Khadar Soil, Formation, Distribution, Characteristics, Crops

Khadar Soil refers to the newer alluvial soil deposited by rivers in low lying floodplains of the Indo-Gangetic region. It is formed through continuous deposition of fresh silt during annual floods, making it extremely fertile. These soils are commonly found along river valleys and floodplains and play an important role in agricultural productivity because they are regularly renewed by river sediments.

Khadar Soil Features

Khadar Soil develops in river floodplains through fresh alluvial deposits and is renewed by seasonal flooding, making it highly fertile.

• Formation: Khadar Soil is formed from newly deposited alluvium brought by rivers during floods. Each flooding cycle deposits fresh silt, clay, sand, and mud layers, continuously renewing the soil and maintaining its high fertility.
• Location: These soils occur in the lowest parts of river valleys where annual flooding occurs. They usually form narrow belts along rivers and are located below the higher Bangar plains.
• Distribution: Khadar Soils are widely present in the Indo-Gangetic plains of North India and Pakistan, especially along riverbanks and doab regions where multiple Himalayan rivers deposit fresh sediments.
• Regional Names: In northern Haryana, Khadar areas are also known as Nali or Naili, describing fertile prairie tracts between the Ghaggar River and the Saraswati canal depression that flood during the rainy season.
• Soil Characteristics: The soil has a lighter colour, finer texture, and higher silt content. It becomes sticky when wet, retains moisture effectively, and remains porous and productive.
• Crops: Being fertile, the soil favours the production of various crops like Jute, Sugarcane, Wheat, Rice, Pulses, Oilseeds, etc.
• Agricultural Importance: Because fresh alluvium is deposited almost every year, Khadar Soils remain extremely fertile and are widely used for intensive cultivation in river floodplain regions.

Also Read: Soils of India

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