St.

Paul’s English School

Chapter Name – SOILS IN INDIA
Geography Notes
Important Terms and Concepts
1. Sheet Erosion: When a thin layer of topsoil is washed away due to heavy rainfall.
2. Gully Erosion: Last stage of erosion due to heavy prolonged rainfall the rills get widened and form
gully’s or channels making the land unproductive and barren.
3. Leaching: The process of percolation of nutrients from the top soil to the sub – soil due to heavy
prolonged rainfall leaving the top soil highly acidic and infertile.
4. Soil Conservation: Refers to the steps taken to prevent soil erosion.
5. Deccan Trap: These are the volcanic rocks found in the north – western part of South India.
6. ‘In situ’: Soils which are found at the place of their formation, e.g., Regur soil, Red soil, Laterite soil.
7. Transported Soil: These are the soils which are carried down by agents of erosion like wind, rivers, e.g.,
Alluvial Soil, Loess of Northern China.
8. Afforestation: The planting of trees to prevent soil erosion.
9. Weathering: The breaking up of rocks due to climatic factors.
10. Pedogenesis: It is the process of soil formation.
11. Soil: The loose material that is a mixture of minerals and organic matter found on the top most layer of
the earth.
12. Humus: Topmost layer of the soil consisting of dead and decomposed remains of plants and animals.
13. Soil Fertility: Strength of soil to support plant life
14. Pedology: The study of soil.
15. Soil Erosion: The removal of top soil by different agents like wind and water.
16. Rill Erosion: it is the intermediate stage between sheet and gully erosion when finger like grooves are
formed due to heavy rainfall on the slopes.

Importance of soil
 Soil is an indispensable natural resource.
 Growth of plants depend completely on the nature and type of soil present in a region.
 All organisms are dependent on plants directly or indirectly
 It is important to our national economy as productive soil ensures prosperity in agriculture, industrial
development and general economic development.
Measures to increase soil fertility.
By adding nitrogenous fertilizers and by growing leguminous plants.
Write the differences between alluvial soil and red soil
Alluvial soil Red soil
 Deposition of sediments by rivers  Residual prolonged weathering of
crystalline rocks
 A loamy type of soil. Rich in minerals  A loamy or sandy type of soil. Rich in
especially in potash and lime iron oxide which gives its red colour.
 Poor in nitrogen and humus.  Poor in nitrogen phosphorous, potassium
and organic matter.
 Rabi and Kharif crops; rice, wheat.  Rice, groundnuts, ragi, tobacco and
Sugarcane and oilseeds are grown. potatoes are grown.

Soils Of India
Soils are important as man depends on it for the food it provides him as well as the animals that live on
earth. If the soils are fertile, production is more and such material, relief features, climate and natural
vegetation are responsible for the formation of soil. Since India has a varied topography, climate and great
variations rock type, agents of denudation it has large variety of soils are found here.
Types of soils
a. Alluvial soils.
b. Black soils.
c. Red soils.
d. Laterite soils.

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1. Alluvial Soils:
a. They are formed by the denudation of different types of rocks and deposition of silt by various
rivers.
b. They are found along inland rivers, deltas of rivers and along the coast.
c. Main characteristics are:
i. Rich in potash, humus and lime.
ii. Deficient in nitrogen and phosphorous.
iii. Bhangar – older alluvium, light grey, clayey, not so fertile.
iv. Khadar – new alluvium, loamy, more fertile.
v. It is coarse in the upper course and fine in the lower course.
d. Crops grown are: Rice, Wheat, Jute, sugar cane, millets and pulses.
e. Alluvial soil is found in Punjab, Haryana, UP, Bihar, West Bengal, the Brahmaputra Valley, coastal
strips of Penisular India.

