REPORT ON SOIL RESOURCE MAP OF SAHIBGANJ DISTRICT,

JHARKHAND STATE

Jharkhand Space Applications Centre

Department of Information Technology, Govt of Jharkhand

1

REPORT ON SOIL RESOURCE MAP OF SAHIBGANJ DISTRICT,

JHARKHAND STATE

Submitted To

The Director

Jharkhand Space Applications Centre

Department of Information Technology, Govt of Jharkhand

Ranchi, Jharkhand

Prepared By

REPORT ON SOIL RESOURCE MAP OF

Department of Information Technology, Govt of Jharkhand

2

Acknowledgements

At the out set, on behalf of ADCC Infocad Private Limited, with deep sense of gratitude I thank Dr. A.T. Jayaseelan Director Jharkhand Space Applications Centre Ranchi Jharkhand then Ex Directors Dr. Sanjay Srivastava, Dr. A.P. Subuddhi for empanelling and awarded us the “Project on soil resource mapping using Satellite image, Remote Sensing and creation of soil database in the area of Santhal Paragana” province constituting 06 districts viz Pakur, Sahibganj, Godda, Dumka, Jamtara, and Deoghar districts of Jharkhand State.

Our special thanks are due to Project Coordinator Mr. Ravish Kumar, Scientist JSAC,

then Mr. Sunil Londhe, Scientist Ex-JSAC, for providing required base material, scientific and project advice and timely help during the execution of the project.

ADCC Infocad is highly thankful to team of Scientist for guidance during soil correlation activity which includes Dr. M. Kudrat– RRSSC-Deharadun, Dr.D.Dutta-RRSSC-Kharagpur, Dr.S.N.Das RRSSC-Nagpur, Dr. Aloke Kumar Barman Soil survey officer- Soil and land survey of India Kolkata, Dr. S.P.Singh Asso, S& LUSI, and Mr.M.A.Fyzee-NRSA Hyderabad, Mr.Vinod Kumar Scientist JSAC

We are highly thankful to our team of soil scientist which includes Dr. A.R.Kalbande Ex-

NBSS & LUP-Nagpur, Dr.S.Deshpande, Mr. T.B.Raut–NBSS & LUP Nagpur, and Mr.Y.D.Khare–Scientist Ex-MRSAC–Nagpur for valuable guidance during tenure of the Soil mapping project for Santhal Paragana province.

My wholehearted thanks to Nikhil Dakshindas, Anand Pradhan-Project Manager, Umesh

Chaudhary, and Anis Khan for carrying out field and office activity and the entire execution team for their untiring efforts to make it a success to ADCC Infocad.

Nevertheless to mention the efforts made by Projects Management, Marketing, Software

Development, HRD, Administration and Accounts team of ADCC Infocad, which lead to the successful completion of this work.

Place: Nagpur Amit Somani Date: 24-11-2009 (Commercial Director)

3

Executive-Summary

Government of Jharkhand along with Jharkhand Space Applications Centre, Department

of Information Technology, conceptualized a project for statewide implementation of “Soil

Resource mapping using Satellite Remote Sensing and Soil database creation for State

of Jharkhand”. In accordance with the objectives of the project Santhal Paragana province of

Jharkhand has been identified for preparation of Soil mapping and creation of soil database.

ADCC Infocad was empanelled as a consultant to execute the project and the present report is

on Sahibganj district , which is one of those 06 districts from Santhal Paragana province of

Jharkhand State.

The Sahibganj district is present on the North-Eastern part of the Santhal paragana

province. District experience average rainfall of 1200 mm and covering area of 2201 Sq.Km.

India’s pride and holy river Ganga is flowing from North to NE part along the district boundary.

Sahibganj has two major sub-divisions as Rajmahal and Sahebganj. These are further

administratively divided in to 09 blocks. Agriculture is the main occupation of the district with

paddy is grown as major crop. Physiographical terrain shows maximum contour height as 400

Mtr and minimum 20 Mtrs near the Ganges alluvium.

In Sahibganj district base rock is Rajmahal traps which constitutes basaltic lava flows

with intertrapian beds. Rajmahal traps are overlaid by Gangetic alluvium on the top. This

alluvium consists of sand and clay. Metamorphic gneisses are also present in the district. In the

alluvium area agriculture development is good because of the rich available water resource but

on the western part of the district soil is not much developed and therefore agriculture is mainly

on the rainfed type.

Soil mapping of Sahibganj indicates that there are 26 soil series and 21 soil association

present in the district. Out of which 04 mapping units and 07 series are of metamorphic origin of

parent material while 08 units and 11 series are placed on the Rajmahal traps.

