Soil Types in India: Classification, Characteristics, and Distribution (Complete Guide)

Soil is the foundation of agriculture, biodiversity, and human survival. In India, with its diverse climatic conditions and geological formations, the soil varies remarkably from region to region. Understanding the types of soil in India is crucial not only for farmers but also for policymakers, environmentalists, and UPSC aspirants. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has classified Indian soils into eight major types, each with unique physical, chemical, and biological properties. This article presents a comprehensive guide to soil types in India, their formation, characteristics, distribution, and agricultural significance.

soil type in india

Soil Types in India

1. Introduction to Soils in India

Definition of soil
Importance in agriculture, ecosystem, and economy
Soil formation factors: parent material, climate, organisms, topography, time
Soil profile: horizons (O, A, B, C, R)

2. Classification of Soils in India

The ICAR classification divides Indian soils into 8 major types:

Alluvial Soil
Black Soil (Regur Soil)
Red Soil
Laterite Soil
Arid and Desert Soil
Saline and Alkaline Soil
Peaty and Marshy Soil
Forest and Mountain Soils

3. Detailed Description of Each Soil Type

3.1 Alluvial Soil

Formation: Deposited by rivers (Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra)
Distribution: Northern Plains, Assam, Gujarat, coastal regions
Characteristics:

Texture: Loamy to clayey
Rich in potash and lime but deficient in nitrogen and phosphorus
Light grey to ash grey in color

Agricultural Crops: Wheat, rice, sugarcane, maize, pulses
Types:

Khadar (new alluvium)
Bhangar (old alluvium)

3.2 Black Soil (Regur Soil)

Formation: Weathering of basalt rocks
Distribution: Deccan Plateau – Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu
Characteristics:

High clay content
Retains moisture well
Rich in lime, iron, magnesia, alumina
Deficient in nitrogen, phosphorus
Swells when wet, cracks when dry

Agricultural Crops: Cotton (hence "Black Cotton Soil"), sorghum, soybean

3.3 Red Soil

Formation: Weathering of crystalline igneous rocks
Distribution: Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh
Characteristics:

Reddish due to ferric oxide
Low water-holding capacity
Deficient in nitrogen, phosphorus
Suitable for dry farming

Agricultural Crops: Millets, pulses, groundnut

3.4 Laterite Soil

Formation: Intense leaching in tropical monsoon climates
Distribution: Western Ghats, Odisha, West Bengal, Meghalaya
Characteristics:

Reddish-brown, rich in iron and aluminum
Poor in fertility, acidic
Requires fertilizers for cultivation

Agricultural Crops: Tea, coffee, cashew

3.5 Arid and Desert Soil

Formation: Weathering in arid conditions
Distribution: Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat
Characteristics:

Sandy texture, low organic matter
Rich in soluble salts
Low moisture retention

Agricultural Crops: Bajra, pulses, guar

3.6 Saline and Alkaline Soil

Formation: Poor drainage, excessive irrigation
Distribution: Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan
Characteristics:

High salt content
Poor structure
Unfit for cultivation without treatment

Reclamation: Gypsum application, leaching

3.7 Peaty and Marshy Soil

Formation: Accumulation of organic matter in humid regions
Distribution: Kerala, West Bengal, Odisha
Characteristics:

High humus content
Acidic nature
Waterlogged conditions

Agricultural Crops: Rice, jute

3.8 Forest and Mountain Soils

Formation: Weathering in hilly, forested regions
Distribution: Himalayan region, Western and Eastern Ghats
Characteristics:

Rich in organic matter in upper layers
Poor in lower layers
Variable fertility depending on slope and vegetation

Agricultural Crops: Tea, coffee, spices, fruits

4. Soil Erosion and Conservation

Causes: Deforestation, overgrazing, improper farming practices
Types: Sheet erosion, gully erosion, wind erosion
Conservation measures: Contour ploughing, terracing, afforestation, crop rotation

5. Role of Soil in Agriculture and Economy

Provides nutrients to plants
Determines cropping pattern
Influences irrigation needs
Affects agricultural productivity and exports

6. Government Initiatives for Soil Health

Soil Health Card Scheme
National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture
Watershed Development Programmes

7. Conclusion

Soils are the lifeline of Indian agriculture. Understanding their characteristics, distribution, and management practices ensures sustainable food production and environmental health. By adopting soil conservation measures, India can protect its rich agricultural heritage for generations.

Top 10 FAQs on Soil Types in India

Q1. How many major types of soils are found in India?
Eight major types: Alluvial, Black, Red, Laterite, Arid, Saline-Alkaline, Peaty-Marshy, and Forest-Mountain soils.

Q2. Which is the most fertile soil in India?
Alluvial soil, due to its high nutrient content and good texture.

Q3. Why is black soil called "Regur soil"?
Because it is derived from the word "Regur," meaning cotton-growing soil in the Deccan region.

Q4. Which crops grow best in red soil?
Millets, pulses, groundnut, and certain fruits.

Q5. What is the difference between Khadar and Bhangar?
Khadar is new alluvium, more fertile; Bhangar is old alluvium with lower fertility.

Q6. Why is laterite soil less fertile?
Due to intense leaching, it loses nutrients like nitrogen and potassium.

Q7. How can saline soils be reclaimed?
By applying gypsum, improving drainage, and leaching salts with good quality water.

Q8. Which soil is ideal for tea and coffee plantations?
Laterite soil (with fertilizers) and forest soils in hilly regions.

Q9. What causes soil erosion in India?
Deforestation, overgrazing, improper agriculture, floods, and wind.

Q10. Which government schemes support soil health?
Soil Health Card Scheme, Watershed Development Programme, National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture.