{"id":9982,"date":"2024-08-03T10:53:50","date_gmt":"2024-08-03T10:53:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/?p=9982"},"modified":"2024-08-03T11:31:42","modified_gmt":"2024-08-03T11:31:42","slug":"soil","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/soil\/","title":{"rendered":"Soil: Meaning, Features &amp; Soil Profile"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em><strong>Soils <\/strong>are the complex, dynamic layers of<strong> rock debris <\/strong>and <strong>organic material<\/strong> that develop on the Earth&#8217;s surface. They are crucial for supporting plant life, influencing <strong>ecosystem functions,<\/strong> and maintaining <strong>environmental health<\/strong>. This article aims to study in detail the <strong>formation, profiles, characteristics, and classification <\/strong>of soils, highlighting their importance in agriculture and land management.<\/em><\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_56_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-transparent ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/soil\/#What_is_Soil\" title=\"What is Soil?\">What is Soil?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/soil\/#Factors_affecting_the_Soil_formation\" title=\"Factors affecting the Soil formation\">Factors affecting the Soil formation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/soil\/#Soil_Profile\" title=\"Soil Profile\">Soil Profile<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/soil\/#Horizon_A\" title=\"Horizon A\">Horizon A<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/soil\/#Horizon_B\" title=\"Horizon B\">Horizon B<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/soil\/#Horizon_C\" title=\"Horizon C\">Horizon C<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/soil\/#Horizon_R\" title=\"Horizon R\">Horizon R<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/soil\/#Characteristics_of_Soil_Profile\" title=\"Characteristics of Soil Profile\">Characteristics of Soil Profile<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/soil\/#Soil_Texture\" title=\"Soil Texture\">Soil Texture<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/soil\/#Soil_Structure\" title=\"Soil Structure\">Soil Structure<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/soil\/#Soil_pH\" title=\"Soil pH\">Soil pH<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/soil\/#Soil_Air\" title=\"Soil Air\">Soil Air<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/soil\/#Soil_Temperature\" title=\"Soil Temperature\">Soil Temperature<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/soil\/#Soil_Colour\" title=\"Soil Colour\">Soil Colour<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/soil\/#Soil_Consistency\" title=\"Soil Consistency\">Soil Consistency<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/soil\/#Soil_Crusting\" title=\"Soil Crusting\">Soil Crusting<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/soil\/#Types_of_Soils_in_India\" title=\"Types of Soils in India\">Types of Soils in India<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/soil\/#ICAR_Classification_of_Soils\" title=\"ICAR Classification of Soils\">ICAR Classification of Soils<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/soil\/#Oxisols\" title=\"Oxisols\">Oxisols<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/soil\/#Aridisols_Desert_Soils\" title=\"Aridisols (Desert Soils)\">Aridisols (Desert Soils)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/soil\/#Mollisols_Grassland_Soils\" title=\"Mollisols (Grassland Soils)\">Mollisols (Grassland Soils)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/soil\/#Alfisols_Moderately_Weathered_Forest_Soils\" title=\"Alfisols (Moderately Weathered Forest Soils)\">Alfisols (Moderately Weathered Forest Soils)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/soil\/#Ultisols\" title=\"Ultisols\">Ultisols<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/soil\/#Spodosols_Coniferous_Forest_Soils\" title=\"Spodosols (Coniferous Forest Soils)\">Spodosols (Coniferous Forest Soils)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/soil\/#Entisols\" title=\"Entisols\">Entisols<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/soil\/#Inceptisols\" title=\"Inceptisols\">Inceptisols<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/soil\/#Andisols_Volcanic_Parent_Materials\" title=\"Andisols (Volcanic Parent Materials)\">Andisols (Volcanic Parent Materials)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/soil\/#Vertisols_Expandable_Clay_Soils\" title=\"Vertisols (Expandable Clay Soils)\">Vertisols (Expandable Clay Soils)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/soil\/#Histosols_Organic_Soils\" title=\"Histosols (Organic Soils)\">Histosols (Organic Soils)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/soil\/#Conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/soil\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs\" title=\"Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)\">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/soil\/#What_is_Soil-2\" title=\"What is Soil?\">What is Soil?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/soil\/#How_is_soil_formed\" title=\"How is soil formed?\">How is soil formed?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-34\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/soil\/#What_is_Soil_Profile\" title=\"What is Soil Profile?\">What is Soil Profile?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-35\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/soil\/#How_many_types_of_soil\" title=\"How many types of soil?\">How many types of soil?