Describe the soil found in Rajasthan briefly.

Soil is a mixture of organic matter, minerals, broken rocks, gases, liquids, humus and organisms that support life. Soil is the topmost layer of the earth’s surface. Soil is formed when forces of nature such as temperature, rain, wind, waves, animals and plants act on rocks and break them into tiny pieces over a long period of time.

Rajasthan is agriculturally based state. The whole agricultural production depends upon soil. Soil is one of the most important natural resources as mankind is dependent on soil for food.

On the basis of colour, texture and fertility, Rajasthan soil is classified into 5 types:

*Desert Soil

*Red-Yellow Soil

*Laterite Soil

*Black Soil

*Loamy Soil

Desert Soil – It is found in western Rajasthan in Jodhpur, Bikaner, Churn, etc. It is formed due to physical weathering. It is saline, less fertile and has less capacity to hold water.

Red-Yellow Soil- It is found in western part of Sawai Madhopur, Rajsamand, and Udaipur etc. It lacks in lime and nitrogen. It is less fertile. It is formed due to disintegration of granite sheets and rocks. It is used for growing groundnut and cotton.

Laterite Soil- It is found in East part of Banswara, Udaipur, Chittorgarh and Bhilwara. It also lacks in lime and nitrogen but rich in potash. It is fertile and useful for growing cotton, sugarcane and maize.

Black Soil- It is found in south eastern part of Rajasthan in Kota, Bundi and Jhalawar. It lacks in nitrogen but rich in potash and calcium. It is fertile and good for growing cotton, rice and soyabean.

Loamy Soil- It is light red and brown in colour. It is fertile and rich in potash, iron, and phosphorus lime. It lacks in nitrogen. It is found in North- eastern part of Rajasthan in Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, and Alwar etc.