Degraded status of the Sahibganj district is studied where it is found that steep

sloping hills are very near to the Gangetic alluvium. Therefore there are more likely

chances that fertile soil will get eroded.

i. exe

4

Such area is confined to about 36% of the district geographical area. This erosion needs

to be protected by soil conservation practices. Soil pH is also on the acidic type throughout the

district. Out of 23 series 21 series are found to be acidic.

In all district 05 land capability classes are identified depending on the physical

characteristics. Soils in 50% of the geographical area of district are classified in class II

indicating moderately well state of soil condition. But other 33% of the area is under forest

landuse with steep slope. Therefore forest conservation practices in this area are urgently

needed.

In district 03 types of land irrigability classes could be identified viz 2, 5 and 6, out of

which 50% of the area is under Class 2 showing moderately suitable aerable lands. Other 33%

of the area is under class 6 indicating unsuitable (Non aerable lands)

Sahibganj district is having monocrop culture of cropping pattern however the land

irrigability class II shows 50% of the geographical area indicating potential of area to develop

double cropping. District also have potential for horticulture cultivation in addition to this other

sectors such as prawns farming, aquaculture is also recommended using inland water system.

Finally socioeconomic condition of the district is poor since literacy rate is low which

creates health hazards.

Water harvesting in form of bunds, gulley plugs are recommended in western part of the

district.

5

Main Frame of Report

I Introduction 7

II Geographical Setting

2.1 Location and Extent 8 2.2 Physiography and relief 8 2.3 Drainage 8 2.4 Climate 8 2.5 Geology 11 2.6 Natural Vegetation 11

III Agriculture Present Land use and Socio-economic fea tures

3.1 Landuse of Jharkhand 13 3.2 Crops of Sahibganj 14 3.3 Socio-economic features 16

IV Methodology

4.1 Collection of base line data 18 4.2 Interpretation of Satellite image data 21 4.3 Plan for field survey 24 4.4 Collection of soil sample 24 4.4.1 Profile study 24

4.7.2 Chemical & mechanical analysis 24

4.5 Digitization of various features 25 4.6 Compilation of database 25 4.7 Preperation of final soil map 29

V The Soils 5.1 Generalities 32 5.2 Soil Landform relationship 32

5.3 Soil distribution and classification 33

VI Soil Degradation Status

6.1 Eroded Soils 37 6.2 Water Logging soils 38 6.3 Acidic Soils 38 6.4 Gullied lands 38

6.5 Deforestation 38

6

VII Interpretation of soils for Land Resources Manageme nt

7.1 Land Capability Classification 39 7.2 Land and Soil Irrigability classification 44 7.2.1 Land Irrigability Classification 44 7.3 Soil Suitability grouping for sustainable agriculture 46

a. Under rainfed agriculture 47 b. Irrigated Agriculture 47 7.4 Cropping system and recommended crops 48 7.5 Horticulture Development 50 7.6 Forest, Forage and grassland development 50 7.7 Hydrological grouping of soils, water Harvesting, its storage and management. 51 7.7.1 Hydrological Soil Groups 51 7.7.2 Water Harvesting its storage and management 53

VIII Reference

8.1 Soil series Description and Chemical data 55 8.2 Reference Consulted 115

8.3 List of Tables 116 8.4 List of figures 117 8.5 List of plates 117 8.6 List of Annexure 118

7

Chapter-1 INTRODUCTION

Soil resource mapping for any state is very important activity since it is directly related to the

overall development of the state. Jharkhand Space Application Centre, Ranchi, Department of

Information technology Jharkhand invited tender for the preperation of the soil map with the help

of satellite image interpretation and field surveys. These thematic maps are prepared for use in

planning agriculture production and soil conservation. The basic use of this thematic mapping is

to understand the spatial distribution of different type of soil, also to identify soil related

problems in area which would be useful for addressing these problems for future needs.

Soil conservation has become a necessary step to preserve the fertile soil, which otherwise gets

eroded with time. Land provides food, fuel, fodder and shelter to the mankind besides

supporting secondary and other economic life supporting system. Due to over utilization of this

resource over long period cause degradation of soil quality which needs to be restored by

adopting appropriate conservation practices. Nature takes almost 600-1000 years to build 2.5

cm of topsoil but this very topsoil get displaced in a year due to unplanned activities or non

conservation.

