Nature, Classification and Problems of Punjab-Haryana Plains

Classification of soil is a powerful tool to utilize our national soil resources purposefully and scientifically. The soil classification during ancient period in India was based on whether soil is fertile or sterile. The soils of Punjab- Haryana plains developed on the alluvium of the Indus system are dispersed three physiographic and climatic zones, i.e. arider (south & western parts of Punjab-Haryana plains arid to semi-arid hot dry, annual rainfall less than 500 mm, soils coarse to medium textured, alkaline & calcareous); ustic (mostly central Punjab-Haryana plains, semi arid means annual rainfall about 750 mm, soils moderately fine to medium textured, alkaline in reaction); and udio (confined to the northeast fringe strating from sub-humid, less-hot foothills, means annual rainfall over 850 mm, soil varying in texture, neutral to alkaline in reaction. In this paper classification of soils has been discussed and soils can be classified into 8 types.