Nurturing the Land: Soil Characteristics and Agricultural Strategies in Uttarakhand”

Introduction

Uttarakhand, a state nestled in the northern part of India, is characterized by its diverse geographical and climatic conditions, which significantly influence its soil types and agricultural practices. The state, predominantly mountainous, is known for its varied soil profiles that support a range of agricultural activities. This article explores the different types of soil found in Uttarakhand and examines the state’s agricultural landscape.

Soil Types in Uttarakhand

The soil in Uttarakhand results from the weathering and decomposition of minerals, rocks, and organic matter. It varies in composition across different regions of the state. Based on the Indian Council of Agricultural Research’s classification, Uttarakhand’s soil falls primarily into the category of mountainous or forest soil. This type of soil is generally underdeveloped, with deficiencies in lime and phosphorus but a richness in organic matter. Below are the primary soil types found in Uttarakhand:

1. Lowland Soil
   • Found in the southern regions, such as from Dehradun to Udham Singh Nagar, this soil is formed from the deposition of fine particles. It is mature, flat, swampy, and moist, characterized by deficiencies in nitrogen and phosphorus. It is highly fertile, supporting crops like sugarcane and rice.
2. Pasture Soil
   • Present in lower areas near rivers, pasture soil includes various categories:
     • Matiyar Loam: Brown, high in nitrogen and organic matter, low in lime.
     • Highly Calcareous Loam
     • Low Calcareous Loam
     • Non-Calcareous Loam
     • Sandy Loam
3. Tertiary Soil
   • Located in the Shivalik hills and Dun valleys, this soil is light, sandy, and porous, leading to low moisture retention. It has limited vegetation and organic matter, though the Dun Valley has better moisture retention compared to other areas.
4. Quartz Soil
   • Found in Bhimtal, this soil is formed from the disintegration of rocks like schist and shale. It is light and infertile.
5. Volcanic Soil
   • Also present in Bhimtal, volcanic soil results from the disintegration of igneous rocks and is light and sandy, suitable for agriculture.
6. Loamy Soil
   • This soil, found on the lower slopes of Shivalik hills and in the Dun Valley, is characterized by its light consistency and high content of lime, iron, and organic matter.
7. Brown Reddish-Yellow Soil
   • Seen near Nainital, Mussoorie, and Chakrata, this soil is derived from limestone, sandstone, shale, and dolomite rocks. It is highly moisture-retentive and fertile.
8. Red Clay
   • Found on mountain slopes or hill edges, this soil is rich in organic content but deficient in lime and phosphorus.
9. Burnt Clay
   • Located in less sloped, subtropical to temperate regions, this soil type is found on mountain ranges.
10. Top Mountain Soil
    • Found in high-altitude areas with low rainfall, this soil is undeveloped due to extreme dryness and minimal vegetation.
11. Upland Soil
    • Located in grasslands above 4000 meters, this soil is slightly alkaline, rich in organic matter, and exhibits moisture deficiency due to wind and glacial erosion.
12. Sub-Mountain Soil
    • Found below grasslands in forested areas, this soil is sandy and structured at the top but unstructured below. It is reddish-brown to yellow and retains more moisture due to high rainfall.

Agriculture in Uttarakhand

Agriculture is a crucial sector in Uttarakhand, with approximately 70% of the working population engaged in agricultural activities. Despite its hilly terrain, the state manages to support a significant agricultural base.

• Land Use: Out of Uttarakhand’s total area of 53,483 square kilometers, only 12.90% (6.90 lakh hectares) is used for agriculture. The majority of agricultural land is found in the Udham Singh Nagar and Haridwar districts.
• Agricultural Holdings: According to the 2015-16 agricultural census, Uttarakhand has 881,305 holdings. The main crops include wheat (31%), rice (25%), mandua (10%), and sugarcane (8%). Agricultural land measurement is based on “Mutthi/Nali” units, with 1 Nali equaling 200 square meters.
• Types of Farming: The state practices several types of farming methods, tailored to its diverse terrain:
  1. Contour Farming (Samoch Farming): Involves farming along contour lines to prevent soil erosion and retain moisture.
  2. Terraced Farming (Seedhidar Farming): Converts steep slopes into step-like terraces for cultivation.
  3. Shifting Farming (Transition Farming): Used by indigenous tribes, this method involves clearing land, farming for a few years, and then moving to a new location.
• Land Classification by Fertility:
  1. Katil, Ukhedi, Izzar/Ejran Land
  2. Uparau Land: Includes Uparau Awwal (best quality) and Uparau Doyam (second best).
  3. Talau Land: Features Serat (excellent black soil), Phanchur (rain-dependent), and Simar (water-retentive).
  4. Tarai-Bhawar Land: Highly fertile, ideal for agriculture.
• Types of Hill Farming Land:
  1. Talau: Fertile valleys with moderate productivity.
  2. Uparau: Red soil, varying in quality.
  3. Ejran: Rocky, uncultivated land.

In conclusion, Uttarakhand’s unique soil types and agricultural practices reflect the state’s diverse climatic and geographical conditions. The combination of fertile plains, varied mountain soils, and innovative farming techniques supports the state’s agricultural economy and its reliance on farming as a primary livelihood.