Meaning of Soil
Soil is the uppermost layer of the Earth’s crust formed by the weathering of rocks and the decomposition of organic matter, capable of supporting plant life.
Scientific Definition:
Soil is a natural body composed of minerals, organic matter, water, air, and living organisms.
Types of Soils (India – Very Important)
- Found in: Ganga, Brahmaputra plains
- Rich in potash
- Good for rice & wheat
- Also called: Riverine soil
2. Black Soil
- Also called Regur Soil
- Found in: Maharashtra, Gujarat
- Best for cotton
- Retains moisture
3. Red Soil
- Rich in iron
- Found in: Odisha, Tamil Nadu
- Red color due to iron oxide
- Found in high rainfall areas
- Found in: Kerala
- Poor in fertility
- Suitable for tea & coffee
5. Desert Soil
- Found in: Rajasthan
- Sandy texture
- Low humus
- Found in: Himalayas
- Rich in organic matter
|
Main Soil Name |
Other Name(s) |
Important Exam
Point |
|
Black Soil |
Regur Soil, Black
Cotton Soil |
Best for cotton |
|
Alluvial Soil |
Riverine Soil |
Deposited by
rivers |
|
New Alluvial Soil |
More fertile |
|
|
Old Alluvial Soil |
Less fertile |
|
|
Red Soil |
Red & Yellow Soil |
Iron oxide gives red
colour |
|
Laterite Soil |
Brick Soil,
Lateritic Soil |
Hardens like
brick on drying |
|
Desert Soil |
Arid Soil |
Sandy, low humus |
|
Saline Soil |
Reh Soil,
Usar Soil |
High salt
content |
|
Mountain Soil |
Forest Soil |
Found in hilly regions |
|
Peaty Soil |
Marshy Soil |
Rich in
organic matter |
Study of soil → Pedology
Soil scientist → Pedologist
Soil fertility depends on → Humus
Soil erosion by wind → Deflation
Removal of topsoil → Soil Erosion
Conservation method → Contour Ploughing