Alluvial Soil


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Alluvial Soil

Alluvial Soil: This is the most widespread soil in India, which has been deposited by three important Himalayan river systems - the Indus, the Ganges and the Brahmaputra, covering about 45.6 per cent of the area. Due to its high fertility, areas having this soil are intensively cultivated and densely populated.

Some features of alluvial soil are given below:

  • This soil is mostly found in river valley of the Northern Plains (Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra), strips in Gujarat and Rajasthan, in Eastern coastal plains in the deltas of Peninsular rivers (Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri).
  • It is made up of silt; sand and clay rich in nutrients like potash, phosphoric acid. And lime. It is suitable for growing paddy, wheat, sugarcane and other cereal and pulse crops.
  • In inland river valleys soil particles are of bigger size. Near the break of slope, soils are coarse. These soils are more common in the plains at the foothills such as Duars, Chos and Terai.
  • It can also be described on the basis of age. The older alluvial soil, further away from the rivers, is known as Bangar, whereas the newer soil near the rivers is known as Khadar. This is lighter in colour, has finer particles and is more fertile than Bangar soil.
  • Alluvial soils in the drier areas are more alkaline and can be productive after proper treatment and irrigation.
  • Map of India which shows the Alluvial Soil is :

    Sample Questions
    (More Questions for each concept available in Login)
    Question : 1

    The deltas of the Mahanadi and the Godavari are rich in __________ soil.

    Right Option : D
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    Question : 2

    In India, the maximum area is covered by which type of soil?

    Right Option : D
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    Question : 3

    Choose the two characteristics of the alluvial soils  :

    (a) They are the most wide- spread soil in India.

    (b) They are found in hilly and upland parts of the country.

    (c) These soils were formed by the lava sheets.

    (d)  They were made by deposits brought by rains year after year.

    Right Option : C
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