What is Alluvial Soil

Alluvial soils are widespread in the northern plains and the river valleys. These soils cover about 40 per cent of

the total area of the country.

• They are depositional soils, transported and deposited by rivers and streams.

• Through a narrow corridor in Rajasthan, they extend into the plains of Gujarat. In the Peninsular region, they are

found in deltas of the east coast and in the river valleys.

• vary in nature from sandy loam to clay

• rich in potash but poor in phosphorous.

• two different types of alluvial soils have developed, viz. Khadar and Bhangar. Khadar is the new alluvium and is

deposited by floods annually, which enriches the soil by depositing fine silts. Bhangar represents a system of older

alluvium, deposited away from the flood plains. Both the Khadar and Bhangar soils contain calcareous concretions

(Kankars).

• The colour of the alluvial soils varies from the light grey to ash grey. Its shades depend on the depth of the deposition, the texture of the materials, and the time taken for attaining maturity. Alluvial soils are intensively cultivated.

Type of Soil