2. Black Soils or Regur Soils:

a. Formed at place of origin over underlying rocks. It has been formed in situ. i.e., they are formed
in place of origin.
b. Found in Maharashtra, MP, Gujarat (Deccan Trap).
c. Main characteristics are:
i. Black in colour due to its iron content.
ii. Clayey in nature.
iii. Rich in iron, lime, calcium and magnesium.
iv. It is moisture retentive.
v. When dry it develops cracks but when wet it becomes sticky.
vi. Deficient in nitrogen, phosphorous and organic matter.
d. Crops grown are: cotton, sugar cane, wheat and tobacco.
3 Red Soils:
. a. Formed by the weathering of crystalline rocks.
b. Found in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Goa and Orissa, Andhra Pradesh
c. Main characteristics are:
i. Red in colour due to presence of iron compounds.
ii. Colour varies from chocolate brown to yellow.
iii. Deficient in nitrogen, phosphoric acid and humus.
iv. The soil becomes productive with the use of fertilizers.
d. Crops grown are: Rice, sugar cane, wheat pulses can be grown with irrigation and addition of
fertilisers.
4. The Laterite Soils:
a. Formed due to weathering of rocks and due alternating wet and dry period.
b. Found in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Orisa, summits of Eatern and Western Ghats.
c. Main characteristics are:
i. This soil is acidic in nature and not capable of retaining moisture.
ii. It is rich in iron and aluminium compounds but poor in lime and silica due to leaching.
iii. With the use of manure, crops may be cultivated.
d. Crops grown are: Cashewnuts, rubber, coffee and tapioca.

Soil Erosion and Its Conservation

It is defined as the detachment and transportation of soil by agents of denudation such as weathering,
running water and wind. In mountains, where the slopes are steep, water is an important agent of erosion.

Types of Erosion
1. Erosion by Running Water is of two types:
a. Sheet Erosion: In mountainous regions, where there is heavy rainfall and gentle slopes, erosion is
more and a thin layer of soil are removed over vast stretches land.
b. Gully Erosion: When soil is removed by water flowing along definite paths or in channels, it is
called gully erosion. They cut up agricultural land and make it unfit for cultivation.
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 2. Wind Erosion: In deserts and dry regions, where there is little or no vegetal cover, wind is the most
powerful agent of erosion. Wind erosion happens in three forms – soil creep, saltation and suspension.
3. Human Factor: Man and his activities are responsible to great extent for the erosion of soil, e.g.,
deforestation, overgrazing of land and improper farming techniques, human settlements, etc.
Conservation of soil: It is the effort made by man to prevent soil erosion. The following methods are
adopted:
1. Afforestation is the planting of trees and other vegetation on hill slopes.
2. Grazing of animals should be restricted as overgrazing leads to severe soil erosion.
3. Proper farming techniques should be followed, e.g., terracing of hills, contour ploughing, constructing
bunds, etc.
4. Planting of Shelter Belts. Belts of trees should be planted to check the speed of the wind and prevent
soil movement.
5. By maintaining a high level of nutrients and organic matter in cultivated soils.

Question and Answers

1. a. State two methods of controlling the erosion of soil caused by running water.
b. Mention two differences in the alluvial soil of the northern plains and the alluvial soil on the coastal
plains of India.
c. Mention any three characteristics of black soil which makes the soil fertile.
d. Give geographical reasons for the following:
i. Laterite soil is not suitable for cultivation
ii. Red soil is red in colour.
iii. Khadar soils are preferred to Bangar soils.
Ans. a. Erosion of soil caused by running water can be controlled by the methods of contour ploughing
(ploughing along contour on slopes) and afforestation (planting of more trees as the roots of trees can
hold the top soil together).
b. Two differences are:
Alluvial soil (Northern Plains) Alluvial soil (Coastal Plains)
i. These are formed by the rivers Indus, These are formed by the Godavari,
Ganga and Brahmaputra Krishna, Narmada and Tapi.
ii. These are porous, light in colour and These are non – porous, dark in colour
consist of clay and organic matter. and clayey in nature.
c. The three characteristics of black soil are:
i. Black soils retain moisture and become sticky when wet as they are clayey in nature.
ii. When dry, they form long and deep cracks which helps in oxygenation.
iii. It is rich in iron, potash, calcium, magnesium etc.
d. i. Laterite soil is not suitable for cultivation as it is deficient in lime and nitrogen and cannot retain
moisture. It is also very acidic which makes it unsuitable for agricultural purpose.
ii. Red soil is red in colour due to the high content of iron oxide.
iii. Khadar soils are preferred to Bangar soils as they consist of mainly fine silt and clay and are very
fertile as they are replenished every year by floods. Bangar soils contain pebbles and gravels and are
coarse in nature.
2. a. Name two states in India where Regur soil is found. In what way does Regur soil help agriculture?
b. Mention two main characteristics of Laterite soil.
c. State the difference between alluvial soils found in the lower courses and the lower courses and the
upper course of rivers.
d. Name two important agents of erosion. For each, state one method of controlling the erosion caused.
Ans. a. Regur soil is found in Gujarat and Maharashtra. Balck / regur soil is known for its self-ploughing
quality. Deep cracks occur during the dry period which helps in oxygenation. It is also water retentive,
and absorbs moisture, a quality which is good for the cotton plant.
b. i. Laterite is a leached soil in which the nutrients seep down to the lower layers due to heavy rain,
leaving the top soil infertile.
ii. It is formed due to weathering in regions where there is an alternating wet and dry period. There is
heavy rain after a spell of heat.