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-36\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/soil\/#How_to_prevent_Soil_Erosion\" title=\"How to prevent Soil Erosion?\">How to prevent Soil Erosion?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-37\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/soil\/#How_are_nutrients_replenished_in_the_soil\" title=\"How are nutrients replenished in the soil?\">How are nutrients replenished in the soil?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4e475068beac8aec1355c9df40cda167\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_Soil\"><\/span><strong>What is Soil?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Soil <\/strong>is the mixture of <strong>rock debris<\/strong> and <strong>organic materials <\/strong>that develop on the Earth\u2019s surface.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mineral particles, humus, water,<\/strong> and <strong>air <\/strong>are the components of soil.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Various <strong>forces of nature<\/strong>, such as <strong>changes in temperature, <\/strong>actions of<strong> running water, wind, glaciers,<\/strong> and activities of <strong>decomposers<\/strong>, contribute to the formation of soil.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It takes <strong>millions of years<\/strong> to form soil up to a few <strong>centimetres <\/strong>in depth.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b5e74408a39110a6312ebbb13eef3fc1\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Factors_affecting_the_Soil_formation\"><\/span><strong>Factors affecting the Soil formation<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The significant factors affecting the <strong>formation of soil<\/strong> are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Relief (viz. altitude and slope)<\/strong> &#8211; Determines the accumulation of soil in a particular region,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Parent material <\/strong>&#8211; Determines <strong>colour, texture, chemical properties, mineral content, and permeability <\/strong>of the soil,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Climate (viz. temperature and rainfall)<\/strong> &#8211; Influence the rate of <strong>weathering <\/strong>and <strong>humus formation,<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Vegetation and other life forms<\/strong> &#8211; Affect the rate of<strong> humus formation,<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Time <\/strong>&#8211; Determines the <strong>thickness <\/strong>of the soil profile.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These factors do not act on soil independently or in isolation but in close association with each other, leading to a whole network of<strong> inter-relationships<\/strong> of quite a complex nature. The soil acts as a medium for the <strong>growth of plants <\/strong>and supports different types of<strong> living organisms<\/strong> on the Earth. Hence, it is the most important <strong>natural resource<\/strong> necessary for <strong>sustaining life<\/strong> on the planet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9ca3d4ea059bd225cefeef70b069ab42\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Soil_Profile\"><\/span><strong>Soil Profile<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Soil <\/strong>is formed of majorly<strong> three primary layers<\/strong> which have different <strong>colours <\/strong>and <strong>compositions<\/strong>.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>These layers are known as <strong>horizons<\/strong>, and they form the <strong>soil profile.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Thus, the <strong>soil profile<\/strong> is a<strong> vertical section<\/strong> of soil in which the soil <strong>horizons <\/strong>are shown.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The significant <strong>horizons <\/strong>of the soil are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6b3f8af9f3817ed2f7929a1663b2449e\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Horizon_A\"><\/span><strong>Horizon A<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u2018Horizon A\u2019 is the topmost zone, where organic materials have been incorporated with the mineral matter, nutrients and water, which are necessary for the growth of plants.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-02f4ca971057ac97d931a2b3d16ac007\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Horizon_B\"><\/span><strong>Horizon B<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u2018Horizon B\u2019 is the subsoil that acts as a transition zone between <strong>\u2018Horizon A\u2019 and \u2018Horizon C\u2019<\/strong> and contains matter derived from below and from above.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It has some organic matter, although the mineral matter is noticeably weathered.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e4c333c33854d37a37912457181c806e\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Horizon_C\"><\/span><strong>Horizon C<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u2018<strong>Horizon C<\/strong>\u2019 is composed of the <strong>loose parent material<\/strong>. This layer is the first stage in soil formation and eventually forms the two layers above.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-89111cd9fbd30f8e6e240ed76a9baf6a\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Horizon_R\"><\/span><strong>Horizon R<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u2018Horizon R\u2019 is a <strong>layer in the bedrock.