Types of Soil In Himachal Pradesh

Types of Soils in Himachal Pradesh

Soil is a thin, loose layer of natural material on the Earth’s surface that provides a suitable medium for plant growth. It varies in its physical and chemical characteristics and its ability to support crop cultivation.

Soils can be classified in the following ways:

Regional Classification: Based on extensive elevation ranges or belts.

Inter-Regional Classification: Based on specific parent rocks (e.g., limestone, sandstone).

Azonal or Immature Soils: New materials with insufficient time for soil formation processes.

The Agriculture Department of Himachal Pradesh classifies the soil into five types based on climate and elevation:

1. Lower Hill Soil Region:
   • Elevation: Up to approximately 900 meters.
   • Characteristics: Shallow soil, covered with stones. Soil reaction is nearly neutral; the carbon to nitrogen ratio is 10:1. Nutrient status varies from low to medium. Main crops: rice, barley, wheat, maize, and fodder crops. Soil erosion on slopes is a major issue.
2. Mid-Hill Soil Region:
   • Elevation: From 900 meters to 1500 meters.
   • Characteristics: From loamy to clay-loam soil, brownish color, well-drained. Carbon to nitrogen ratio ranges between 10:12. Soil reaction ranges from neutral to slightly acidic. Nitrogen and phosphate availability is medium; potash availability ranges from low to medium.
3. High Hill Soil Region:
   • Elevation: From 1500 meters to 2000 meters.
   • Characteristics: Developed on steep slopes with good drainage. Soil texture ranges from silty-loam to deep brown clay-loam. On favorable aspects, soil is deep and rich in organic matter. Nitrogen availability is medium to high; potash is medium. Soil reaction ranges from slightly acidic to neutral. Soil erosion is a serious problem.
4. Mountain Soil Region:
   • Elevation: From 2100 meters to 3000 meters.
   • Characteristics: Less deep compared to high hill soils. Soil texture ranges from silty-loam to loam, with colors from dark brown to light brown. Soil reaction is slightly to moderately acidic. Organic matter ranges from 2.5 to 3.5. Nutrient status is medium to high. It is less used for agricultural purposes.
5. Dry Mountain Soil Region:
   • Location: Lahaul and Spiti, Pangi, and Kinnaur.
   • Characteristics: Low monsoon rainfall, high-texture soils, variable fertility. Soils have low organic matter and humus.

Middleton’s Classification of Soil:

Middleton’s classification, based on land revenue settlement, is as follows:

• Chaih: Irrigated by wells.
• Nehri 1: Irrigated by gravity, perennial canals.
• Nehri 2: Irrigated by non-perennial sources or occasionally.
• Nad: Waterlogged land, grows only rice.
• Two-Crop Land: Unirrigated land with two crops per year or three crops in two years.
• One-Crop (Unirrigated): Land where only one crop is grown per year.
• Barren Land: Produces one crop in two to three years, generally poor yield per acre.
• Kheretar: Grasslands and pastures.

Soil Classification Based on Development and Physical-Chemical Properties:

Himachal Pradesh’s soil can also be classified into nine groups based on their development and physical-chemical properties:

1. Alluvial Soil:
   • Characteristics: Initial development, floodplain major physical structure.
   • Location: Una (Una district), Indora (Kangra district), Ponta (Sirmaur district).
   • Classification: USDA – Udifluvents and Utrocrepts.
   • Texture: From coarse to loamy sandy to loamy, low organic matter, neutral reaction (pH > 6.5).
2. Brown Hill Soil:
   • Characteristics: Sandy loam to clay-loam, medium to high organic matter, neutral to slightly acidic reaction.
   • Location: Nahan (Sirmaur district), Solan (Solan district).
   • Classification: Hapluodols, Hapluadults, and Udorhents.
3. Brown Soil:
   • Characteristics: Non-calcareous, neutral to occasionally acidic reaction, loamy sand to clay-loam.
   • Location: Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Mandi districts, Dehra Gopipur (Kangra district).
   • Classification: USDA – Utrocrepts and Hapluadults.
4. Brown Forest Soil:
   • Characteristics: Medium to deep, sandy loam to clay-loam, slightly acidic to neutral reaction.
   • Location: Forest areas of Chamba district.
   • Classification: Hapluadults, Hapluodols, and Utrocrepts.
5. Gray-Wooded or Podzolic Soil:
   • Characteristics: High organic matter, deep color, acidic reaction, sandy loam to clay-loam.
   • Location: Parts of Shimla, Kullu districts, and the Karsog region of Mandi district.
   • Classification: Hapluodols and Hapluadults.
6. Gray-Brown Podzolic Soil:
   • Characteristics: Acidic reaction, clay-loam and silt loam texture.
   • Location: Parts of Kangra district, Jogindernagar region of Mandi district.
   • Classification: Paleudults, Hapluadults, and Haporthods.
7. Planosolic Soil:
   • Characteristics: Incomplete drainage, medium to fine texture, neutral reaction.
   • Location: Balh Valley of Mandi district, Ghumarwin in Bilaspur district, Nagwain region of Kullu district, Saparun Valley of Solan district.
   • Classification: Ochraqualfs, Hapluadults, and Haplaquents.
8. Humus and Iron Podzol:
   • Characteristics: Dark-colored A horizon, acidic reaction, reddish-brown to yellowish-brown B2 horizon.
   • Location: Parts of Shimla, Dalhousie, and Manali regions.
   • Classification: Mollie or Umbric Epipedon with Spodic Horizon.
9. Alpine Humus Mountain Skeletal Soil:
   • Characteristics: Gravelly loam to sandy loam, high organic matter, neutral reaction.
   • Location: Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, Pangi tehsil of Chamba district.
   • Classification: Hapluodols, Utrocrepts, and Udorthents.

