Soil is one of the most important natural resources on Earth. It is essential for the growth of plants, which provide food and shelter for animals and humans. Soil also plays an important role in the water cycle and helps to regulate the Earth’s climate. Soil is made up of a mixture of minerals, organic matter, air, and water. The minerals in the soil come from the weathering of rocks. The organic matter in soil comes from the remains of plants and animals. The air and water in the soil help to support the growth of plants.
This is an important concept of Class-X Geography. Students can through this article to get comprehensive notes on ‘Soil as a Resource and Classification of Soils’.
What is Soil?
Soil is the loose surface material that covers most land. It consists of inorganic particles and organic matter. Soil provides the structural support for plants used in agriculture and is also their source of water and nutrients.
Soil is made up of five main components: minerals, soil organic matter, living organisms, gas, and water. The mineral component of soil is made up of weathered rocks and minerals. The organic matter component of soil is made up of dead and decaying plant and animal material. The living organism component of soil is made up of bacteria, fungi, worms, and other small animals. The gas component of soil is made up of air and carbon dioxide. The water component of soil is made up of water that is held in the pores between the soil particles.
Soil Profile
A soil profile is a vertical section of soil that shows all of its horizons. The soil profile extends from the soil surface to the parent rock material. The soil profile is an important tool in nutrient management. By examining a soil profile, we can gain valuable information about soil fertility. The different horizons of a soil profile are formed by the weathering of the parent rock material. The soil profile is an important part of the ecosystem. It provides a habitat for plants and animals. It also helps to regulate the flow of water and nutrients. The soil profile is a valuable resource that we need to protect.
Classification of Soils
Soil classification is the process of grouping soils into classes based on their characteristics. This is done to help understand the different types of soils and how they can be used.
Alluvial Soils
Alluvial soils are soils that have been deposited by rivers and streams. They are typically found in floodplains and deltas. Alluvial soils are very fertile and are often used for agriculture. They are also relatively easy to work with, making them a popular choice for construction projects.
Alluvial soils are made up of a mixture of sand, silt, and clay. The exact composition of the soil will vary depending on the location and the type of river or stream that deposited it. However, all alluvial soils are typically high in organic matter, which makes them very fertile. In India, alluvial soils are found in the Indo-Gangetic and Brahmaputra Plain. The majority of these soils have sufficient amounts of lime, phosphoric acid, and potash, which are perfect for the growth of wheat, sugarcane, paddy, and other cereal and pulse crops.
Alluvial soils can be classified into two main types: Khadar and Bangar.
- Khadar soils are the newer alluvium that is deposited by floods every year. They are typically very fertile and are used for growing crops such as rice and wheat.
- Bangar soils are the older alluvium that is deposited away from the flood plains. They are not as fertile as Khadar soils, but they are still used for growing crops such as wheat and sugarcane.
Black Soil
Black soil is a type of soil that is found in many parts of the world. It is characterized by its dark color, which is due to the presence of organic matter. Black soil is also known for its high fertility, which makes it ideal for agriculture. Black soil is classified into three main types: shallow black soil, medium black soil, and deep black soil. Shallow black soil is found in areas with a low rainfall, and it is typically less than 30 cm thick. Medium black soil is found in areas with a moderate rainfall, and it is typically between 30 cm and 100 cm thick. Deep black soil is found in areas with a high rainfall, and it is typically more than 1 meter thick. They stretch southeast along the Godavari and Krishna basins, including the plateaus of Maharashtra, Saurashtra, Malwa, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.
Red and Yellow Soils
Red and yellow soils are a type of soil that is found in many parts of the world. They are named for their colors, which are due to the presence of iron in the soil. Red soils are typically found in areas with low rainfall, while yellow soils are found in areas with more rainfall. Areas of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, the Piedmont zone of the Western Ghats, and the southern portions of the middle Ganga plain are characterized by yellow and red soils.
Red and yellow soils are classified into two main types: fine-grained and coarse-grained. Fine-grained soils are more fertile than coarse-grained soils. They are also more likely to be found in areas with low rainfall. Coarse-grained soils are less fertile and more likely to be found in areas with more rainfall.
Laterite Soil
Laterite soils are a type of soil that is rich in iron and aluminum. They are typically found in tropical and subtropical regions, and are formed by the weathering of rocks in hot, wet climates. Laterite soils are often red in color, and have a high clay content. They are also acidic, and have a low water-holding capacity. Lateritic soils are mainly found in southern states, the Western Ghats region of Maharashtra, Odisha, certain portions of West Bengal, and the northeast. They are typically deep to very deep, acidic (pH<6.0), and generally poor in plant nutrients.
Arid Soils
Arid soils are soils that form in arid or semi-arid climates. Arid climates are characterized by low precipitation and high evaporation, which results in a soil moisture deficit. Arid soils are typically sandy, saline, and alkaline. They are also low in organic matter and nutrients. Despite their limitations, arid soils can be used for agriculture, grazing, and recreation. Water infiltration is limited by the formations of the Kankar layer in the lowest horizons. As has been the case in western Rajasthan, these soils become cultivable with adequate irrigation.
Forest Soils
Forest soils are found in hilly and mountainous areas where there is sufficient rainfall. The texture of the soil varies depending on the mountain environment in which it is formed. In the snowbound areas of the Himalayas, these soils undergo denudation and are acidic with low humus content. The soils found in the lower valleys are fertile. There are three main types of forest soils in India: Brown Forest Soil, Podzol, and Alpine Meadow Soil.
Conclusion – Soil as a Resource and Classification of Soil
Soil is an essential non-renewable resource that provides a medium for plant growth, a habitat for many organisms, and helps regulate the Earth’s temperature. It also plays a key role in the water cycle and stores carbon. Soil is essential for human activities such as agriculture, construction, and waste management. Protecting and preserving soil is essential for sustainable development and the well-being of ecosystems and human societies.
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FAQs on Soil as a Resource and Classification of Soil
What is soil classification?
Soil classification is the systematic categorization of soils based on their properties, such as texture, color, and structure.
How is soil important as a resource?
Soil is essential for agriculture, providing nutrients and support for plant growth, as well as for various ecosystem functions like water filtration and habitat for organisms.
What are the main soil types?
The main soil types are sand, silt, and clay, with varying proportions of each determining soil texture.
Why is soil pH important?
Soil pH affects nutrient availability to plants and influences microbial activity in the soil, thus impacting plant growth and health.
How do soil horizons contribute to soil classification?
Soil horizons, layers formed over time due to weathering and organic matter accumulation, provide information about soil properties and processes, helping in classification.
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