<\/strong> When the soil has direct contact with the bedrock, incredibly close to the soil surface, the bedrock becomes a variable when developing land use management plans. Its presence is noted in the soil profile description.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Underneath these three horizons is the rock, also known as the<strong> parent rock or bedrock.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXc4Oak8-UTrPfD2CsXh0j_uvrnle1dL5xglV0V2SJkSG8O-AIhKkS7IYQMnP-h5HLaRkspQbNQnhS0A7JKi6WFIn8iKTkbV1MzWeXdj_WE8Gj2H8m8KZ2keyfosnUvI0B04GAoRYunY87BNWAQbjlVRLGs?key=pwUz9gosgX5_eRWQ-x_OoQ\" width=\"440\" height=\"327\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1a96d5679c88078bb3dbc8116c10310f\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Characteristics_of_Soil_Profile\"><\/span><strong>Characteristics of Soil Profile<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A <strong>Soil Profile<\/strong> is generally characterised in terms of the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-01b405a625bb4c670308d12aba0401f8\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Soil_Texture\"><\/span><strong>Soil Texture<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The ultimate size of the soil particle, called <strong>soil texture<\/strong>, has an important influence on <strong>soil permeability, water intake, <\/strong>and <strong>water storage capacity.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Based on texture, soils are identified as <strong>sandy <\/strong>(2\u20130.05 mm average particle diameter), <strong>silty <\/strong>(0.05\u20130.002 mm), <strong>clayey <\/strong>(less than 0.002 mm), and <strong>loamy <\/strong>(mixture of sand, clay, and silt).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>loam <\/strong>has the right <strong>water-holding capacity<\/strong> for plant growth, making it the best topsoil for cultivation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-0ec68a4784c73c8dcd3a026310ec7606\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Soil_Structure\"><\/span><strong>Soil Structure<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Soil structure <\/strong>refers to the arrangement and organisation of the particles in the soil, i.e., how <strong>sand<\/strong>, <strong>silt<\/strong>, <strong>clay<\/strong>, and <strong>humus <\/strong>bond together to form soil beds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Soil structure influences the soil&#8217;s mechanical properties and can affect <strong>germination, root growth, tillage, overland traffic, and erosion.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-acf14d016e5cb6191df662f1577e7f5e\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Soil_pH\"><\/span><strong>Soil pH<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The value on the <strong>pH scale <\/strong>(values ranging from 0-14) that gives the concentration of<strong> hydrogen ions<\/strong> held by the soil particles determines whether the soil is <strong>acidic <\/strong>(pH&lt;7), <strong>alkaline <\/strong>(pH&gt;7), or <strong>neutral <\/strong>(pH=7).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It has both direct and indirect effects on the growth of plants.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-36b6c0faf5c95fd6cf3bf8006c4d3dbc\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Soil_Air\"><\/span><strong>Soil Air<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>air content<\/strong> of the soil is vital, both to itself and to the <strong>organic life<\/strong> within it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The air in the soil helps in the process of <strong>oxidation<\/strong>, which converts <strong>nitrogen <\/strong>into a form readily available to the plants.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Too high a degree of oxidation (in the tropical regions) may consume so much <strong>organic material<\/strong> that the soil becomes increasingly sterile.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Moreover, most <strong>bacteria<\/strong>, present in the soil in infinite numbers, require oxygen and are said to be <strong>aerobic<\/strong>. The absence of air limits their activity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9c6c581fc6e4bea629e1b769ebcc5e96\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Soil_Temperature\"><\/span><strong>Soil Temperature<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Temperature <\/strong>controls the <strong>biological activity<\/strong> of soil. Soil temperature affects <strong>germination, root-shoot growth, nutrient uptake, and plant development.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b7d81ddc30590311cd367034b6ce7258\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Soil_Colour\"><\/span><strong>Soil Colour<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>colour <\/strong>of soil is related to soil constituents, such as <strong>organic matter and iron<\/strong> oxides. For example, <strong>the black <\/strong>colour of soil is due to <strong>organic matter.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4c5984f090de87a7f5dd1c30c4b9e098\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Soil_Consistency\"><\/span><strong>Soil Consistency<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Soil consistency<\/strong> refers to the attributes of soil material expressed by the degree of <strong>cohesion and adhesion.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It plays a vital role in determining the physical behaviour of a given soil-water system.