“Jharkhand, endowed with a rich and varied geological foundation, hosts a wide range of soil types—primarily residual soils formed through the weathering of minerals and rocks in its plateau regions—such as the extensive red soil covering nearly 90% of the Chotanagpur plateau, the black regar soils of the Rajmahal area, nutrient-poor yet iron-rich laterite soils across southern Palamu and Ranchi, fertile alluvial soils in Santhal Pargana, and specialized mica-bearing soils in Koderma and adjoining regions; understanding the unique physical and chemical properties, distribution, and agricultural potential of these diverse soils is vital for enhancing crop productivity, sustainable farming, and effective land management in Jharkhand’s varied climatic and topographical zones.”
Overview of Soil Formation in Jharkhand
- Residual Soil (Avshisht Mitti):
Jharkhand predominantly has residual soil, which is soil formed from the weathering and disintegration of underlying rocks and minerals in plateau areas. This type of soil remains above the parent rock and has not been transported. - Soil Formation Process:
In plateau regions, minerals and rocks undergo weathering inside the ground, resulting in the formation of residual soil.
Classification of Soils in Jharkhand
The soils of Jharkhand can be broadly classified into six main types, each with distinct characteristics and areas of occurrence.
1. Red Soil (Lal Mitti)
- Geographical Spread:
Found mainly in the Chotanagpur Plateau, covering approximately 90% of the Chotanagpur area, excluding the Damodar Valley Gondwana region and Rajmahal uplands. - Key Characteristics:
- High content of ferric oxide (iron oxide) and bauxite, giving it a characteristic red color.
- Sometimes appears as yellow, gray, brown, or black in patches.
- In regions like Hazaribagh and Kodarma, a mica-based red soil occurs; parts of Singhbhum and Dhanbad have mixed red and black soils.
- Originates from the weathering of gneiss and granite.
- Contains low nitrogen, phosphorus, and humus, resulting in low fertility.
- Highly suitable for crops like sorghum (jowar), millet (bajara), ragi, sugarcane, and peanuts (moongfali).
2. Black Soil (Kali Mitti)
- Area of Occurrence:
Primarily found in the Rajmahal region. - Also Known As:
Regur soil. - Key Characteristics:
- Black or dark brown color.
- Formed from very fine particles, making it sticky when wet.
- Contains a mixture of iron, lime, magnesium, and alumina.
- Deficient in nitrogen, organic matter, and phosphoric acid.
- Derived from the weathering of basalt rocks.
- Excellent for cotton cultivation.
- In Rajmahal, used for cultivating paddy (rice) and chickpeas (chana).
3. Laterite Soil (Lateritic Mitti)
- Geographical Spread:
Found in the southern Palamu, western Ranchi, Santhal Pargana, eastern Rajmahal, and Singhbhum’s Dhalbhum region. - Key Characteristics:
- Deep red color with a high gravel content.
- Formed due to seasonal moisture and dryness in monsoon climate, causing chemical changes.
- Contains high iron oxide content, giving it the reddish color.
- Low fertility due to leaching of nutrients.
- Mainly used for paddy and coarse grains cultivation with the help of irrigation.
4. Sandy Soil (Retili Mitti)
- Area:
Found in the eastern Hazaribagh and Dhanbad regions. - Key Characteristics:
- A mix of red and yellow colors.
- Suitable for growing coarse grains.
- The Damodar valley mainly has loose sandy soils.
5. Alluvial Soil (Jalodh Mitti)
- Occurrence:
Found in Santhal Pargana. - Key Characteristics:
- The newest soil type in Jharkhand.
- Soil horizons or layers are not well developed.
- Both Bhangar (older alluvial soil) and Khadar (newer alluvial soil) types are found.
- Bhangar is found in the northern and northwestern parts of Sahibganj, while Khadar occurs in the eastern parts and Pakur district.
- High in lime (calcium) and potash, but deficient in nitrogen and humus.
- Highly suitable for paddy (rice) and wheat cultivation.
6. Mica-based Soil (Abhrakmoolak Mitti)
- Location:
Found in Kodarma, Mandu, Jhumri Tilaiya, and Badkagaon regions. - Key Characteristics:
- Found near mica mines (mica belts), hence the name.
- Kodarma and surrounding areas are known as the Mica Belt due to the presence of this soil.
- Color varies from light pink to yellow in dry areas.
- This soil is very fertile, but due to water scarcity, proper agriculture is limited.
Other Soil Types in Jharkhand
- Gourd Soil Groups and Others:
- Thin and rocky soils found at eroded edges.
- Low fertility soils where crops like sorghum, maize, and millets are grown.
- Gray-Yellow Soil of Upland:
- Found in highly sloped regions of Palamu and Garhwa.
- Fertility ranges from moderate to high.
- Metallic Soil:
- Found in southern parts of West Singhbhum.
- Reddish color with low fertility.
- Heterogeneous Soil:
- Found in central and northern West Singhbhum and Saraikela areas.
- Composed of weathered rock fragments from different origins.
- Yellow color in uplands and black or gray in lowlands.
- Moderate fertility.
Local Names of Soils in Jharkhand
Jharkhand’s soil types also have local names based on texture, color, and region:
- Sticky Soil: Keval, Cheeta, Nagra, Gobra, Halmad, Hasa
- Loamy Soil: Kherasi, Charka, Lobo, Balsundar, Arahasa
- Others: Bala, Goris, Jariya, Gitalhasa
- Land Types:
- Bhoomi Tand (High Land) – Dihar, Bhitha, Baharsi, Bari
- Don (Low Land) – Gahda, Bahiyar, Ghoghra, Jah, Chauara, Kanari
Important Exam-Related Facts (*)
- Red Soil is the most prominent soil in Jharkhand, covering about 90% of the Chotanagpur plateau.
- The Rajmahal region is known for black soil (Regur), which supports cotton cultivation.
- Laterite soil with high iron oxide content is found in several southern and eastern parts of Jharkhand but has low fertility.
- Alluvial soil in Santhal Pargana is the newest soil type with high lime and potash content, ideal for rice and wheat.
- The mica soil belt around Kodarma is fertile but limited by water availability.
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