Dominant soil of Chhattisgarh

Priyal Pandey, Department of Soil Science

Akanksha Pandey, Department of Agricultural Extension

College of Agriculture and Research Station, Katghora, Korba, IGKVV, C.G.

Introduction-

India, a land of diverse agro climatic region leading to production of various fruits vegetables. Chhattisgarh geology predominantly features Cuddapah and Archean rocks. Occupying a central location in India, Chhattisgarh spans an area of 135192 square kilometres and borders the states of Maharashtra, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Jharkhand. Distinguished by its lively and abundant biodiversity, approximately 44% of the land is engulfed in forest cover, positioning it as one of India's premium bio-rich regions. Mapping Chhattisgarh's varied landscape, the northern segment anchors the periphery of the Indo-Gangetic plain. The state's heartland is cradled in the basin of the Mahanadi, a significant river coursing through Chhattisgarh. The south and north of the state display a hilly topography, while the central region unfurls into expansive plains. Agro ecologically it is divided into Chhattisgarh plain, Northern hills and Bastar Plateau.

Different Types of Soils in Chhattisgarh

The state is recognized for its varied soil composition, with five primary soil types enriching its terrain.

1. Red-Yellow Soil (50-55% inceptisol , matasi)

The Red-Yellow soil is dominant soil of Chhattisgarh and gains its color from ferric oxides. It is commonly located in districts like Bilaspur, Mahasamund, Korba, Durg, Raipur, and Jashpur. In Chhattisgarh this is called as Matasi soil. It is leached of many bases due to rainfall , moderately deep, often loamy, but low in nitrogen, humus. Drainage is generally good, but moisture retention can vary.

Suitability and limitation- Good for rice, millets, pulses, sorghum. Needs fertilizer for boosting Nitrogen ,Phosphorous etc.

2. Red Sandy Soil (30-35% , alfisol (Tikra))

Red sandy soil, covering about 30% of Chhattisgarh, is the state's second most prevalent soil type. Primarily found in regions like Kanker, Durg, Kanker, and Dantewada, it possesses low fertility due to its high sand content, fast drainage, acidic, warm up quickly with low level of nutrient.

Suitability and limitation- Suited to drought‑tolerant crops, deep‑rooted pulses, maize, certain horticulture (with soil amendments) but requires good management.

3. Black Soil( 8-10%, vertisol, kanhar)

The presence of Black or Regur soil, known for its high water-retention capacity and suitability for cotton cultivation is also present in Chhattisgarh. It has very good moisture retention, deep soils, rich in minerals like iron, lime, calcium, magnesium but often deficient in nitrogen, phosphorus and organic matter. When wet, sticky and when dry tends to crack. Locally this soil are called Kanhar. It is available in districts like Kawardha, Dhamtari, Mahasamund, Mungeli, Balod etc. and also parts of Surguja. Some belts where basaltic or trap rocks contribute.

Suitability and limitation- Excellent for cotton, pulses, oilseeds, wheat, gram, soybean, etc. Needs nutrient management ( N, P) and sometimes supplementary irrigation.

4. Laterite Soil (3-5 %, Entisol, bhata)

Locally laterite soil are known as bhata soil. Predominantly found in hot, wet tropical areas, Laterite soils are abundant in aluminium and iron. Despite its rich mineral content, the soil exhibits an acidic profile and has poor base saturation, affecting its nutrient-retaining capabilities. This are found in Sarguja, Jashpur, Bastar, Bemetara etc.

Suitability and limitation- Mostly suited for coarse grains, millets in less favourable parts; often underutilized, needs soil reclamation (nutrient addition, pH correction, erosion control) for better agriculture.

5. Red Loam Soil (1-2%)

This soil are called as Tikra soil in local language. A blend of sand, clay, silt, and organic matter forms Red Loam soil. It is known for its balanced composition, favorable environment for a diverse range of plant species due to its fertility and nutrient-rich profile. It retains more moisture than sandy soil and is red in colour due to iron content. This soil is distributed in Bastar, Dantewada, Sukma and Bijapur region.

Suitablity and limitation- Good for paddy, coarse grains, mixed crops. Requires organic inputs to maintain fertility.

