What are the features of arid …

Arid soils range from red to brown in colour.

• They are sandy in texture and saline in nature. In some areas, the salt content is very high and common salt is obtained by evaporating the water.
• Due to dry climate, high temperature, evaporation is faster and the soil lacks humus and moisture.
• The lower layers of the soil are occupied by Kankar because of the increasing calcium content downwards.
• After proper irrigation, these soils become cultivable as has been in the case of western Rajasthan.

Major characteristics of alluvial soil are:
1. It is formed by the deposition of the river load as it flows from its upper to its lower course.
2. It is light and porous, therefore easily tillable.
3. It is a fertile soil as it is rich in minerals, especially potash and lime.
4. It is suitable for the growth of a large variety of rabi and kharif crops.
5. Soils in the drier areas are more alkaline.