Soils of Punjab | Punjab State (PPSC) PSC: Preparation - PPSC PCS (Punjab) PDF Download

Introduction

Soil is a crucial and valuable resource for all human beings. It consists of a mixture of rock fragments and organic materials that develop on the Earth’s surface. The characteristics of soil are primarily determined by factors such as parent material, climate, relief, vegetation, time, and animal organisms.

Formation of Soils in Punjab

The Punjab plain is part of the Indo-Gangetic drainage system and is formed by the deposition of alluvium brought down from the Himalayas. It is an extensive alluvial plain that gently slopes from about 350 meters above sea level in the northeast and north to about 180 meters in the southwest.

This region is primarily composed of alluvium deposited by the Indus River and its five tributaries: the Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej, which unite in the southwest of Punjab. Between the Yamuna and the Sutlej rivers in the east, the Ghaggar River and its tributaries also contributed to the alluviation process, forming the Malwa tract.

The Majha region is situated between the Beas and Ravi rivers, while the area between the Sutlej and Beas rivers is known as the Doab.

Soil Classification in Punjab

Punjab's soils are categorized based on topography, climate, and texture. The major types include:

Loamy Soils

Characteristics: Most fertile and productive soil group. Area Coverage: Cover nearly 25% of the state. Locations: Found in:

• Nawanshahr district
• Nakodar tehsil (Jalandhar district)
• Phagwara tehsil (Kapurthala district)
• Central parts of Kapurthala district
• Patiala, Nabha, Sangrur, Moga, Bathinda, Muktsar districts

Soil Characteristics:

• Color: Dark brown to black
• Texture: Deep and fine-grained
• pH: 7.8 to 8.0

Crops: Intensively cultivated for wheat and paddy. Issues: Flooding and excessive irrigation can lead to partial salt-affected areas.

Flood Plain or Bet Soils

Characteristics: Khadar soils from old flood plains. Also Known As: Ustifluvent or Udi soil. Locations: Found along the West bank of river Sutlej and in areas like Zira and Moga tehsils. Soil Characteristics:

• Color: Pale to yellowish brown
• Texture: Varies, well-drained, very deep
• pH: 7.0 to 8.4
• Organic Matter: Generally low and irregular

Crops: Suitable for paddy, wheat, sugarcane, and vegetables.

Sandy Soils

Characteristics: Arid soils found in South-Western and South Central Punjab. Locations: Found in districts like Bathinda, Mansa, Sangrur, Patiala, Firozpur, Muktsar, and patches of Ludhiana. Soil Characteristics:

• Color: Yellowish to grey
• Texture: Sandy loam to silt mix
• pH: 7.8 to 8.5
• Organic Matter: Deficient, overall grey color reflects this
• Nutrients: Poor in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash

Fertility: Low to medium, but can be improved with artificial irrigation. Crops: Capable of producing cotton, citrus, oilseeds, wheat, and fodder crops.

Kandi Soils

Formation: Result from deposition by numerous chos from the Shiwalik hills. Locations: Found in areas like Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr, and Ropar districts. Characteristics:

• Erosion: Badly eroded
• Productivity: Less productive
• Suitability: Suitable for dry farming

Alluvial Soils:
Alluvial soils are rich in minerals and are suitable for growing a variety of crops. They are the most prevalent type of soil in Punjab, covering about 66% of the total area. These soils are formed by the deposition of silt, clay, and sand by rivers and streams. The texture of alluvial soils can vary from sandy to clayey, depending on the proportion of different soil particles.

In Punjab, alluvial soils are further classified into two sub-types:

• Bhangar: These are the older alluvial soils found in the higher, more elevated areas of the river valleys. Bhangar soils are characterized by a higher content of clay and are less fertile compared to Khadar soils. They are usually darker in color and contain more organic matter.
• Khadar: These are the younger alluvial soils found in the floodplains and lower areas of the river valleys. Khadar soils are more fertile and have a higher content of sand and silt. They are lighter in color and contain less clay compared to Bhangar soils. Khadar soils are ideal for growing a wide range of crops, including rice, wheat, and sugarcane.

Alluvial soils in Punjab are known for their high fertility and productivity. They are rich in essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, making them suitable for intensive agriculture. The pH level of these soils ranges from neutral to slightly alkaline, which is conducive for plant growth.

Desert Soils

Desert soils in Punjab are found in the arid and semi-arid regions of the state, where the average annual rainfall is low, ranging from 20 to 30 cm. These soils are characterized by their sandy texture, which makes them well-drained but also prone to erosion. Desert soils are typically light brown to yellow in color and have a high pH level, indicating alkaline conditions.

Despite their harsh conditions, desert soils can support a range of crops, particularly those that are drought-resistant. Common crops grown in these soils include:

• Cotton:. major cash crop in Punjab, cotton thrives in the warm, dry conditions of desert soils.
• Wheat: Although wheat is usually associated with more fertile soils, certain drought-resistant varieties can be grown in desert soils.
• Barley: This hardy cereal crop is well-suited to the dry conditions of desert soils.
• Millets: Various types of millets, such as bajra (pearl millet) and jowar (sorghum), are commonly grown in desert soils due to their resilience to drought.
• Pulses: Leguminous crops like gram (chickpeas) and moong (green gram) are also cultivated in desert soils, as they require less water and can fix nitrogen in the soil.

The fertility of desert soils is generally low, as they lack essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. However, with the use of fertilizers and organic amendments, it is possible to improve the fertility and productivity of these soils. Conservation practices, such as planting cover crops and reducing tillage, can also help prevent erosion and improve soil health.