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is described with reference to <strong>the water content<\/strong> of the soil. Thus, soil may be <strong>problematic <\/strong>when dry, <strong>friable <\/strong>when moist, and <strong>plastic <\/strong>when wet.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-66102cb60c93f5e1593e7f4020f1fe3e\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Soil_Crusting\"><\/span><strong>Soil Crusting<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>This is a kind of <strong>soil compaction <\/strong>caused by the beating action of <strong>raindrops <\/strong>or wetting with irrigation water.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Soil with a low water-stable structure <strong>slakes <\/strong>and gets dispersed, and the fine particles clog the soil pores.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>When such soil dries, a thin layer or <strong>hard crust<\/strong> of soil is formed, presenting a serious barrier to seedling emergence.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-c7a437337635a0dd085e58a6e333964e\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Types_of_Soils_in_India\"><\/span><strong>Types of Soils in India<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The varied relief features, landforms, climatic realms, and vegetation types of India have contributed to the development of various kinds of soils in India. Based on this, the Indian Council of Agriculture Research classified soils into eight types:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Alluvial Soils,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Red Soils,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Black Soils (Regu),<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Desert Soils,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Laterite Soils,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mountain Soils,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Alkaline Soils, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Peaty and Marshy Soils.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Read our detailed article on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/types-of-soils-in-india\/\">Types of Soils in India.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-c753fe7b3849e491540f20680ceaa41d\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"ICAR_Classification_of_Soils\"><\/span><strong>ICAR Classification of Soils<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The ICAR has also classified soils of India based on their nature and character, as per the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Soil Taxonomy. ICAR has classified the soils of India into the following order as per the USDA soil taxonomy:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-background has-fixed-layout\" style=\"background-color:#ebecf0\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Names of Soils<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Area (in thousand hectares)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Percentage<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Inceptisols<\/td><td>130372.90<\/td><td>39.74<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Entisols<\/td><td>92131.71<\/td><td>28.08<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Alfisols<\/td><td>44448.68<\/td><td>13.55<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Vertisols<\/td><td>27960.00<\/td><td>8.52<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Aridisols<\/td><td>14069.00<\/td><td>4.28<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Ultisols<\/td><td>8250.00<\/td><td>2.51<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Mollisols<\/td><td>1320.00<\/td><td>0.40<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Others<\/td><td>9503.10<\/td><td>2.92<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Total<\/strong><\/td><td><\/td><td><strong>100<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The ICAR classification of soils of India has been discussed in detail in the following section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b2775c300cf5c3fe1f9a803842301eeb\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Oxisols\"><\/span><strong>Oxisols<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>These soils develop in the<strong> hot and humid climates <\/strong>of the<strong> equatorial region.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>These soils are called <strong>oxisols <\/strong>because they have a distinctive horizon with a mixture of <strong>iron <\/strong>and <strong>aluminium oxides.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Related vegetation is the <strong>luxuriant and diverse tropical and equatorial rainforest.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e37f706fcf64047cbc317766019cda7d\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Aridisols_Desert_Soils\"><\/span><strong>Aridisols (Desert Soils)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The largest single soil order occurs in <strong>dry regions<\/strong> of the world.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>These soils occupy nearly <strong>19 per cent<\/strong> of the Earth\u2019s land surface.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They are <strong>pale and light <\/strong>near the surface, <strong>moisture deficit, and lack organic matter.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Salinisation <\/strong>is the main problem of these soils, complicating farming in Aridisols.