What are the major types of soil in India?

Major Soil Types of India (ICAR Classification):

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) classifies Indian soils into 8 major categories, led by four dominant groups:

• 1. Alluvial Soil (~43.4% Area - Largest Group): Transported by rivers across the Indo-Gangetic-Brahmaputra plains and coastal deltas; subdivided into Khadar (new fertile alluvium) and Bhangar (older alluvium); rich in potash, ideal for wheat, rice, sugarcane.
• 2. Red and Yellow Soil (~18.6% Area): Derived from crystalline rocks; iron oxide gives red colour; covers Tamil Nadu, Odisha, MP (Baghelkhand); ideal for rice, pulses, millets.
• 3. Black Soil (Regur / Cotton Soil - ~16.6% Area): Formed from Deccan Trap basalt; high clay/moisture retention; rich in iron, lime; spans Maharashtra, Malwa (MP), Gujarat.
• 4. Laterite Soil (~3.7% Area): Formed by intense tropical leaching in high rainfall belts (Western Ghats, Meghalaya); rich in iron/aluminium; suited for plantation crops (tea, coffee, cashew).
• (Other types: Arid/Desert, Saline/Alkaline, Peaty/Organic, and Mountain/Forest soils).