Soil can be classified is a more o elaborate way, on the basis of its texture, color and composition. The type of soil a place has depends on the geographical location, rainfall, vegetation and other factors. In general, soil that remains over parent of rock from which it is formed is called residual soil, and that which is carried away and deposited soil. The types of soil found in India are as follows.

Red soil

The color is due to the presence of iron oxide. This type of soil is found in parts of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Bihar and West Bengal. Such soils are generally poor in humus and they arrange from gravelly to clayey.

Black soil

Formed by the weathering of volcanic rocks, this type of soil is generally rich in iron and magnesium. It is clayey, contains humus, and is good for the cultivation of cotton and sugar cane. It is found in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh states.

Late rite soil

This type of soil occurs mostly in the tropics, that is, areas with high humidity and heavy rainfall. Generally reddish or yellowish, it is poor in certain nutrients as these get washed away. However, coffee, teak, rubber, coconut and area not grow well on such soils. Mountain soil

This type of soil is occurs in the Himalayan region. It is porous, fertile and rich in humus. However, it is often also acidic.

Desert soil

Desert soil is sandy and porous, but rich in minerals. It is found in the arid regions of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Ladakh. Irrigation and the addition of humus can make this type of soil cultivable.

Alluvial soil

This is the most fertile type of soil. Found in the plains of Assam, west Bengal, Bihar, Utter Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana, and along the coasts, it is loamy in texture and has plenty of humus.

Alluvial soil

This is the most fertile type of soil. Found in the plains of Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, utter Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana, and along the coasts, it is loamy in texture and has plenty of humus.

Saline soil

In coastal areas, soil often turns saline due to the ingress of sea water. When the water evaporates, the salts are left behind, turning the soil saline. In the previous chapter, we have discussed human activities which cause salinisation. Saline soil can be treated, through the process is troublesome.

Preparation of soil

Preparation of the soil is the first step in the cultivation of any crop. Soil needs to be loosened before seeds can plant. This is done by Ploughing, which is followed by leveling, which is followed by leveling.

Ploughing

A plough is farm equipment with curved blade, used to furrow and turn up the soil. Traditionally, ploughs were drawn by farm animals, now they are drawn by tractors, though animals still used in many places.

Ploughing helps to loosen the soil so that roots can penetrate it easily. It also creates air spaces and helps the soil retain moisture. Besides, it helps distribute the organic mater present in the soil, and makes it easier to mix manure and fertilizers. Weeds also get uprooted during Ploughing.

Leveling

After the soil is ploughed, the big clods are broken ad the soils are lightly pressed down with a leveler. Like ploughs, levelers can be drawn by animals or tractors. Leveling prevents soil erosion and rapid evaporation. It helps is distribute manure, water and seeds more uniformly. It also provides uniforms soil support to t e roots of plants.