Soil Conservation

Soil erosion is a significant issue in Himachal Pradesh, where the removal of organic matter and plant nutrients from the top layer reduces soil quality and land productivity. Erosion is caused by physical and socio-cultural factors like slopes, rainfall, weather, temperature, wind, snowfall, and human activities (overgrazing, faulty crop cycles). Measures to address soil erosion include:

• Maintaining Effective Vegetative Cover: Proper management of plants and trees helps in solid soil conservation and maintaining soil quality.
• Contour Plowing: Reduces soil erosion on slopes and controls water drainage.
• Crop Rotation: Helps in maintaining soil quality and balancing nitrogen levels.
• Terracing: Controls water flow and reduces soil erosion on slopes.
• Composting: Enriches soil with essential nutrients and increases fertility.
• Planting Cover Crops: Keeps the soil surface covered, protecting and maintaining soil fertility.
• Windbreaks (Trees, Hedges): Protects soil surfaces and reduces wind effects.
• Pipe Drainage: Prevents soil erosion by using pipes and other structures for water drainage.
• Bunding or Vegetative Barriers: Controls soil erosion by filling gullies with plants and shrubs.

Geographical Context: Himachal Pradesh, located in the north-western part of the Himalayas, features a diverse range of soil types due to its varying altitudes, vegetation, and climatic conditions. The state is largely covered by forests, pastures, and grazing lands, with agriculture possible on less than 10% of the land area. The state’s physiography and climate support mixed farming, predominantly along river valleys. Based on precipitation, altitude, and irrigation, the state is divided into four agro-ecological zones, each with distinct climatic and soil characteristics.

Soil Types in Himachal Pradesh:

1. Himalayan Foothill/Terai Soils:
   • Location: Found in the sub-mountain and foothill areas of the Himalayas, from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, and in parts of Uttarakhand and Darjeeling.
   • Characteristics: Rich in organic matter and nitrogen but low in phosphates. These soils are acidic, composed of sandy materials and raw humus, and may lack plant nutrients.
2. Forest Soils:
   • Location: Common under coniferous and deciduous forests in the lower Siwalik range and across the Himalayas.
   • Characteristics: Formed under high acidic conditions or mildly acidic conditions. The topsoil is rich in humic matter from plant debris. These soils can be classified as mildly acidic with high base content or acidic with low base content.
3. Podzols:
   • Location: Found in the western Himalayas, and parts of Nepal, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.
   • Characteristics: Infertile, acidic soils that develop under coniferous forests in humid temperate conditions. They are characterized by a grey bleached upper layer due to leaching, with an impermeable layer often restricting water drainage. Podzols can be divided into iron podzols and humic podzols.
4. Red and Black Soils:
   • Location: Found in isolated areas in Nepal, Bhutan, Uttarakhand (Garhwal region), and Himachal Pradesh.
   • Characteristics: Formed from acid and basic igneous rocks like granite and basalt. Red soils are lime-deficient and light-textured, while black soils are less clayey and also deficient in lime. Both types are poor in nutrients and may range in color from light to dark brown.
5. Desert (Arid) Soils:
   • Location: Present in the cold desert regions of Ladakh, Lahaul, Spiti, Kinnaur, Bharmour, and parts of northern Uttaranchal and Sikkim.
   • Characteristics: Sandy to loamy in texture with less than 15% clay content. These soils are pale brown to yellowish brown, infertile, and lack essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, sulfur, and zinc.
6. Mountain and Hill Soils:
   • Location: Found at high altitudes under sub-tropical and temperate conditions across a variety of forest types.
   • Characteristics: Known as dabar soils in some regions. They are thin, fertile, and may be less than a centimeter deep on steep slopes. The soil texture varies from sandy to sandy loam, with a range of acidity to neutrality and organic matter content between 1 to 5 percent.
7. High Altitude Meadow Soils:
   • Location: Located in high-altitude meadows near the snowline in the higher and trans-Himalayas.
   • Characteristics: Very thin and fragile with high gravel content. These soils are prone to displacement due to slides and avalanches. They are dark in color and rich in humus.
8. Other Soils:
   • Alluvial Soils: Found in parts of Uttarakhand.
   • Lateritic Soils: Present in some areas of Arunachal Pradesh.
   • Erosion Issues: Wind and water erosion is a common problem, especially on steep slopes, exacerbated by anthropogenic factors such as overgrazing and deforestation.

