Major Soils of India

Major Soils of India


1. Clayey Soil (Chikni Mitti)



  1. Formed by very fine clay particles.

  2. Contains a large amount of nutrients.

  3. Retains water for a long time.

  4. Found mostly in plains and river valleys.

  5. Crops grown: Rice, wheat, pulses, fruits, and vegetables.

  6. Use: Suitable for crops that need more moisture, such as paddy.


2. Yellow Soil (Peeli Mitti)



  1. Yellow colour is due to the presence of iron and magnesium.

  2. Found in eastern parts of India.

  3. Has moderate fertility.

  4. Becomes red when iron content increases.

  5. Crops grown: Pulses, oilseeds, fruits.

  6. Use: Suitable for dry crops with proper manuring and irrigation.


3. Black Soil (Kaali Mitti)



  1. Also known as Regur Soil or Cotton Soil.

  2. Contains lime, iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

  3. Nutrient composition:


    • Nitrogen: 0.1–0.3%

    • Phosphorus: 0.05–0.1%

    • Potassium: 1–3%

    • Calcium: 2–6%

    • Magnesium: 1–3%

    • Iron: 1–3%


  4. Retains moisture; cracks in summer help air circulation.

  5. Crops grown: Cotton, cereals, pulses, oilseeds, fruits, vegetables.

  6. Use: Ideal for cotton cultivation and dry farming areas.


4. Alluvial Soil (Jalod Mitti)



  1. Formed by deposition of rivers (Ganga, Brahmaputra, Indus).

  2. Very fertile and rich in organic matter.

  3. Nutrient composition:


    • Nitrogen: 0.05–0.15%

    • Phosphorus: 0.02–0.05%

    • Potassium: 0.5–1.5%

    • Calcium: 1–5%

    • Magnesium: 0.5–2%

    • Iron: 0.5–2%


  4. Found in northern plains and river valleys.

  5. Crops grown: Rice, wheat, sugarcane, pulses, fruits, vegetables.

  6. Use: Best soil for intensive agriculture; supports dense population.


5. Brown Soil (Bhuri Mitti)



  1. Has a brown colour due to organic matter and iron.

  2. Moderate fertility, needs fertilizers for better yield.

  3. Nutrient composition:


    • Nitrogen: 0.01–0.05%

    • Phosphorus: 0.02–0.05%

    • Potassium: 0.5–1.5%

    • Calcium: 1–3%

    • Magnesium: 0.5–1.5%

    • Iron: 0.5–1.5%


  4. Crops grown: Wheat, pulses, sugarcane, fruits, and vegetables.

  5. Use: Suitable for dryland farming and moderate rainfall regions.


6. Red Soil (Laal Mitti)



  1. Red colour due to iron oxide.

  2. Poor in nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic matter.

  3. Nutrient composition:


    • Nitrogen: 0.05–0.1%

    • Phosphorus: 0.02–0.05%

    • Potassium: 0.5–1.5%

    • Calcium: 1–3%

    • Magnesium: 0.5–1.5%

    • Iron: 1–2%


  4. Found in southern and eastern India.

  5. Crops grown: Millets, pulses, oilseeds, sugarcane, cotton, fruits, vegetables.

  6. Use: Needs manures and fertilizers for better productivity.


Summary of Uses



  1. Clayey Soil → For water-loving crops (rice).

  2. Yellow Soil → For pulses and oilseeds (needs manures).

  3. Black Soil → Best for cotton and dry crops.

  4. Alluvial Soil → Very fertile, supports all major crops.

  5. Brown Soil → For dryland crops like wheat and sugarcane.

  6. Red Soil → Needs fertilizers; grows pulses and millets.