients that are essential for life.
What are the threats to soils?
Soils are under threat from a number of factors, including deforestation, overgrazing, and pollution. These activities can lead to soil erosion, which can make the land less productive and can also contribute to flooding and other environmental problems.
What can we do to protect soils?
It is important to protect soils from degradation. This can be done by planting trees, reducing the amount of grazing, and preventing pollution. We can also help to protect soils by choosing sustainable agricultural practices.

Which of the following is not a type of soil found in Nagaland?
(A) Red soil
(B) Laterite soil
(C) Alluvial soil
(D) Black soil
Which of the following is the most common type of soil found in Nagaland?
(A) Red soil
(B) Laterite soil
(C) Alluvial soil
(D) Black soil
Red soil is best suited for growing which of the following crops?
(A) Rice
(B) Tea
(C) Coffee
(D) Maize
Laterite soil is best suited for growing which of the following crops?
(A) Rice
(B) Tea
(C) Coffee
(D) Rubber
Alluvial soil is best suited for growing which of the following crops?
(A) Rice
(B) Tea
(C) Coffee
(D) Sugarcane
Black soil is best suited for growing which of the following crops?
(A) Rice
(B) Cotton
(C) Jute
(D) Sugarcane
The main reason for soil erosion in Nagaland is:
(A) Deforestation
(B) Overgrazing
(C) Mining
(D) All of the above
The main way to prevent soil erosion is:
(A) Afforestation
(B) Terrace farming
(C) Contour farming
(D) All of the above
The main cause of soil pollution in Nagaland is:
(A) Industrial waste
(B) Agricultural waste
(C) Domestic waste
(D) All of the above
The main way to prevent soil pollution is:
(A) Proper disposal of waste
(B) Use of bio-Fertilizers
(C) Use of organic pesticides
(D) All of the above