Our soil – Class 4

What is soil?

The top covering of the Earth’s surface is called as soil.

How is soil formed?

  • Soil is formed when rocks break down into very small pieces.
  • The pieces further break down into sand and silt.
  • Water, wind ,temperature change etc help in soil formation.
  • It takes thousands of years to form very thin layer of soil.
  • Soil is carried out to different places by running water and wind.

What is soil fertility ?

  • Soil fertility is the ability of the soil to help  in the growth of plant.
  • Manure and fertilizers are added to the soil to increase its fertility.
  • Fertile soil produces more crops.

Types of soil in India

Many types of soils are found in India
They are as follows

Alluvial soil

Alluvial soil
  • Alluvial soil is the most fertile soil.
  • Alluvial soil is formed when river deposits silt along its Bank.
  • Alluvial soil is found in the Northern and the coastal plains.
  • Rice wheat jute and vegetables grow well in this soil.

Black soil

Black soil
  • Black soil is formed from Lava rocks.
  • Black soil is black in colour.
  • It is also called as Black Lava soil.
  • Black soil is found in Maharashtra Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.
  • It holds large amount of water or moisture.
  • Crops like Cotton sugarcane wheat and oil seeds grow in this soil.

Red soil

Red soil
  • This soil is less fertile.
  • This soil is generally found in warm and moist climate.
  • In India it is found in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand and the Northeastern States.
  • The lowermost layer red soil is dark in colour and very fertile.
  • Proper use of fertilizers and irrigation high production of cotton, wheat, rice, millets and pulses.

Laterite soil

Laterite soil
  • Laterite soil is formed when minerals are washed away from the soil due to heavy rainfall.
  • This soil is rich in iron and Aluminium.
  • Laterite soil is found in parts of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Assam and Meghalaya.
  • Laterite soil when properly manure can be used to grow tea, coffee,  rubber, coconut and fruits.

Mountain soil

mountain soil
  • Mountain soil is very rich in humus.
  • Mountain soil is found on the hill slopes in Jammu Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Tea, coffee, wheat, maize and tropical fruits are grown in such soil.

Also Check – What is Humus? Exploring the Heart of Healthy Soil

Desert soil

Desert Soil
  • Desert soil is Sandy and infertile.
  • Desert soil is found in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
  • If water irrigation is available millets, barley, wheat, pulses and cotton can be grown in such soil.

What is soil erosion?

soil erosion
  • Soil erosion is the process in which topsoil is removed by rainwater and wind.
  • Soil loses fertility due to erosion.
  • Soil erosion is harmful for the fertility of soil.

Also Check – Soil Erosion: Types, Causes, Effects, and Prevention Explained

What is soil conservation?

Soil conservation is the process in which we protect the soil and prevent soil erosion.
Following steps should be taken for soil conservation
  • Do not cut the trees
  • Plant more trees
  • Do not keep the field Barren
  • Stop Overgrazing of land
  • Use manure or natural fertilizers instead of artificial fertilizers.

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