Crops in Himachal Pradesh: The state cultivates a variety of crops:

• Cereals: Wheat, rice, maize, and barley.
• Pulses and Oilseeds: Important for local consumption.
• Cash Crops: Includes potatoes, ginger, tea, and peas.
• Fruits and Vegetables: Diverse production of fruits, dry fruits, and vegetables.
• Medicinal Plants: Cultivation of medicinal herbs is promoted.

The cropping intensity in Himachal Pradesh is over 175%, reflecting a diverse and productive agricultural sector adapted to its challenging terrain.

Soil Zones in Himachal Pradesh

The soils of Himachal Pradesh are categorized into five distinct zones based on altitude and soil characteristics:

1. Low Hill Soil Zone (Up to 1000 meters above sea level):
   • Location: Paonta Valley, Nahan tehsil (Sirmaur district), Kunihar area (Solan district), Balh valley (Mandi district), and lower Bhattiyat (Chamba district).
   • Soil Characteristics: Shallow, stone-embedded soils, suitable for crops like wheat, maize, sugarcane, ginger, paddy, and citrus fruits.
2. Mid Hill Soil Zone (1000 to 1500 meters above sea level):
   • Location: Lower Pachhad and Rainka tehsils (Sirmaur district), Arki and Solan tehsils (Solan district), Jogindernagar (Mandi district), Kangra and Palampur tehsils (Kangra district), Dalhousie and upper Bhattiyat (Chamba district).
   • Soil Characteristics: Loam to clay loam textures, greyish-brown color, well-drained. Suitable for table potatoes, wheat, maize, and stone fruits.
3. High Hill Soil Zone (1500 to 3000 meters above sea level):
   • Location: Upper areas of Pachhad and Rainka (Sirmaur district), upper Shimla Hills, Chichot and Karsog tehsils (Mandi district).
   • Soil Characteristics: Steep slopes with well-drained, dark brown silty loam to clay loam soils. Suitable for seed potatoes and temperate fruits.
4. Mountainous Soils Zone (3000 to 3500 meters above sea level):
   • Location: Shimla district and higher altitudes of Sirmaur and Chamba.
   • Soil Characteristics: Shallower soils with a texture ranging from silty loam to loam. Less suitable for agriculture but can support some crops.
5. Dry Hill Zone:
   • Location: Kinnaur district, Pangi sub-tehsil (Chamba district), and some areas of Lahaul-Spiti.
   • Soil Characteristics: High-texture soils with variable fertility, with negligible monsoon rainfall. Suitable for dry fruit cultivation.

These soil zones reflect the diverse agricultural potential and vegetation patterns across Himachal Pradesh, highlighting the adaptability required for successful farming in the region.

MCQs on Soils of Himachal Pradesh

Q.1: What is the predominant soil type found in the low hill areas of Himachal Pradesh?

A. Red and Black soils
B. Forest soils
C. Loamy sand to sandy loam, greyish to yellowish brown
D. High altitude meadow soils

Answer: C. Loamy sand to sandy loam, greyish to yellowish brown

Explanation: The low hill soils in Himachal Pradesh are characterized by loamy sand to sandy loam texture and have a greyish to yellowish brown color. These soils are mainly found up to an altitude of 650 meters.

Q.2: Which soil type is suitable for the cultivation of quality seed production of temperate vegetables?

A. Low hill soils
B. High hill soils
C. Mountainous soils
D. Desert soils

Answer: B. High hill soils

Explanation: High hill soils, found at altitudes between 1801 to 2200 meters, are suitable for quality seed production of temperate vegetables, such as potatoes and other root crops.

Q.3: What major intervention is recommended for maintaining sustainability in mid hill soils?

A. Soil erosion control
B. Integrated nutrient management approach
C. Desertification prevention
D. High altitude reforestation

Answer: B. Integrated nutrient management approach

Explanation: For mid hill soils, which are slightly to moderately acidic, an integrated nutrient management approach is recommended to enhance soil fertility and sustainability.

Q.4: In which altitude zone are mountainous soils primarily found in Himachal Pradesh?

A. Up to 650 meters
B. 651 to 1800 meters
C. 1801 to 2200 meters
D. More than 2200 meters

Answer: D. More than 2200 meters

Explanation: Mountainous soils in Himachal Pradesh are found at altitudes of more than 2200 meters, characterized by loamy sand to sandy loam textures with varying percentages of gravels.

Q.5: Which crop is NOT typically suited for high hill soils?