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-50f5a621a0530c696e226ff3084ecba1\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mollisols_Grassland_Soils\"><\/span><strong>Mollisols (Grassland Soils)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>They are the most <strong>productive soils <\/strong>on the Earth, rich in <strong>humus content, <\/strong>and have<strong> <\/strong>a<strong> dark-coloured surface.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mollisols <\/strong>are <strong>soft<\/strong>, even when dry, with <strong>granular pads<\/strong> that are loosely arranged when dry. These <strong>humus-rich organic soils<\/strong> are high in <strong>basic cations <\/strong>and exhibit high <strong>fertility<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The soils of the steppes and prairies<\/strong> worldwide belong to this group. These soils are utilised for <strong>large-scale commercial grain farming and grazing.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The process of <strong>calcification <\/strong>is very strong in these soils. When cemented or hardened, these deposits are called <strong>calche or kankar.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4096b5de71ffc3f111e238033f9c7bab\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Alfisols_Moderately_Weathered_Forest_Soils\"><\/span><strong>Alfisols (Moderately Weathered Forest Soils)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>These are the most widespread <\/strong>soil orders, extending from near the equator to high latitudes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pale, greyish-brown to reddish in colour, <\/strong>they are considered <strong>moist versions of the Mollisols<\/strong> soil group.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Alfisols <\/strong>have <strong>moderate-to-high reserves <\/strong>of <strong>basic cations<\/strong> and are <strong>fertile<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>However, their <strong>productivity <\/strong>depends on <strong>moisture and temperature.<\/strong> They are supplemented by the <strong>moderate application of lime <\/strong>and other<strong> chemical fertilisers.<\/strong> Some of the <strong>best agricultural farms<\/strong> in the USA have this soil type.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e4382cb0b6ad709d317ca19b098d6186\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ultisols\"><\/span><strong>Ultisols<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>These <strong>highly weathered forest soils<\/strong> are found in <strong>temperate climates. They tend to be reddish<\/strong> in colour because of <strong>residual iron and aluminium oxides in the A horizon.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The increased <strong>precipitation <\/strong>in <strong>Ultisol <\/strong>regions means <strong>greater mineral alteration, more leaching,<\/strong> and, therefore, a<strong> lower fertility level.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Certain <strong>agricultural practices<\/strong> and the<strong> effects of soil-damaging crops<\/strong> such as <strong>cotton <\/strong>and <strong>tobacco further reduce fertility. <\/strong>These soils need <strong>substantial management.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5596c84b1b856231d3dafdd1ff9c0efd\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Spodosols_Coniferous_Forest_Soils\"><\/span><strong>Spodosols (Coniferous Forest Soils)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Found in the <strong>humid continental mild summer climates.<\/strong> Their distribution is found in <strong>North America<\/strong> and <strong>Eurasia<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They are <strong>not found in the southern hemisphere.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Spodosols <strong>lack <\/strong>humus and clay in the <strong>horizons<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The leaves of the <strong>conifers <\/strong>add <strong>acidity <\/strong>to the soil. They are <strong>ash gray <\/strong>and are also known as <strong>podzol soils.<\/strong> These are <strong>not very fertile soils.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To enhance the fertility, the application of <strong>lime <\/strong>is required.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d338c777860202a8f2eb8dd30e61ac0a\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Entisols\"><\/span><strong>Entisols<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Usually <strong>young or underdeveloped.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lack of vertical development<\/strong> of horizons.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>These are <strong>less fertile soils. Dunes, ergs, outwash glacial plains, poorly drained tundra, tidal mud flats,<\/strong> etc., are examples of <strong>Entisols<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-277b8b2c25aaeca54c5b8835544639e3\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Inceptisols\"><\/span><strong>Inceptisols<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>These soils are <strong>inherently infertile.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They are usually<strong> weakly developed<\/strong> young soils though they are more developed than <strong>Entisols<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They include the soils of most of the <strong>arctic tundra and outwash moraines.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d07b59ae1adae39e59085dc4cebff1dd\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Andisols_Volcanic_Parent_Materials\"><\/span><strong>Andisols (Volcanic Parent Materials)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The term <strong>Andisols <\/strong>has been derived from<strong> volcanic ash and glass.