Types of Soils in Jammu & Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir's varied topography and climate give rise to multiple soil types, mainly:
| Type of Soil | Region Found | Characteristics | Chemical Composition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alluvial Soil | Jammu plains, Kathua, Udhampur | Fertile, light textured, porous, rich in organic matter | Rich in potash, poor in phosphorus and nitrogen |
| Mountain/Forest Soil | Kashmir Valley, Chenab, Lidder Valley | Formed by weathering of rocks; acidic; rich in humus due to forest cover | Rich in iron, low in lime and phosphorous |
| Brown Soil | Foothills of Himalayas (Jammu hills) | Dark brown in colour, moderately fertile | Contains iron, organic matter, poor in phosphates |
| Karewa Soil | Kashmir Valley (Pulwama, Budgam, Anantnag) | Highly fertile, used for saffron, almond, apple, etc. | Loamy in nature, rich in silt, lime, and potassium |
| Sandy Soil | Cold desert of Ladakh | Poor fertility, less water retention, dry | Poor in nutrients; low organic matter |
| Peaty/Marshy Soil | Wular, Dal lake area | Wet, spongy, dark coloured, high in organic matter | Rich in humus and moisture but acidic |
✅ Important Points for Exam
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Karewa soils are lacustrine deposits—deposited in ancient lakes.
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Karewas are famous for saffron cultivation in Pampore (Pulwama).
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Alluvial soils dominate the Jammu plains and are best for wheat, rice.
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Mountain soils are prevalent in forested and hilly areas—ideal for orchards.
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Soils of Ladakh are mostly sandy and infertile due to arid climate.
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Soils differ greatly in fertility, texture, and organic content across regions.
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Soil erosion is a major concern in hilly regions of J&K.
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Most soils in Kashmir are deficient in nitrogen and phosphorus.
🧪 Chemical Composition Summary
| Soil Type | Rich in | Deficient in |
|---|---|---|
| Alluvial | Potash, organic matter | Nitrogen, Phosphorus |
| Mountain/Forest | Humus, iron | Lime, phosphorus |
| Karewa | Lime, silt, potash | Nitrogen (sometimes) |
| Peaty | Humus, moisture | Phosphorus, lime |
📝 MCQs on Soils in Jammu and Kashmir
1. Which soil type in Kashmir is known for saffron cultivation?
A) Alluvial Soil
B) Sandy Soil
C) Karewa Soil
D) Peaty Soil
✅ Answer: C) Karewa Soil
2. Karewa deposits are:
A) Desert deposits
B) Wind deposits
C) Lacustrine deposits
D) Marine deposits
✅ Answer: C) Lacustrine deposits
3. Alluvial soils in Jammu are mainly found in:
A) Kashmir Valley
B) Ladakh
C) Jammu plains
D) Zanskar
✅ Answer: C) Jammu plains
4. Peaty soils are generally found in:
A) Desert areas
B) Forest hills
C) Lake margins
D) Karewa slopes
✅ Answer: C) Lake margins
5. Which soil is rich in humus but poor in lime and phosphorus?
A) Karewa Soil
B) Alluvial Soil
C) Mountain Soil
D) Sandy Soil
✅ Answer: C) Mountain Soil
6. The soil mostly found in Ladakh is:
A) Peaty
B) Sandy
C) Karewa
D) Black cotton soil
✅ Answer: B) Sandy
7. Which of the following soils is ideal for apple and almond cultivation in Kashmir?
A) Alluvial
B) Karewa
C) Sandy
D) Red soil
✅ Answer: B) Karewa
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