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 c. Alluvial soils found in the lower courses are fine, moist and rich in humus. Those found in the upper
courses are dry, porous and sandy.
d. Two important agents of erosion are:
i. Running water ii. Wind
Running water: Erosion by running water can be controlled by many methods like terracing and
contour ploghing. These prevent the soil from being washed away.
Wind Erosion: Shrubs and trees are planted along the edges of the fields and on waste land to check
the speed of the wind which carries away the dry soil.
3. a. Name the soil which: a
i. Covers the summits of the Eastern Ghats.
ii. Makes up the delta of the River Ganga.
iii. is the most suitable for the cultivation of cotton.
iv. is sticky when wet and cracks when dry.
b. What is soil conservation? How does re-afforestation help in soil conservation?
c. Name the process by which laterite soil is formed. What climatic conditions are responsible for its
formation?
d. Give reasons for:
i. Black soil is largely found in the Deccan Trap region.
ii. Khadar is more fertile than Bhangar.
iii. Soil erosion by wind is common is arid regions.
Ans. a. i. Laterite soils covers the summits of the Eastern Ghats.
ii. Alluvial soil make up the delta of the river Ganga.
iii. Black soil or Rugur soil is suitable for the cultivation of cotton.
iv. Black or Rugur soil is sticky when wet and cracks when dry.
b. Soil conservation is the effort made by man in protecting the soil from erosion and exhaustion.
Re afforestation helps in soil conservation as the roots of the trees hold the soil together and prevents
it from being eroded.
c. Laterite soil is a leached soil and formed due to weathering of rocks and due to high temperature and
heavy rainfall with alternating wet and dry periods.
d. i. Black soil is found in the Deccan Trap Region as it is formed by the denudation of volcanic rocks
which is found in that area.
ii. Khadar is more fertile than Bhangar soil as it is found nearer the rivers, flood plains and delta and is
replenished by floods every year. It mainly consists of fine silt and clay. Bhangar contains kankar,
pebbles and gravels and is coarse in nature. It is found away from the river.
iii. Soil erosion by wind is more common in dry areas due to absence of vegetation and moisture as
rainfall is less. The soil is loose and can be carried away by the wind.
4. a. Name the soil which is formed due to high temperature and heavy rainfall with alternating wet and
dry periods.
Name two states where this type of soil is found.
b. Write any two characteristics of red soil.
c. What is conservation of soil?
Name any two farming techniques which help in soil conservation.
d. Explain the following terms:
i. Transported soil.
ii. in Situ.
iii. Humus.
Ans. a. Laterite soil.
The two states where this type of soil is found are Kerala and Assam.
b. Characteristics of Red soil:
i. The colour of these soils is generally red, often grading into brown, chocolate or yellow.
ii. Soils are deficient in phosphoric acid, organic and nitrogenous material but are fairly rich in potash
& iron oxide.
c. Refer to Q1 (b) .
Two farming techniques which help in soil conservation are crop rotation and contour ploughing.