Sierozem Soils

Sierozem soils are found in the semi-arid regions of Punjab, where the average annual rainfall ranges from 50 to 70 cm. These soils are characterized by their grey color, which indicates a deficiency in organic matter, particularly nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. The texture of sierozem soils varies from sandy loam to silt, making them relatively easy to cultivate.

The pH level of sierozem soils ranges from 7.8 to 8.5, indicating slightly alkaline conditions. In some irrigated areas, issues of alkalinity and salinity can arise, posing challenges for crop production. Wind erosion is also a significant concern in regions dominated by sierozem soils, especially during dry periods.

Despite these challenges, sierozem soils are capable of producing high yields of various crops, particularly under irrigation. Some of the main crops grown in these soils include:

• Wheat: Sierozem soils are known for their high wheat yields, especially in irrigated conditions.
• Paddy (Rice): With adequate water supply, paddy can be successfully cultivated in sierozem soils.
• Sugarcane: This water-intensive crop thrives in the fertile conditions provided by sierozem soils.
• Oilseeds: Various oilseed crops, such as mustard and sunflower, can be grown in sierozem soils.
• Pulses: Leguminous crops like chickpeas and lentils are also suitable for cultivation in these soils.

However, excessive irrigation in some areas has led to the development of salinity issues in sierozem soils, which can adversely affect crop growth. To mitigate these problems, farmers are encouraged to adopt sustainable irrigation practices and soil management techniques.

Grey-Brown Podzolic and Forest Soils

Grey-brown podzolic and forest soils are found in the hilly and forested regions of Punjab, particularly in the Shiwalik hills and the northern districts of the state. These soils are characterized by their stony, gravelly, and sandy texture, which makes them less suitable for intensive agriculture. The topography of these areas is rugged, with steep slopes and dense vegetation, contributing to the formation of these soils.

The color of grey-brown podzolic soils ranges from reddish-brown to olive-brown, indicating the presence of iron and other minerals. These soils have developed under conditions of water erosion and cooler temperatures, which have limited their fertility and productivity. Organic matter content in grey-brown podzolic soils is generally low, as the decomposition of plant material is slow in the cooler climate.

Forest soils, on the other hand, are formed from the weathering of rocks and minerals under the influence of forest vegetation. These soils are typically richer in organic matter and nutrients compared to grey-brown podzolic soils, making them more suitable for agriculture. However, the steep slopes and rugged terrain of the hilly regions limit the extent of arable land.

Grey-brown podzolic and forest soils are not highly suitable for conventional agriculture due to their stony and gravelly texture. However, they can support certain types of crops, particularly those that are adapted to cooler conditions and steep slopes. Some of the crops that can be grown in these soils include:

• Fruits: Apples, pears, and plums are among the fruits that can be cultivated in the cooler regions of Punjab with grey-brown podzolic and forest soils.
• Vegetables: Certain vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, and spinach can be grown in the more fertile pockets of these soils.
• Medicinal herbs: With the rising demand for herbal products, the cultivation of medicinal herbs like mint and basil is becoming popular in these regions.

Sodic and Acidic Soils

• These soils are a result of waterlogging caused by excessive canal irrigation.
• They are found in districts such as Fazilka, Bathinda, Firozpur, Muktsar, and Faridkot in Punjab.
• The pH value of these soils ranges from 7.3 to 8.5, indicating a higher alkalinity.
• Due to their high content of soluble salts and elevated pH, these soils are not suitable for successful crop farming.
• However, with proper management techniques like the use of gypsum and green manure, these soils can be improved for agricultural purposes.
• When improved, crops such as wheat, rice, cotton, oilseeds, bajra, pulses, and fodder can be grown in these soils.

Soils of Punjab at a Glance

Soil Erosion in Punjab

Soil erosion refers to the displacement or removal of the upper layer of soil. This is a significant problem in many states of India, including Punjab. In Punjab, soil erosion is primarily caused by water and is particularly severe in the Shiwaliks and Kandi region, as well as along river courses and streams.

Districts such as Gurdaspur, Nawanshahr, Hoshiarpur, and Ropar in North-Eastern Punjab are especially affected, where water erosion by seasonal streams, known locally as Chos, is prevalent. The erosion is exacerbated by factors such as the loose structure and softness of rocks, steep slopes, deforestation, overgrazing, and various cultural and economic activities carried out by humans.

Department of Soil and Water Conservation

The Department of Soil and Water Conservation in Punjab was established as an independent entity in 1969, having previously been a part of the Agriculture Department. It is currently led by the Chief Conservator of Soils, Punjab, with its headquarters located in Chandigarh.

Soil Conservation Methods

• Soil conservation involves various practices such as:
• Construction of bunds (earth embankments)
• Creation of drainage trenches
• Establishment of Watt-bunds (a type of bund)
• Installation of outlets
• Land leveling
• Bench terracing (creating flat platforms on a slope)

Recent Initiatives

• The department plans to undertake several projects aimed at conserving soil and water, including:
• Building rainwater harvesting structures
• Developing perennial flow and hill seepage structures
• Implementing lift irrigation projects
• Constructing or renovating ponds with appropriate inlet and outlet structures
• Erecting retaining walls
• Setting up rooftop rainwater harvesting systems

Soil Erosion Causes

• Punjab has been increasingly focused on addressing soil conservation issues, particularly soil erosion, which is primarily caused by over-irrigation practices.
• Human activities significantly contribute to soil erosion through unsustainable management of natural resources, including:
• Deforestation
• Overgrazing leading to the destruction of natural vegetation
• Inadequate cultivation practices, such as continuous cultivation of the same crop
• High crop intensity
• Construction and mining activities