Question

Explain the main features of alluvial soil.

Hint:

Alluvial soil supports dense farming and feeds a large part of India’s population.

Answer 1

Alluvial soil is one of the most fertile and widely spread soils in India. Its features include:
Formation: Formed by deposits from rivers like the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus.
Fertility: Rich in minerals like potash, lime, and phosphoric acid, making it ideal for agriculture.
Texture: Fine particles and good water retention capacity.
Distribution: Found in the Indo-Gangetic plain, deltas, and river valleys.
Types: Khadar (new alluvium – more fertile) and Bangar (old alluvium – less fertile). Suitable crops include rice, wheat, sugarcane, and pulses.