Soil And Soil Water Present In It

Soil

The loose surface material which covers most of the land , is called Soil. It consists inorganic particle as well as organic substances. except these it has air , water , soil water , minerals , gaseous, liquid and many other things. it provides the structural support to the plant and the source of the plant's nutrition and water.

Types of Soil

Soil can be divided into different parts on the basis of its colour, structure and its particles and its components etc. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research has divided the soil into eight types on the basis of its structure and its constituents. Which are as follows –

• Classification Of Soil On The Basis Of Soil Structure And Its Constituents
• Classification Of Soil On The Basis Of Size Of Soil Particles

Indian Classical Dance Form

A. Classification Of Soil On The Basis Of Soil Structure And Its Constituents

1. Alluvial Soil
2. Black soil or regur soil or cotton soil
3. Red Soil
4. Laterite Soil
5. Forest and Mountain Soil
6. Arid and Desert Soil
7. Saline and Alkaline Soil
8. Peaty and Marshy Soil

1. Alluvial Soil

Alluvial soil is mainly found in abundance in the coastal plains and delta regions. In this, sand, silt and clay are found in different proportions. Potash, phosphoric acid, lime and organic elements are found in abundance in alluvial soil, but it lacks nitrogen and humus.

Alluvial soil can be mainly divided into two parts. First – Bangar and second – Khadar. These soils are mainly brought during floods. Bangar is called old alluvial soil, which also contains pebbles and calcium carbonate, while Khadar is called new alluvial soil. It is brought every year by floods. Khadar soil is more fertile than Bangar soil.

Plains And Straits 

2 . Black Soil or Regur Soil or Cotton Soil

This soil is black, that is why it is called black soil. Black soil is formed by the weathering and erosion of volcanic lava. Its black color is due to the presence of magnetite, iron, aluminum silicate and humus present in it. It becomes sticky when wet, while it cracks when dry.

It has more capacity to hold moisture. Iron, lime, potash, aluminum, calcium and magnesium carbonate are found in abundance in this.

Cotton, coarse grains, oilseeds, sunflower, eggs, vegetables, citrus fruits, etc. are cultivated in black soil.

Reproduction in Organisms - Sexual Reproduction

3. Red Soil

Red soil is formed by the weathering and erosion of ancient crystalline rocks. In deep lowlands it is of loamy type, whereas on higher lands it is of unorganized pebble type. There is sufficiency of soluble salts in it, but deficiency of phosphoric acid, organic elements, organic matter, lime and nitrogen is found.

Bajra, groundnut and potato are cultivated on high land, while rice, ragi, tobacco and vegetables are well cultivated on low land. It requires less irrigation.

Chromosomal Disorder in Human

4. Laterite Soil

In areas where there is 200 cm or more rainfall, it is produced by leaching of lime and silica. It is rich in iron oxide and aluminum oxide, but deficient in nitrogen, phosphoric acid, potash, lime and organic elements.

Rice, ragi, cashew, etc. can be produced in it by the use of fertilizer or manure.

5. Forest and Mountain Soil

These are mainly construction soils. It is acidic due to excess of humus. Potash, phosphorus and lime deficiency are found in wild soils.

Tea, coffee, spices are cultivated in this soil in hilly areas and fruits are cultivated in this soil in tropical areas.

Coral Reefs       ,          Law of Mendel

6. Arid and Desert Soil

This soil is mainly found in arid and semi-arid areas. It has more amount of sand. The amount of soluble salts and phosphorus in this soil is very high, while the amount of organic elements and nitrogen is less.

The cultivation of coarse grains is good in this soil.

Murals at theVeerata Chakra of the National War Memorial 

7. Saline and Alkaline Soil

As it is clear from the name, the amount of salts in this soil is high. It has various local names – Reh, Kallar, Karl, Usar, Rakar, Champen etc. These soils are saline due to excess of sodium and magnesium and alkaline due to excess of calcium and potassium.

Agriculture is not possible in this soil.

8. Peaty and Marshy Soil or Swampy Soil

This soil is formed by the accumulation of organic matter in areas of high humidity. It is found in coastal regions and water-logging areas. There is a deficiency of phosphorus and potash in it, while there is an excess of soluble salts. Paddy cultivation is good in wet soil.

The formation of swampy soil is due to the presence of iron element in the soil and the accumulation of vegetation in large quantities due to non-contact of the soil with air in the areas of water-logging. This soil is also unsuitable for agriculture.

Topographies Formed By Ocean Water

B. Classification Of Soil On The Basis Of Size Of Soil Particles

Soil contains 40% inorganic salts or minerals, 10% organic matter, 25% air and 25% soil water. The soil is divided into the following five parts on the basis of the size of the particles present in it

        Sr. No.                    Name of soil                             Size of soil particle

            1                        Gravel                                          particles more than 2.00 mm in size

            2                        Coarse sand                                 particles from 0.2 mm to 2.00 mm

            3                        Fine sand                                     particles from 0.02 mm to 0.2 mm

            4                        Silt                                               particles from 0.002 mm to 0.02 mm

            5                        Clay                                             particles less than 0.002 mm in size 

Soil Water And Its Types

Rain is the main source of soil water. Plants only absorb soil water. The total amount of water present in the soil is called hollard, while the amount of water absorbed by plants is called cresard and the amount of water that is not available to plants is called ecchard.

That part of rain water that flows into rivers, drains, ponds etc. is called running water and that part of rain water that is absorbed by the soil is called absorbed water. 

Absorbed water is classified into the following parts –

1. Gravitational Water
2. Capillary Water
3. Hygroscopic Water
4. Chemical Water or Crystalline Water
5. Water Vapors

India's Deepest River Valley - Bhagirathi and Alaknanda

1. Gravitational Water

Due to the force of gravity after rain, the water that collects under the soil. It is called gravity water. It is also called ground water level or ground water level. This water is not available to plants.

2. Capillary Water

The water found in the capillaries or spaces between the soil particles is called capillary water. This is called available water. It is the main source of water for plants.

3. Hygroscopic Water

A thin layer of water is formed around the outside of the clay particles, which is called moisture water. This water is not available to the plants. This is called non-available water.

4. Chemical Water or Crystalline Water

This water is formed as a result of the action of water with different types of chemicals present in the soil. Plants are not able to absorb water due to being bound by chemicals.

5. Water Vapors

When there is no water between the particles of the soil, air remains at that place. It is found in the form of water vapor in the air between the soil particles. Which is called water vapor.

Artificial Vegetative Reproduction and Micro-Propagation

Out of the above five types of water, only capillary water can be taken by plants.