we will explain mitti ke prakar, what soil is, its characteristics, and how many types of soil exist in India. India is an agricultural country where a large part of the population depends on farming. From this perspective, soil plays a very important role for Indian farmers. Different types of soil are found across India, but not every soil is suitable for every crop. Each type of soil contains unique chemical elements and is best suited for specific crops. The variation in climate and geography across regions also influences the diversity of soil types. So, through this article, let us explore mitti ke prakar and understand how many types of soil are found in India and their key features.
What is Soil ?
The uppermost layer of the Earth’s surface is called soil or mitti, which provides organic matter, minerals, water, and essential nutrients for plant growth. The word “soil” comes from the Latin word solum. Generally, soil is made up of several layers, but the top layer consists of very fine particles mixed with decomposed materials and the remains of organisms. This top layer is rich in nutrients and is most suitable for the cultivation of different plants and crops. Understanding soil and mitti ke prakar is important because each type of soil has unique properties that affect fertility, water retention, and the kind of crops that can grow in it. Hence, soil plays a crucial role in agriculture and sustaining life on Earth.
Types of Soil in India (mitti ke prakar)
In 1879, Dok Shave conducted the first classification of Indian soils, grouping them into five distinct categories. Later, in 1953, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) introduced a more detailed system, categorizing Indian soils into eight major types that are still widely accepted today. Each type of soil has its own unique role and significance in agriculture. Some soils are formed through the weathering of rocks, while others are the result of natural processes such as climatic conditions, water flow, and biological activities.
Understanding mitti ke prakar is essential because each category of soil has different characteristics, fertility levels, and suitability for crops. Today, Indian soils are mainly divided into eight types, which form the foundation of agricultural practices across the country. Below, you can explore these eight major soil types in detail.
Name of all Soil ?
- Alluvial Soil
- Red and Yellow Soil
- Laterite Soil
- Black Soil
- Arid Soil
- Saline Soil
- Peaty Soil and Organic Soil
- Forest Soil
Alluvial Soil (Loamy Soil)
Alluvial soil, also known as loamy soil, is generally light gray in color. This type of soil develops through the deposition of sediments carried by rivers. Alluvial soil is very rich in potash, but it lacks sufficient nitrogen, phosphorus, and humus. Alluvial soil covers almost 22% of India’s total land area.
The deposition of this soil has led to the formation of major plains in India, such as the Indo-Gangetic Plains, the Brahmaputra Plains, the Cauvery Plains, the Sindh Plains, and the Godavari Plains. Known for its high fertility, alluvial soil is one of the most important among mitti ke prakarin India. It is considered highly suitable for growing crops like rice, maize, wheat, pulses, oilseeds, and potatoes.
Red Soil
In India, red soil covers an area of about 5.18 lakh square kilometers. This type of soil is formed as a result of climatic variations and the disintegration of metamorphic and crystalline rocks. Red soil contains a high amount of silica and iron. The presence of iron oxide gives it a distinct red color, but when it comes in contact with water, the soil appears yellowish. This soil is generally acidic in nature and is deficient in nitrogen, phosphorus, and humus, which makes it less fertile compared to other soils. However, crops like wheat, cotton, pulses, and coarse grainsare cultivated in it. In India, red soil is widely found in the eastern parts of Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh, northwestern districts of West Bengal, the Chotanagpur plateau, eastern regions of the Ravalli hills in Rajasthan, Nagaland, Meghalaya (Garo hills), Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and parts of Karnataka.
Laterite Soil
In terms of area, the laterite soil ranks fourth among the major mitti ke prakar found in India. It covers nearly 1.26 lakh square kilometers of the country’s land. Laterite soil is formed under special conditions caused by the alternating wet and dry cycles of the monsoon climate.
This soil is rich in iron and silica, but it is generally poor in nitrogen, potash, phosphorus, lime, and organic matter. Formed by the weathering of rocks, laterite soil is further classified into three types: white laterite, red laterite, and subterranean laterite. White laterite appears whitish due to the presence of kaolin and is the least fertile. Red laterite contains abundant oxides and potash, while subterranean laterite is considered more fertile because iron oxides dissolve in rainwater and percolate downward, enriching the lower layers.
Although laterite soil has low fertility overall, it is suitable for certain crops. In particular, it is considered excellent for tea cultivation.
Black Soil
After alluvial soil, the black soil is the most important for crop cultivation in India. This soil is formed due to the weathering of basalt rocks. Black soil is rich in iron, aluminum, lime, and magnesium, but it contains relatively low amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus.
The presence of titaniferous magnetite and organic matter gives this soil its distinctive black color. In southern India, black soil is popularly known as “Regur”, while in Kerala it is called “Sail” and in northern India, it is referred to as “Kevel”. Because it is best suited for cotton cultivation, it is also called “black cotton soil.”
Apart from cotton, black soil is also favorable for crops such as wheat, jowar (sorghum), bajra (pearl millet), lentils, and chickpeas. In India, black soil is widely distributed in the western parts of Madhya Pradesh, southern Odisha, Gujarat, Maharashtra, northern Karnataka, southern and coastal Andhra Pradesh, Coimbatore region, Bundi and Tonk districts of Rajasthan, and several parts of Tamil Nadu. This makes black soil one of the most fertile and agriculturally significant mitti ke prakar in the country
Organic Soil (Peaty Soil)
Organic soil also known as peat soilor marshy soil, is commonly found in regions of Kerala, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal. This soil contains a high amount of salts, but it is generally poor in phosphorus and potash .
Despite these limitations, certain crops can still be cultivated in marshy soil. Its unique composition makes it one of the important mitti ke prakar found in India, especially in areas with heavy rainfall and water logging conditions.
Arid and Desert Soil
Arid soil also known as desert soil is widely used for the cultivation of oilseeds. This soil contains a high amount of soluble salts and phosphorus, but it is generally deficient in organic matter and nitrogen. Apart from oilseeds, crops such as millets (bajra), sorghum (jowar), and finger millet (ragi) also grow well in this type of soil. However, successful cultivation requires an adequate supply of water, as desert soil tends to retain less moisture.
Saline Soil or Alkaline Soil
Saline soil, also known as alkaline soil, kallar soil, red soil, or user soil, is one of the important mitti ke prakar found in India. This type of soil contains very little nitrogen, while it has a high concentration of sodium, calcium, and magnesium, which makes it alkaline in nature.
Saline soil is commonly found in areas with poor drainage systems and is often formed in coastal regions due to seawater intrusion. In India, it is widely distributed in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and the coastal areas of Kerala.
Although it is less fertile, saline soil supports crops like coconut, which grow particularly well under such conditions.
REMAKS
The diversity of mitti ke prakar (types of soil in India) highlights the richness of India’s natural resources and their direct connection to agriculture. From the fertile alluvial plains that feed millions, to the specialized black cotton soils supporting cotton cultivation, and the laterite soils that favor tea plantations, each soil type has its unique role in sustaining life and supporting farmers.