A. Potato
B. Barley
C. Sugarcane
D. Pseudo-cereals

Answer: C. Sugarcane

Explanation: High hill soils are suitable for crops like potato, barley, and pseudo-cereals, but not for sugarcane, which requires different soil conditions.

Q.6: What is a major characteristic of the low hill soils?

A. High in organic carbon
B. Sandy loam with embedded pebbles
C. Slightly alkaline
D. High in water holding capacity

Answer: B. Sandy loam with embedded pebbles

Explanation: Low hill soils are characterized by a sandy loam texture with embedded pebbles and are mostly neutral, with low to medium organic carbon content.

Q.7: Which of the following areas is known for having dry hill soils?

A. Lahaul-Spiti
B. Kangra
C. Mandi
D. Shimla

Answer: A. Lahaul-Spiti

Explanation: Dry hill soils are found in regions with negligible monsoon rainfall, such as Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, and parts of Chamba district.

Q.8: What kind of vegetation is typically found in mountainous soils?

A. Tropical rainforests
B. Alpine and sub-alpine flora
C. Desert shrubs
D. Coniferous forests

Answer: B. Alpine and sub-alpine flora

Explanation: Mountainous soils support alpine and sub-alpine flora, including hardy grasses and herbs, due to their high altitude and specific soil characteristics.

Q.9: Which soil type is found in the high altitude meadows near the snowline?

A. Red and Black soils
B. Podzolic soils
C. High altitude meadow soils
D. Alluvial soils

Answer: C. High altitude meadow soils

Explanation: High altitude meadow soils are found near the snowline in high altitude meadows and are characterized by thin, fragile soil with high gravel content.

Q.10: For which soil type is the intervention of “soil health management” particularly important?

A. Low hill soils
B. Mountainous soils
C. High hill soils
D. Desert soils

Answer: C. High hill soils

Explanation: High hill soils benefit from soil health management practices to maintain their fertility and support the cultivation of temperate vegetables and other crops.

Q.11: What is a characteristic feature of Podzolic soils found in Himachal Pradesh?

A. High fertility and nutrient-rich
B. Grayish bleached zone due to leaching
C. Rich in organic carbon
D. Predominantly neutral pH

Answer: B. Grayish bleached zone due to leaching

Explanation: Podzolic soils are characterized by a grayish bleached zone due to leaching of minerals like iron and alumina from upper layers, making them infertile.

Q.12: Which type of soil is predominantly found in the foothills of Himachal Pradesh?

A. Desert soils
B. Red and Black soils
C. Himalayan foothill/Terai soils
D. Brown hill soils

Answer: C. Himalayan foothill/Terai soils

Explanation: Himalayan foothill/Terai soils are found extensively in the foothills of Himachal Pradesh and are characterized by high organic matter and nitrogen but low in phosphate.

Q.13: What kind of vegetation is supported by red and black soils in Himachal Pradesh?

A. Dense tropical forests
B. Coniferous and mixed deciduous forests
C. Alpine meadows
D. Desert shrubs

Answer: B. Coniferous and mixed deciduous forests

Explanation: Red and black soils support coniferous and mixed deciduous forests, including species such as Pinus and Quercus.

Q.14: What is a major challenge faced by desert (arid) soils in Himachal Pradesh?

A. High water holding capacity
B. Excessive nutrient richness
C. Lack of essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus
D. High acidity

Answer: C. Lack of essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus

Explanation: Desert soils in Himachal Pradesh are characterized by a lack of essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, and zinc.

Q.15: Which soil type is prevalent in the high altitude areas near the snowline?

A. Forest soils
B. High altitude meadow soils
C. Podzolic soils
D. Alluvial soils

Answer: B. High altitude meadow soils

Explanation: High altitude meadow soils are found near the snowline in high altitude meadows and are characterized by their thin, fragile texture with high gravel content.

Q.16: In which zone are soils typically sandy to loamy and used for dry fruit cultivation?

A. Low hill soils
B. Mid hill soils
C. High hill soils
D. Dry hill zone

Answer: D. Dry hill zone

Explanation: The dry hill zone, which includes regions like Kinnaur and parts of Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti, is characterized by sandy to loamy soils and is suitable for dry fruit cultivation.

Q.17: Which type of soil is known for having a high content of humic matter and is found under coniferous and deciduous forests?

A. Red and Black soils
B. Brown hill soils
C. Forest soils
D. Podzolic soils

Answer: C. Forest soils

Explanation: Forest soils, found under coniferous and deciduous forests, are rich in humic matter formed from organic debris like twigs, bark, and leaves.

Q.18: What are the major crops suited for mountainous soils found at altitudes of more than 2200 meters?

A. Rice and sugarcane
B. Barley and pseudo-cereals
C. Tea and coffee
D. Cotton and groundnut

Answer: B. Barley and pseudo-cereals

Explanation: Mountainous soils, located at high altitudes, are suited for crops like barley and pseudo-cereals such as buckwheat and amaranthus.