6. Dorsa Soil-

Dorsa soil in Chhattisgarh is a mixture of the state's characteristic Matasi (yellow) and Kanhar (black) soils forming a clay-loam soil. It is considered as all purpose soil and have Intermediate water retention between the high retention of Kanhar soil and the lower retention of Matasi soil. It is thicker than Matasi soil. Found in areas with a mix of Kanhar and alluvial silt, such as along rivers like the Kharun Nadi, Dorsa soil is dark grey to black in color, relatively thick, and suitable for paddy cultivation.

Suitability and limitation- Dorsa is considered an all-purpose soil. It is well-suited for paddy (rice) cultivation. Its fertility and suitability for various crops depend on the specific proportions of clay and sand within the soil.

7. Kacchar Soil-

Kachhar soil in Chhattisgarh refers to alluvial soil found in river plains and banks, characterized by its high fertility and excellent water retention, making it ideal for paddy (rice) cultivation. This soil type is predominantly located in the eastern and central parts of the state, especially along the Mahanadi river system. It is a deep, nutrient-rich soil that is crucial for the agricultural economy of Chhattisgarh. It is classified into Pal Kachhar and Patpal (Bhata) Kachhar soil. Pal Kachhar is formed from recent alluvial deposits in river valleys, typically dark-colored, rich in organic matter, with high nutrient content and good water retention capacity. The texture ranges from sandy loam to clay loam depending on the specific location and degree of sedimentation. Patpal Kachhar is a gravelly, red, and less fertile soil with poor water retention, suitable for crops like millet and potato, not rice. It is found in some part of Jagdalpur and Kabirdham.

Suitablity and limitation- Rice is the main crop grown in this soil due to its high yield potential, though other crops such as pulses, vegetables, and sugarcane can also thrive.

Formation & Influencing Factors

The parent materials are varied — Archean and Cuddapah rocks, Gondwana system rocks, lateritic materials, etc.

The climate is tropical with distinct monsoon, which leads to leaching, weathering and variation in rainfall.

Relief: There are plains, hills (the highlands like Surguja, Bastar, etc.), plateaus (such as Mainpat). Elevation and slope affect soil depth, drainage etc.

Vegetation and land use (forests, agriculture) also impact organic matter, erosion etc.

Soil Taxonomy & Area Coverage

According to studies:

1. Modern classification schemes (Soil Taxonomy etc.) place soils of Chhattisgarh under orders like Entisols, Inceptisols, Alfisols, Vertisols, etc.

2. Approximate area shares:

Entisols ~ 19.5% of cultivated area Very shallow soils, coarse textured (gravelly/sandy), little profile development; free or excessively drained; acidic; low fertility; low water‑holding capacity. Called Bhata locally.

Inceptisols ~ 14.8% Slightly more developed than Entisols; moderate depth; some structure; limited horizons; medium fertility; often in pediments or upper/lower slopes.

Alfisols ~ 39% Moderately fine texture; have clay subsoil horizons; can retain more moisture; better fertility compared to sandy soils; more favorable for agriculture.

Vertisols ~ 26.4% (these are black soils that swell when wet, shrink when dry) Heavy clay soils; shrink‐swell behavior; cracks in dry season; good moisture retention; very productive if managed well for water and drainage. Locally known as Kanhar in many zones.

Mollisols are negligible (~0.3%) in the state. Rich in organic matter, dark surface; but rare in Chhattisgarh.

Fig. 1- Distribution of Soil of Chhattisgarh

Fig.2. Local names of Soil of Chhattisgarh

Strengths & Weaknesses in Agricultural Context

Strengths

Some soils (black soil, red loam) have very good moisture retention, which helps in semi‑rainfed / rainfed farming.

The red‑yellow soils are widespread and under proper management (fertilizers, good practices) can support staple crops.

Soil variation gives scope: different crops can be adapted to different soils and micro‑regions.

Weaknesses / Challenges

Many soils are low in nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic carbon / humus. Leaching especially in red‑yellow soils and laterite soils, due to heavy rainfall and poor base retention. Loss of potassium, calcium etc.