ICAR Major Soil Groups and Geological Origin
India's geological diversity, ranging from ancient peninsular basalt shields to young Indo-Gangetic alluvial deposits, creates distinct soil profiles.
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) categorizes the country's pedological landscape into 8 major recognized soil groups.
- Alluvial Soils (Inceptisols & Entisols): River-deposited sediments covering the Indo-Gangetic plain and coastal deltas; high potash, fertile for food grains
- Black Soils (Vertisols / Regur): Volcanic basalt weathering across the Deccan plateau; high clay content and water retention; classic cotton and soybean soils
- Red and Yellow Soils (Alfisols): Developed over ancient crystalline igneous rocks; red color from ferric oxides; responsive to irrigation and fertilizers
- Laterite Soils (Oxisols / Ultisols): Heavy monsoon leaching leaves acidic iron and aluminum oxide crusts; ideal for plantation cashew, tea, and rubber
- Arid / Desert Soils (Aridisols): Sandy texture with low humus and high soluble salts across western Rajasthan and northern Gujarat
- Saline and Alkaline Soils (Usar / Reh): Characterized by sodium, calcium, and magnesium salt accumulations requiring gypsum reclamation
Soil Properties: Texture, pH, and Nutrient Profiles
Understanding soil chemical and physical characteristics is necessary for calibrated fertilizer application and soil health stewardship.
Each soil class requires specific mineral and organic amendments to sustain high agronomic productivity.
- Texture & Porosity: Sand (high drainage, low CEC), Silt (moderate retention), and Clay (high nutrient binding, moisture retentive)
- Soil Reaction (pH): Acidic soils (pH < 6.0, laterite/forest) require agricultural lime; alkaline soils (pH > 8.5) require agricultural gypsum
- Organic Carbon: Depleted across most tropical Indian soils (< 0.5%); requires regular incorporation of FYM, vermicompost, and green manures
Soil Health Cards and Soil Testing Portals
The Government of India's Soil Health Card (SHC) scheme provides farmers with parcel-specific 12-parameter soil fertility reports.
Testing soil every 2 to 3 years prevents wasteful over-application of synthetic urea and balances micronutrient nutrition.
- 12 Tested Parameters: Primary (N, P, K), Secondary (S), Micronutrients (Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, B), and Physical parameters (pH, EC, Organic Carbon)
- Custom Recommendations: Soil test reports calculate exact fertilizer doses needed for targeted crop yields
- Sampling Methodology: Collect composite zigzag soil cores 15 cm deep from field plots avoiding bunds and manure heaps
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Common questions
How many major soil groups are recognized by ICAR in India?
ICAR recognizes 8 major soil groups: Alluvial, Black, Red and Yellow, Laterite, Arid/Desert, Saline/Alkaline, Peaty/Organic, and Forest/Mountain soils.
What is the USDA soil taxonomy name for black cotton soil?
Black cotton soils are classified scientifically as Vertisols, characterized by high shrink-swell clay minerals.
How can alkaline (Usar) soil be reclaimed for agriculture?
Alkaline soils with high exchangeable sodium are reclaimed by applying agricultural gypsum (calcium sulfate) followed by leaching with clean water.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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