Q.19: Which type of soil in Himachal Pradesh is characterized by a high content of organic matter and nitrogen but lacks phosphate compounds?

A. Forest soils
B. Himalayan foothill/Terai soils
C. Red and Black soils
D. Podzolic soils

Answer: B. Himalayan foothill/Terai soils

Explanation: Himalayan foothill/Terai soils are rich in organic matter and nitrogen but lack phosphate compounds.

Q.20: What is the typical texture of mid hill soils found between 651 to 1800 meters altitude?

A. Loam to clay loam
B. Sandy loam to clay
C. Loamy sand to gravelly
D. Sandy loam to silt loam

Answer: A. Loam to clay loam

Explanation: Mid hill soils are characterized by a loam to clay loam texture and are suitable for various crops including table potatoes and temperate vegetables.

Q.21: Which soil type is prone to displacement due to slides and avalanches due to its high gravel content?

A. Brown hill soils
B. High altitude meadow soils
C. Red and Black soils
D. Desert soils

Answer: B. High altitude meadow soils

Explanation: High altitude meadow soils are prone to displacement due to their high gravel content and thin, fragile texture.

Q.22: Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the forest soils in Himachal Pradesh?

A. Rich in humic matter
B. Acidic with high base content
C. Found under deciduous and coniferous forests
D. Grayish bleached zone due to leaching

Answer: D. Grayish bleached zone due to leaching

Explanation: Forest soils are rich in humic matter and can be mildly acidic with high base content, but they do not have a grayish bleached zone. This feature is characteristic of Podzolic soils.

Q.23: What is a common problem affecting Himalayan soils due to anthropogenic factors?

A. High fertility
B. Soil erosion due to wind and water
C. Excessive organic carbon
D. Over-watering

Answer: B. Soil erosion due to wind and water

Explanation: Soil erosion due to wind and water, often exacerbated by anthropogenic factors like deforestation and indiscriminate grazing, is a common problem affecting Himalayan soils.

Q.24: Which soil type in Himachal Pradesh is typically found in valleys and has a rich, deep alluvial profile?

A. Forest soils
B. Alluvial soils
C. Brown hill soils
D. Red and Black soils

Answer: B. Alluvial soils

Explanation: Alluvial soils, found in valleys, are characterized by their rich, deep profile and are well-suited for various agricultural activities.

Q.25: What is the typical color and texture of the soil found in the high hill soil zone?

A. Light to dark brown, sandy loam to silt loam
B. Dark yellowish brown, loam to clay loam
C. Greyish to yellowish brown, loamy sand to sandy loam
D. Pale brown to yellowish brown, sandy loam

Answer: A. Light to dark brown, sandy loam to silt loam

Explanation: High hill soils are characterized by a light to dark brown color and a texture that ranges from sandy loam to silt loam.

Q.26: Which soil type is associated with the cultivation of tea in Himachal Pradesh?

A. High hill soils
B. Mid hill soils
C. Mountainous soils
D. Desert soils

Answer: B. Mid hill soils

Explanation: Mid hill soils, which are slightly to moderately acidic, are suitable for growing tea along with other crops.

Q.27: What is the major feature of the desert soils found in the cold desert areas of Himachal Pradesh?

A. High content of humus
B. Rich in nitrogen and phosphorus
C. Sandy to loamy texture with low clay content
D. Acidic and high in organic carbon

Answer: C. Sandy to loamy texture with low clay content

Explanation: Desert soils in Himachal Pradesh have a sandy to loamy texture with low clay content and are generally infertile.

Q.28: Which soil type is found in the lower parts of Pachhad and Rainka tehsils of Sirmaur district?

A. Low hill soils
B. High hill soils
C. Mid hill soils
D. Mountainous soils

Answer: C. Mid hill soils

Explanation: Mid hill soils are found in areas such as the lower parts of Pachhad and Rainka tehsils of Sirmaur district, with a loam to clay loam texture and suitable for various crops.

Q.29: What major intervention is recommended for the sustainability of low hill soils?

A. Desertification control
B. Integrated nutrient management approach
C. Soil and water conservation technology
D. Reforestation

Answer: C. Soil and water conservation technology

Explanation: For low hill soils, which are often prone to erosion, adopting soil and water conservation technologies is crucial for sustainability.

Q.30: In which zone are soils typically sandy loam to sandy and used for growing pseudo-cereals like buckwheat?

A. Low hill soils
B. Mid hill soils
C. High hill soils
D. Dry hill zone

Answer: C. High hill soils

Explanation: High hill soils, found at altitudes between 1801 to 2200 meters, are suitable for growing pseudo-cereals like buckwheat.