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Highly fertile<\/strong> and have a <strong>high water holding capacity.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>These soils occupy a relatively <strong>smaller area,<\/strong> especially around the <strong>volcanic ring of fire <\/strong>in the<strong> Pacific Rim.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Examples are the <strong>fertile soils of Hawaii <\/strong>that produce <strong>sugarcane <\/strong>and <strong>pineapple<\/strong> as important cash crops.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4745d7f97e3fd28cd6cb959cf7d47737\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Vertisols_Expandable_Clay_Soils\"><\/span><strong>Vertisols (Expandable Clay Soils)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Composed of more than <strong>30 per cent clays.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Vertisol clay becomes black<\/strong> when it gets wet and <strong>hard when dried.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>While drying, <strong>Vertisols cracks<\/strong> the soil, and the cracks <strong>widen <\/strong>and <strong>deepen<\/strong> as the soil dries.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>Regur soils of India<\/strong> are an example of <strong>Vertisols<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-ce7b33a3844cf8e427c84ce9caf4de75\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Histosols_Organic_Soils\"><\/span><strong>Histosols (Organic Soils)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Formed from accumulation of <strong>thick organic matter.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bog marshes<\/strong> are examples of <strong>Histosols<\/strong>. Dried <strong>Histosols <\/strong>are used as <strong>low-grade fuel.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d0adc4bd9eb2e9b9b187dc32f0e06642\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Soil is a dynamic and vital component of our environment, playing a crucial role in plant growth, water filtration, and supporting diverse ecosystems. By comprehending the different soil horizons and their functions, along with the various soil types in India, we can develop better conservation practices and sustainable land management strategies. Ensuring the health of our soil is vital for agricultural productivity, environmental stability, and the overall well-being of our ecosystems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-618812723183593a2c916a1fd5800128\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs\"><\/span><strong>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1722679166178\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_Soil-2\"><\/span><strong>What is Soil?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Soil is the upper layer of the earth&#8217;s surface composed of mineral particles, organic matter, water, and air.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1722679183535\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_is_soil_formed\"><\/span><strong>How is soil formed?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Soil formation is a complex process involving the weathering of rocks and the decomposition of organic matter over long periods.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1722679192565\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_Soil_Profile\"><\/span><strong>What is Soil Profile?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>A soil profile is a vertical section of soil that displays its various layers, known as horizons.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1722679204493\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_many_types_of_soil\"><\/span><strong>How many types of soil?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>There are six types of soil &#8211; clay, sandy, peaty, silty, chalky, and loamy soil.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1722679210157\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_prevent_Soil_Erosion\"><\/span><strong>How to prevent Soil Erosion?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Soil erosion can be prevented through plant vegetation, mulching, terracing, contour ploughing, grass cover and building retaining walls.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1722679219164\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_are_nutrients_replenished_in_the_soil\"><\/span><strong>How are nutrients replenished in the soil?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Nutrients can be replenished in the soil through composting, green manure, fertilisers, crop rotation, etc.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Soils are the complex, dynamic layers of rock debris and organic material that develop on the Earth&#8217;s surface..<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":10003,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[67,832],"tags":[73],"class_list":["post-9982","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-geography","category-indian-geography","tag-gs-1"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9982","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9982"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9982\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18984,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9982\/revisions\/18984"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10003"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9982"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9982"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9982"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}