Question

Explain the main features of alluvial soil.

Answer 1

1. Rich in Minerals:

   1. Contains essential nutrients like potash, phosphoric acid, and lime.
   2. High fertility makes it ideal for agriculture.

2. Suitable for Agriculture:

   1. Supports major crops like wheat, rice, sugarcane, and pulses.
   2. Promotes high agricultural productivity.

3. Deposited by Rivers:

   1. Formed by the deposition of silt by rivers like the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus.
   2. Found in Indo-Gangetic plains, river valleys, and coastal deltas.

4. Two Types: Khadar and Bhangar:

   1. Khadar: New alluvium, finer particles, more fertile, found near riverbanks.
   2. Bhangar: Older alluvium, coarse texture, contains kankar (calcareous nodules).

5. High Moisture Retention:

   1. Retains water well, supporting multiple cropping cycles.
   2. Suitable for both rabi and kharif crops.