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 Crop Rotation: It is system in which farmers grow crops on a farm in a regular cycle so that fertility
and productivity of land are maintained.
Contour Ploughing: In this ploughing is done along the outline of the field in a circular manner so that
the soil is not washed away by running water.
d. i. Transported soil: These are soils which are carried down by the agents of erosion like wind, rivers
and deposited in other regions, e.g., alluvial soil, Loess of Northern China.
ii. In Situ: Soils which are found at the place of their formation, e.g., Regur soil, Red soil, Laterite
soil.
iii. Humus: it is the rich dark organic material formed by the decay of dead leaves, etc. and is essential
to the fertility of soil.
5. a. Explain the formation of Laterite soil. Why is Laterite soil not suitable for cultivation?
b. Give one difference between the following:
i. Khadar soil and Bhangar soil.
ii. Sheet erosion and Wind Erosion.
c. Mention two characteristics of Black soil. Why is the soil agriculturally important?
d. Give reasons as to why
i. Red soil is red in colour?
ii. large tracts in Maharashtra are covered with Black soil?
iii. Man is largely responsible for soil erosion?
Ans. a. Laterite soil is formed by weathering of laterite rocks due to alternate wet and dry periods. There is
intense leaching due to heavy tropical rains.
It is not suitable for cultivation because:
i. It is acidic and not moisture retentive.
ii. Lacks nitrogen, potassium and is coarse and crumbly.
b. i.
Khadar Bhangar
i. Found on lower beda in the valley and are Found on river terraces.
flooded every year.
ii. More fertile as they are replenished by Less fertile as they are not replenished
floods every year. every year.
iii. Light in colour and loamy Dark in colour and clayey.
ii. Sheet erosion is the removal of a thin top layer of soil due to erosion caused by rain water. Wind
erosion takes place in arid regions with little rain where the top soil is removed by the wind.
c. Characteristics of Black soil:
i. It has a self – ploughing quality, is sticky when wet but cracks when it is dry and it helps in aeration
of soil.
ii. It has the capacity to retain moisture.
iii. It varies from a chestnut brown to black in colour.
It is agriculturally important as it is fertile and rich in lime, iron, potash, calcium, aluminium and
magnesium.
d. i. Red soil is red in colour due to high iron oxide content.
ii. Large tracts of Maharashtra are covered with Black soil as it is made of lava tracts which have
solidified during volcanic activity.
iii. Man is largely responsible for soil erosion because of over grazing, faulty farming practices,
deforestation and shifting agriculture.
6. a. Mention two important characteristics of laterite soil.
b. Name an area of black soil in India. Mention two crops grown in this soil.
c. How is alluvial soil formed? Why is this soil agriculturally important?
d. Name two important agents of erosion. For each, state one method of controlling the erosion caused.
Ans. a. Two important characteristics of laterite soil are: a
 Coarse in texture.
 Porous in nature.
 Poor in minerals.
b. An area of Black soil is North – West Deccan (Gujarat and Maharashtra). Two crops grown in this

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 soil are cotton and sugar cane.
c. Alluvial soil is formed by the deposition of silt brought down by the rivers from the mountains. This
soil is agriculturally important because it is extremely soft and fertile. It is rich in humus and lime.
d. The two important agents of erosion are water and wind.
Water erosion is controlled by following the method of contour ploughing, planting of more trees and
step farming. Wind erosion is controlled by planting of shelter belts.
7. a. State two differences between Black soil and Alluvial soil.
b. Mention two ways by which soil can get nitrogen.
c. Explain the need for soil conservation in India. State two methods of soil conservation.
d. How is red soil formed? State two reasons for the low productivity of red soil.
Ans. a.
Black Soil Alluvial Soil
i. Formed where they are found (in situ) by Formed by deposition of slit by rivers
solidification of lava. (Transported alluvium).
ii. Retains moisture and becomes sticky when Extremely fertile and soft. It is fine grained.
wet.
b. Nitrogen can be provided to soil by growing of leguminous crops after the harvesting of cereal crops
which is known as Crop Rotation. Solis also obtain nitrogen from fertilizers.
c. There is great need for soil conservation in India to grow crops. India is an agricultural country and its
economy depends on production of crops. Floods can also be prevented.
Soil can be conserved by afforestation which means growing of more trees and by checking
overgrazing of animals.
d. Red soil is formed due to weathering of ancient crystalline and metamorphic rocks.
The productivity is low because they are deficient in lime, nitrogen and humus.
8. a. State two main differences between Alluvial soil and Red soil.
b. Why is Laterite soil unsuitable for the cultivation of crops? Name an area in India where this soil is
found.
c. How is Regur soil formed? Mention four important properties of Regur soil.
d. Differentiate between sheet erosion and gully erosion.
Ans. a.
Alluvial Soil Red soil
i. These originate from the transported Red soils are formed due to weathering of
alluvium brought by the rivers. ancient crystal line and metamorphic rocks.
ii. This soil is rich in humus. This soil lacks in humus.

b. Laterite soil is unsuitable for the cultivation of crops because they have been heavily leached and lack
fertility.
Laterite soil is found in the highland areas of the Deccan plateau, e.g., Summits of Eastern and
Western Ghats.
c. Regur soils are formed in situ, i.e., formed at place of origin. They have been formed by weathering of
the Deccan trap.
Four important Properties of Regur Soil are:
i. Black soils retain moisture and become sticky when wet.
ii. In the dry season cracks occur which help in oxygenation.
iii. Blacks soils vary in colour from deep black to chestnut brown.
iii. These soils contain lime, alumina, iron, etc.

d.
Sheet Erosion Gully Erosion
i. The removal of the thin surface layer of It is carried on steep slopes where there is no
the top soil by heavy rain. vegetation. The rain water rushes down the
slope and cuts steep sided valleys which are

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 harmful for agriculture.
ii. This occurs generally on flat land. This occurs generally in Chambal ravines.

