Alluvial Soil Characteristics and Classification

Vocabulary-style flashcards based on lecture notes regarding Alluvial soil, its geographic distribution, classification into Bangar and Khadar, and its agricultural significance.

Major Distribution of Alluvial Soil

Covers the entire Northern plains and extends into Rajasthan and Gujrat through narrow corridors.

Himalayan River Systems

The $3$ different Himalayan rivers responsible for depositing alluvial soils: Ganga, Indus & Bramha putra.

Coastal Alluvial Regions

Found in the eastern deltas of the Mahanadi, Godavar, Krishna & Kaveri.

Alluvial Soil Components

Contains various proportions of sand, silt and clay.

Inland Soil Variation

Soil particles appear somewhat bigger in size as one moves inland towards river valleys.

Piedmont Regions

Plains such as Duars, Chos and Terai where coarse soils are common.

Upper Reach Characteristics

Soils are coarse in the upper reach of the river valley near the place of break of slope.

Bangar

Old alluvial soil found away from the river with a higher concentration of kankar nodules and lower fertility.

Khadar

Newer alluvial soil found close to the river containing more fine particles and higher fertility.

Nutrient Content

Mostly contains additional quantities of potash, phosphoric acid and lime.

Ideal Crops for Alluvial Soil

Perfect for the growth of sugarcane, paddy, wheat and other pulse and cereal crops.

Socio-economic Impact of Alluvial Soil

High fertility leads to regions being intensively cultivated and densely populated.

Alkaline Soils in Drier Areas

More variable soils that can be made highly productive after proper treatment and irrigation.