Types of Soil in Himachal Pradesh

पृथ्वी की सतह
पर प्राकृतिक रूप से मौजूद असंगठित पदार्थ की पतली परत जो पौधों की वृद्धि के लिए
उपयुक्त माध्यम बनाती है, उसे मिट्टी कहते हैं। मिट्टी अपनी
भौतिक और रासायनिक विशेषताओं के साथ-साथ फसल उगाने की अपनी क्षमता में भी अंतर
प्रदर्शित करती है।

किसी भी
क्षेत्र की मिट्टी को निम्न प्रकार से वर्गीकृत किया जा सकता है:

• क्षेत्रीय: व्यापक ऊंचाई वाले क्षेत्रों या
  बेल्टों में।
• अंतर-क्षेत्रीय: विशेष मूल चट्टानों (जैसे चूना
  पत्थर, बलुआ पत्थर) से उत्पन्न।
• अज़ोनल या अपरिपक्व मिट्टी: नई सामग्री जिस पर मिट्टी बनाने
  की प्रक्रियाओं को काम करने के लिए पर्याप्त समय नहीं मिला है।

हिमाचल प्रदेश
के कृषि विभाग ने जलवायु और ऊंचाई को ध्यान में रखते हुए मिट्टी को पांच प्रकारों
में वर्गीकृत किया है:

1. निम्न पहाड़ी मृदा क्षेत्र:
   
   • ऊँचाई: लगभग 900 मीटर तक।
   • विशेषताएँ: उथली मिट्टी, पत्थर से ढकी हुई। मिट्टी की प्रतिक्रिया लगभग तटस्थ; कार्बन से नाइट्रोजन का अनुपात 10:1 है। पोषक तत्व की स्थिति निम्न से मध्यम तक भिन्न
     होती है। मुख्य फसलें: चावल, जौ, गेहूं, मक्का, और चारा फसलों के लिए समर्पित। ढलानों पर मिट्टी का
     रिसाव मुख्य समस्या है।
2. मध्य-पहाड़ी मृदा क्षेत्र:
   
   • ऊँचाई: 900 मीटर से 1500
     मीटर तक।
   • विशेषताएँ: दोमट से लेकर चिकनी-दोमट तक की
     मिट्टी, रंग भूरा-भूरा, अच्छी तरह से सूखा हुआ। कार्बन से नाइट्रोजन का
     अनुपात 10:12 के बीच। मिट्टी की
     प्रतिक्रिया तटस्थ से लेकर थोड़ी अम्लीय। नाइट्रोजन और फॉस्फेट उपलब्धता
     मध्यम; पोटाश उपलब्धता कम से मध्यम तक।
3. उच्च पहाड़ी मृदा क्षेत्र:
   
   • ऊँचाई: 1500 मीटर से 2000
     मीटर तक।
   • विशेषताएँ: अच्छी जल निकासी वाली खड़ी
     ढलानों पर विकसित। मिट्टी की बनावट गादयुक्त दोमट से लेकर गहरे भूरे रंग की
     चिकनी दोमट तक। अनुकूल पहलुओं पर,
     मिट्टी गहरी है
     और कार्बनिक पदार्थ अधिक है। नाइट्रोजन की उपलब्धता मध्यम से उच्च; पोटाश मध्यम। मिट्टी की प्रतिक्रिया आयन अम्लीय से
     उदासीन। मृदा अपरदन एक गंभीर समस्या है।
4. पर्वतीय मृदा क्षेत्र:
   
   • ऊँचाई: 2100 मीटर से 3000
     मीटर तक।
   • विशेषताएँ: उच्च पहाड़ी मिट्टी की तुलना में
     कम गहरी। मिट्टी की बनावट गादयुक्त दोमट से दोमट, रंग गहरा भूरा से हल्का भूरा। मिट्टी की प्रतिक्रिया
     हल्की से मध्यम अम्लीय। कार्बनिक पदार्थ 2.5 से 3.5 तक। पोषक तत्व की स्थिति मध्यम से उच्च। कृषि
     उद्देश्यों के लिए कम उपयोग की जाती है।
5. शुष्क पहाड़ी मृदा क्षेत्र:
   
   • स्थान: लाहौल और स्पीति, पांगी और किन्नौर में।
   • विशेषताएँ: मानसून की बारिश कम, उच्च बनावट वाली मिट्टी, उर्वरता अलग-अलग। मिट्टी में कार्बनिक तत्व और ह्यूमस
     कम होते हैं।

मिट्टी का
मिडलटन वर्गीकरण:

हालांकि, लोग मिट्टी के बारे में उपयोगितावादी दृष्टिकोण रखते हैं, घर के करीब या दूर स्थित भूमि और एक या दो फसल पैदा करने वाली भूमि के बीच
अंतर करते हैं। मिडलटन ने भूमि राजस्व निपटान पर अपनी अंतिम रिपोर्ट में मिट्टी को
इस प्रकार वर्गीकृत किया है:

