Introduction
The Soils of India NDA chapter is a high-weightage factual topic that often appears in the NDA Geography section. Knowing different soil types, their properties, and where they are found is important for answering both theory and map-based questions. In this article, we will cover all major soils of India in a simple and structured way.
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Pedology = Study of Soil
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Pedogenesis = Process of Soil Formation
Soil Components
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Inorganic or mineral fraction
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Organic matter (humus)
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Air
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Water
Factors of Soil Formation
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Parent Material | Determines texture, mineral content, color |
| Climate | Affects weathering rate & humus content |
| Biota (Organisms) | Helps decomposition & nutrient cycling |
| Topography | Slope & aspect control erosion & moisture |
| Time | Older soils are more developed |
Factors Slowing Soil Formation
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Low rainfall & humidity
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Cold temperature
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Steep slopes
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High water table
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Resistant rock (Quartz, Lime)
Soil Profile (Horizons of Soil)
| Horizon | Features |
|---|---|
| O Horizon | Organic matter (Humus), dark color |
| A Horizon | Topsoil; minerals + humus; plant roots grow here |
| A2 / E Horizon | Eluviation (Leaching) zone |
| B Horizon | Subsoil; accumulation of minerals from A (Illuviation) |
| C Horizon | Weathered rocks |
| R Horizon | Bedrock (Unweathered rock) |
Special Terms
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Eluviation | Leaching out of nutrients from topsoil |
| Illuviation | Deposition of leached materials in subsoil |
| Solum | A + B Horizons |
| Regolith | A + B + C Horizons |
| Saprolite | R Horizon |
Classification of Indian Soils (ICAR)
| Soil Type | % Coverage | Location/Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Alluvial Soil | 43% | Indo-Gangetic plains |
| Red & Yellow Soil | 18.5% | Deccan Plateau, Odisha |
| Black Soil (Regur) | 15% | Maharashtra, MP, Cotton belt |
| Forest Soil | 8.67% | Himalayan & hilly regions |
| Arid/Desert Soil | 4.32% | Rajasthan, Gujarat |
| Laterite Soil | 3.7% | Western Ghats, NE Hills |
| Saline & Alkaline Soil | — | Coastal areas, Rajasthan |
| Peaty/Marshy Soil | — | Kerala, Sundarbans |
Major Soil Types of India – Features
1️⃣ Alluvial Soil
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Most fertile
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Indo-Gangetic & Coastal plains
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Contains Potash, Phosphoric Acid
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Khadar (New alluvium, fertile) & Bhangar (Old alluvium)
2️⃣ Black Soil (Regur)
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Cotton soil
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High in clay, retains moisture
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Maharashtra, Gujarat, MP
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Rich in Iron, poor in Phosphorus
3️⃣ Red & Yellow Soil
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Iron oxide gives red color
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Found in Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Southern Plateau
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Less fertile, needs fertilizers
4️⃣ Laterite Soil
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High rainfall areas
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Rich in Iron, poor in fertility
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Used for brick making
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Found in Western Ghats, NE India
5️⃣ Arid/Desert Soil
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Sandy, saline, low organic matter
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Rajasthan, Gujarat
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Needs irrigation (Indira Gandhi Canal improves fertility)
6️⃣ Forest Soil
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Found in Himalayas, hilly areas
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Rich in organic matter (humus)
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Suitable for plantation crops
7️⃣ Saline & Alkaline Soil
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Excess salt, infertile
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Western Gujarat, parts of Rajasthan, Coastal areas
8️⃣ Peaty & Marshy Soil
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High organic matter, waterlogged areas
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Found in Kerala (Kottayam), Sundarbans
Soil Erosion & Conservation
| Cause of Erosion | Prevention |
|---|---|
| Deforestation, Overgrazing | Afforestation |
| Wind & Water runoff | Contour ploughing, Terracing |
| Shifting cultivation | Permanent agriculture |
Conclusion:
The Soils of India NDA topic helps you build strong geography basics that are useful across multiple NDA topics. These crisp and categorized notes will help you remember each soil type’s fertility, suitable crops, and regional distribution. If you found these Soils of India NDA notes helpful, share them with fellow aspirants.
Also Read: Physical Division of India
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