Soil Resources of the Indian Subcontinent

“Soils in the Indian Subcontinent are diverse, reflecting the varied climate, relief, and vegetation.”

Factors Influencing Soil Formation

Parent Rock Material: Determines the mineral composition of soil.
Climate: Temperature and rainfall affect soil weathering and organic matter.
Relief: Slope and altitude influence soil drainage and erosion.
Vegetation: Provides organic matter and affects soil acidity/alkalinity.
Time: Older soils are usually more developed and leached.
Human Activities: Agriculture, deforestation, and irrigation modify soil characteristics.

Alluvial Soil: Found in northern plains and river valleys, highly fertile and suitable for agriculture.
Black Soil (Regur): Predominantly in Deccan Plateau; retains moisture, ideal for cotton cultivation.
Red Soil: Found in southern and eastern India, rich in iron, low in nitrogen and organic matter.
Laterite Soil: Occurs in high rainfall areas like Western Ghats and northeastern states; poor fertility.
Desert Soil: Present in Rajasthan and arid regions; sandy and saline with low organic content.
Mountain Soil: Found in Himalayan region, thin, acidic, and rich in humus.
Saline and Alkaline Soils: Found in arid and semi-arid regions; adversely affect crop growth.

Alluvial Soil: Fertile, supports rice, wheat, sugarcane, and other crops.
Black Soil: Moisture-retentive, good for cotton, cereals, and pulses.
Red Soil: Suitable for groundnut, millet, and pulses but requires fertilizers.
Laterite Soil: Used for plantation crops like tea, coffee, and cashew.
Desert Soil: Supports drought-resistant plants and limited agriculture.
Mountain Soil: Supports horticulture and forestry.
Saline & Alkaline Soil: Requires reclamation for agriculture.

Causes of Soil Erosion: Deforestation, overgrazing, excessive plowing, and heavy rainfall.
Types of Erosion: Wind erosion (common in arid zones) and water erosion (common in hilly and plains areas).
Soil Conservation Methods: Afforestation, contour plowing, terrace farming, crop rotation, and use of windbreaks.

SSC CGL 2018: Which soil type is known as black cotton soil and why?
Black soil retains moisture well and is suitable for cotton cultivation.
RRB JE 2017: What are the main characteristics of alluvial soil?
Highly fertile, rich in potash, lime, and phosphoric acid, found in northern plains.
HSSC CET 2019: How can soil erosion be controlled in hilly areas?
By terrace farming, afforestation, and contour plowing.
SSC MTS 2016: Name two regions where laterite soil is commonly found.
Western Ghats and northeastern states.
RRB Group D 2018: What is the impact of human activities on soil resources?
Deforestation and over-cultivation cause soil degradation and erosion.