• चाइह: कुओं द्वारा सिंचित।
• नेहरी १: गुरुत्वाकर्षण द्वारा सिंचित भूमि, नहरें जो बारहमासी प्रकृति की होती हैं।
• नेहरी २: गैर-बारहमासी स्रोत से या केवल
  कभी-कभी पानी प्राप्त करने वाली भूमि।
• नाद: जलमग्न भूमि, केवल चावल की फसल।
• दोफासली: असिंचित – प्रति वर्ष दो फसलें या
  दो वर्षों में तीन फसलें।
• एक-फसली (असिंचित): इस प्रकार की भूमि में वर्ष में
  केवल एक ही फसल पैदा होती है।
• बहंद बंजर: यह दो से तीन साल में एक फसल देता
  है। प्रति एकड़ उपज आम तौर पर खराब होती है।
• खरेतर: ये घास के मैदान और चारागाह हैं।

विकास और
भौतिक-रासायनिक गुणों के आधार पर मिट्टी:

राज्य की
मिट्टी को भी उनके विकास और भौतिक-रासायनिक गुणों के आधार पर मोटे तौर पर नौ
समूहों में विभाजित किया जा सकता है। ये हैं:

1. जलोढ़ मिट्टी:
   
   • विशेषताएँ: प्रारंभिक विकास, बाढ़ का मैदान प्रमुख भौतिक संरचना।
   • स्थान: ऊना (ऊना जिला), इंदौरा (कांगड़ा जिला), पोंटा
     (सिरमौर जिला)।
   • वर्गीकरण: यूएसडीए के अनुसार
     यूडिफ्लुवेंट्स और यूट्रोक्रेप्ट्स।
   • बनावट: मोटे से लेकर दोमट रेतीली दोमट
     तक, कम कार्बनिक पदार्थ, तटस्थ प्रतिक्रिया (पीएच > 6.5)।
2. भूरी पहाड़ी मिट्टी:
   
   • विशेषताएँ: रेतीली दोमट से लेकर चिकनी दोमट, मध्यम से उच्च कार्बनिक पदार्थ, तटस्थ से लेकर थोड़ी अम्लीय प्रतिक्रिया।
   • स्थान: नाहन (सिरमौर जिला), सोलन (सोलन जिला)।
   • वर्गीकरण: हैप्लुडोल्स, हैप्लुडाल्फ्स और यूडोर्थेंट्स।
3. भूरी मिट्टी:
   
   • विशेषताएँ: गैर-कैल्सिक, तटस्थ से लेकर कभी-कभी अम्लीय प्रतिक्रिया, दोमट रेत से लेकर चिकनी दोमट तक।
   • स्थान: हमीरपुर, बिलासपुर, मंडी जिलों, देहरा गोपीपुर (कांगड़ा जिला)।
   • वर्गीकरण: यूएसडीए के अनुसार
     यूट्रोक्रेप्ट्स और हैप्लुडाल्फ्स।
4. भूरे वन मिट्टी:
   
   • विशेषताएँ: मध्यम से लेकर गहरे घोल, रेतीली दोमट से लेकर चिकनी दोमट, थोड़ी अम्लीय से लेकर तटस्थ प्रतिक्रिया।
   • स्थान: चंबा जिले के वन क्षेत्र।
   • वर्गीकरण: हैप्लुडालफ, हैप्लुडोल्स और यूट्रोक्रेप्ट्स।
5. ग्रे वुडेड या पॉडज़ोलिक
   मिट्टी:
   
   • विशेषताएँ: उच्च कार्बनिक पदार्थ, गहरे रंग, अम्लीय प्रतिक्रिया, रेतीली दोमट से लेकर चिकनी दोमट तक।
   • स्थान: शिमला, कुल्लू जिलों के कुछ हिस्से, मंडी जिले का करसोग क्षेत्र।
   • वर्गीकरण: हैप्लूडोल्स और हैप्लुडाल्फ़्स।
6. ग्रे ब्राउन पॉडज़ोलिक
   मिट्टी:
   
   • विशेषताएँ: अम्लीय प्रतिक्रिया, दोमट मिट्टी और गाद मिट्टी की भारी बनावट।
   • स्थान: कांगड़ा जिले के कुछ हिस्से, मंडी जिले का जोगिंदरनगर क्षेत्र।
   • वर्गीकरण: पैल्यूडाल्फ़, हैप्लुडाल्फ़ और हैप्लोर्थोड्स।
7. प्लैनोसोलिक मिट्टी:
   
   • विशेषताएँ: अपूर्ण जल निकासी, मध्यम से महीन बनावट, तटस्थ
     प्रतिक्रिया।
   • स्थान: मंडी जिले की बल्ह घाटी, बिलासपुर जिले के घुमारवीं, कुल्लू जिले के नगवाईं क्षेत्र, सोलन जिले की सपरून घाटी।
   • वर्गीकरण: ओचराक्वाल्फ्स, हाप्लुडाल्फ्स और हाप्लाक्वेप्ट्स।
8. ह्यूमस और आयरन पॉडज़ोल:
   
