📌 Topic 05 of 6 · Chapter 04 · Soils of India
Arid, Saline & Peaty Soils of India
Desert soil, saline soil (usar), peaty soil — distribution and properties — complete notes for UPSC & PSC exams.
🌱 Arid (Desert) Soil
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Distribution | Rajasthan, Gujarat (Kachchh), southern Punjab, Haryana |
| Colour | Red to brown |
| Texture | Sandy; coarse; porous; low water retention |
| Fertility | Low — deficient in humus, nitrogen; high salt content; high phosphate |
| pH | Alkaline (due to calcium carbonate) |
| Special feature | Contains kankar (calcium carbonate) layers that restrict water percolation |
| Crops | Drought-resistant crops: bajra, jowar, barley; with irrigation: wheat, cotton |
🌱 Saline & Alkaline Soil
- Also called Usar, Reh, Kallar, Thur, Rakar (different regional names)
- Distribution: UP (largest area), Punjab, Haryana, Bihar, Maharashtra, Rajasthan
- Formation: Waterlogging, poor drainage, excessive irrigation, capillary action brings salts to surface
- Properties: High sodium, calcium, magnesium salts; infertile; white crust on surface
- Reclamation: Gypsum application, leaching with water, growing salt-tolerant crops (dhaincha)
- About 6.73 million hectares of saline/alkaline soil in India
🌱 Peaty & Marshy Soil
- Distribution: Kerala (Kuttanad — below sea level), coastal Odisha, Sundarbans (WB), Bihar, Uttarakhand
- Formation: Accumulation of organic matter in waterlogged conditions
- Properties: High organic content (humus); heavy; black; acidic; waterlogged
- Kuttanad (Kerala): Farming below sea level — unique paddy cultivation in peaty soil
- Rich in organic matter but deficient in potash and phosphate
⭐ Key Facts — Other Soils:
• Arid soil = Rajasthan = sandy = low fertility = kankar layers
• Saline soil = Usar/Reh = UP largest area = white salt crust = reclaimed with gypsum
• Peaty soil = Kerala (Kuttanad) = high organic matter = waterlogged = acidic
• Kuttanad = farming below sea level = UNESCO heritage agricultural system
• Arid soil = Rajasthan = sandy = low fertility = kankar layers
• Saline soil = Usar/Reh = UP largest area = white salt crust = reclaimed with gypsum
• Peaty soil = Kerala (Kuttanad) = high organic matter = waterlogged = acidic
• Kuttanad = farming below sea level = UNESCO heritage agricultural system