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS:

1. a. Give two reasons why alluvial soils are very fertile.

b. Name two states which have large areas under alluvial soils.
Ans. a. Alluvial soils are fertile because:
 They are rich in mineral nutrients like potash and lime.
 They have depth and silt is deposited every year.
 It is highly moisture retentive
b. Two states where alluvial soils found are Punjab and UP.
2. How are Alluvial soils formed?
Ans Alluvial soils are formed by the deposition of silt brought by the rivers every year.
3. Give two reasons why Red soils are not good for cultivation.
Ans. Red soils are not good for cultivation because:
i. They are deficient in phosphoric acid, nitrogen and lime.
ii. They are poor in humus and not retentive of moisture.
4. Give a technical term for the following:
a. The loose material which forms as well as develops from the upper layers of the mantle.
b. It refers to the steps taken to protect the soil from erosion.
Ans. a. Soil b. Conservation of soil.
5. State two differences between Bhangar and Khadar varieties of Alluvial soil.
Ans. Bhangar (old)
i. Found higher up in the plains away from rivers and is less fertile.
ii. Clayey and non – porous.
Khadar (new)
i. Found in the lower plains near rivers and is more fertile.
ii. It is loamy and porous soil.
6. Give two ways in which soil erosion can be prevented.
Ans. Soil erosion can be prevented by:
i. Afforestation – Planting of trees as the roots of trees and plants hold the soil together.
ii. Proper farming techniques – by terracing of hill slopes, constructing bunds, contour ploughing and strip
cropping.
7. Give two reasons to explain why crops cannot grow well in Desert soils.
Ans. Crops cannot grow well on Desert soils because it is sandy, coarse and porous. It is saline or alkaline with
a large percentage of soluble salts and is poor in organic matter.
8. In which region of India soil erosion by wind is most common?
Ans. Soils erosion by wind is most common in the Thar desert because there is sandy soil and practically no
vegetation.
9. Mention two crops grown on Laterite soil.
Ans. Two crops grown on Laterite soil are Tapioca and Cashew nuts. `
10. a. Which type of soil is found due to disintegration of basalt?
b. Give two characteristics of this type of soil.
c. Mention two important crops grown in this soil.
Ans. a. The type of soil found due to disintegration of basalt is Regur Soil.
b. Two characteristics:
i. they are water – retentive and
ii. very sticky when wet but when dry they harden and form deep cracks.
c. Two crops grown in this soil are cotton and wheat.
11. a. Name the transported soil most widely found in India.
b. State the two sub – categories into which it is generally divided. What are their local names?
c. Which one of them is superior to the other?
Ans. a. The transported soil which is most widely found in India is Alluvial soil.
b. The two sub – categories into which it is generally divided is the Bhangar or older alluvium and the
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 Khadar or new alluvium.
c. Khaddar or new alluvium is more fertile as it is replenished by floods.
12. Give a single word for each of the following:
a. “The loose rock material, together with humus, forming the uppermost layer of the earth’s crust and
serving as a source of food and moisture for plants”.
b. “The process of percolation by which valuable mineral nutrients are washed down from the top layer
of the soil only to deposit them in the lower layers there by making the top soil infertile”.
Ans. a. Top Soil b. Leaching.
13. How are the laterite soils formed and where are they found in India?
Ans. Laterite soils is formed due to high temperature and heavy rainfall with alternating wet and dry periods.
They are found on the summits of Eastern and Western Ghats.
14. a. Name one soil of volcanic origin commonly found in India.
b. Name one crop widely grown in this soil.
Ans. a. One soil of volcanic origin commonly found in India is Black or Regur soil.
b. Cotton grows well in this soil.
15. a. What is the meaning of leached soil?
b. Name one Indian soil that has been formed by leaching.
Ans. a. Leached soil is one in which the nutrients are percolated below by rains. .
b. Laterite soil is leached soil.
16. Which is the most widespread transported soil of India?
Ans. The most widespread transported soil of India is Alluvial soil.

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