   • विशेषताएँ: गहरे रंग का A क्षितिज, अम्लीय प्रतिक्रिया, लाल भूरे से पीले भूरे रंग का B2 क्षितिज।
   • स्थान: शिमला, डलहौजी और मनाली क्षेत्रों के कुछ हिस्से।
   • वर्गीकरण: मॉलिक या अम्ब्रिक एपिपेडन के
     नीचे स्पोडिक क्षितिज।
9. अल्पाइन ह्यूमस माउंटेन
   स्केलेटल मिट्टी:
   
   • विशेषताएँ: बजरीदार दोमट रेतीली दोमट से
     लेकर दोमट तक, उच्च कार्बनिक पदार्थ, तटस्थ प्रतिक्रिया।
   • स्थान: किन्नौर, लाहौल-स्पीति,
     चंबा जिले के
     पांगी तहसील।
   • वर्गीकरण: हैप्लूडोल, यूट्रोक्रेप्ट्स और यूडोर्थेंट्स।

मृदा संरक्षण

हिमाचल प्रदेश
में मृदा-क्षरण का अत्यधिक प्रभाव पड़ता है। मृदा-क्षरण तब होता है जब ऊपरी परत से
कार्बनिक पदार्थ और पौधों के पोषक तत्व हट जाते हैं और अनाच्छादन के कारण मिट्टी
की गुणवत्ता कम होती है। यह मिट्टी की गरीबी और भूमि की शक्ति को कम कर देता है।
मृदा-क्षरण के कई भौतिक और सामाजिक-सांस्कृतिक कारण होते हैं, जैसे ढलान, वर्षा, मौसम, तापमान, हवा, बर्फबारी और मानवीय क्रियाकलाप (अतिचारण, दोषपूर्ण फसल-चक्र)। इन समस्याओं को दूर करने के लिए निम्नलिखित उपाय किए जा
सकते हैं:

• प्रभावी वनस्पति आवरण का
  रखरखाव:
  
  • पौधों और पेड़ों का उचित
    प्रबंधन करने से मृदा को ठोस संरक्षण मिलता है और उसकी गुणवत्ता बनी रहती
    है।
• समोच्च जुताई:
  
  • ढलान वाले क्षेत्रों में
    समोच्च जुताई से मिट्टी का कटाव कम होता है और पानी की निकासी नियंत्रित
    होती है।
• फसलों का चक्रीकरण:
  
  • विभिन्न फसलों का चक्रीकरण
    करने से मृदा की गुणवत्ता बनाए रखी जाती है और नाइट्रोजन का संतुलन
    सुनिश्चित होता है।
• सीढ़ीनुमा खेती:
  
  • ढलान वाले क्षेत्रों में
    सीढ़ीनुमा खेती से पानी की प्रवाह को नियंत्रित किया जा सकता है और मिट्टी
    का कटाव कम होता है।
• खाद बनाना:
  
  • खाद बनाने से मृदा में
    आवश्यक पोषक तत्वों की पूर्ति होती है और उसकी उर्वरता बढ़ती है।
• कवर फसलों का रोपण:
  
  • कवर फसलों को उगाने से
    मिट्टी की सतह ढकी रहती है, जो मृदा को संरक्षित करती
    है और उसकी उर्वरता को बनाए रखती है।
• वायुरोधक (पेड़, बाड़) का निर्माण:
  
  • वायुरोधक ढांचा (जैसे पेड़
    और बाड़) से मिट्टी की सतह की सुरक्षा होती है और वायु के प्रभाव को कम किया
    जा सकता है।
• नाली निर्माण को रोकने के
  लिए पाइप-जल निकासी:
  
  • जल निकासी के लिए पाइप और
    अन्य संरचनाओं का उपयोग करके मिट्टी के कटाव को रोका जा सकता है।
• नालियों को बांधना या उन्हें
  झाड़-झंखाड़ से भरना:
  
  • नालियों को बांधने या
    उन्हें पौधों और झाड़-झंखाड़ से भरने से मिट्टी का कटाव नियंत्रित किया जा
    सकता है।

इन उपायों को
अपनाने से हिमाचल प्रदेश में मृदा संरक्षण को बेहतर बनाया जा सकता है और
मृदा-क्षरण की समस्या को कम किया जा सकता है।

Here’s the clickable list for easy access:

• Geography of Lahaul
• Geography of Mandi
• River System in Himachal
• Lakes of Himachal Pradesh
• Geography Of Chamba District
• Kullu District Complete Geography
• Kinnaur District
• Geography of Kangra
• Geography Of Solan
• Geography of Bilaspur
• Geography of Hamirpur
• Geography of Sirmaur
• Geography of Una
• Geography of Shimla