The generation of information on types, extents, distribution and characteristics of soil of an

area as well as their potential and problems are vital for appropriate decision on their rational

use for sustainable agriculture production without any risk of soil degradation.

The demographic pressure is rapidly mounting on the natural resources. The present population

of India is 1050 million which is estimated to become 1.4 billion by 2025 and 1.7 billion by 2050

AD needing annually about 380 MT and 480 MT food grains respectively. Under the situation

heavy biotic pressure on land is expected, which may cause land degradation in terms of

productivity. The situation therefore calls for judicious soil management practices and thus

systematic soil mapping is indispensible.

Soil is called to be non-elastic, non renewable asset. The per capita availability of land that

decreased from 0.5 ha in 1950-51 to 0.15 ha in 1999-2000 and it is likely to decrease further to

0.08 ha in 2020 due to rise in population in geometric proportion. As a result land holding

capacity will decrease further which would result in low production of food grains. In order to

achieve the food security in situation of increasing population it is necessary to manage the soil

resources on sustainable basis through adoption of modern technological inputs. The

8

management of land resources is possible with the help of soil inventory prepared in these

project activities. This soil data will definitely help in production and steps to be taken for the

conservation of this non renewable asset

Realising the importance of soil resource the Jharkhand Space Applications Centre

conceptualized a project for preperation of soil map on 1:50000 scale using IRS satellite

images. In view of this a project of soil mapping for six districts covering santhal paragana

province has been awarded to ADCC Infocad Nagpur. Accordingly ADCC Infocad Nagpur has

prepared soil maps as per the methodology designed by the Jharkhand Space Applications

Centre.

The present project on the soil mapping of Sahibganj district of Jharkhand has been aimed

towards the following

• Preperation of soil map on 1:50000 scale

• Interpretation and evaluation of database on soils.

• Identification of potential soil and there related problems.

• Suggestive strategy and approaches for optimum utilization of soil and waste land area.

9

Chapter-2 GEOGRAPHICAL SETTING

2.1 Location and Extent

Sahibganj district is spread out in an area of 2201 Sq.km in the NE part of Jharkhand state. The

district lies between 240 42’ North and 250 21’ North Latitude and between 870 25’ and 87 54’

East Longitude latitude and longitude surrounded by district of Godda on west direction and

Pakur on South direction. The population of the district is 927584.

2.2 Physiography and Relief

Sahibganj district encompasses northern Gangetic plains to the borders of Bengal in the south.

This district contains Rajmahal hills and other ranges. The principal range in this district is

Rajmahal hills, which abruptly rises to 300-400 Mts on the southern bank of the river Ganges.

The hills and slope are covered with very dense forest but most of them have been depleted.

The maximum contour height is in the NW side of the district with 400 Mt and minimum contour

height is 20 Mt on SE side of the district.

2.3 Drainage

The river Ganges enters the district at northwestern corner and forms the northern boundary of

the district and further flows in East direction then takes southern course in NE corner of the

district. Other major rivers of the district are Gumani, Maral or Morong, Banslavi, Palsi and

Brahmani nadi. The Gumni river which flows from South-Western part then moves to central

part of the district and finally merged with Ganga nadi on South-Eastern part of the district. Suri

nadi flows in the South-West part of the district and finally merged with Gumani nadi near Jhabri

village. Maral nadi flows from North to south direction in the district and merged with Gumani

nadi near Berhait town. Samda nadi flows on NE part of the Sahibganj town and merged with

Ganga nadi on Eastern part of the district.

2.4 Climate

Jharkhand has a different climate from that of Bihar and other neighboring state. Monsoon

winds come from two different areas. One section come from Bay of Bengal and other section

from Arabian sea. Wind from the Bay of Bengal contains more moisture as Jharkhand state is

10

more near to the former part. The temperature of the state is also on the lower side because of

its height from sea level. About 1/3rd of the area has on elevation of 400 mt and rest 2/3rd has

height of only 300 mt from MSL. As a result the temperature of Jharkhand is 60 F less than the

Ganges plain. The elevation also affects the pressure of wind.

Jharkhand has three main seasons.

Summer Season March to May

Rainy Season June to October

Winter Season November to February

The summer season:

The period of this season is from 16th March to 15th June. The higher elevation and the forest

cover is responsible for reduction of temperature in some areas. During summer many parts of

the state also experience dust storm, thunderstorm and showers. The average rainfall during

summer varies from 50mm to 850 mm. Santhal paragana province receives 152 mm of rain

The rainy season:

The period of this season is from June to October but monsoon reaches Jharkhand by middle of

June. This state gets relatively more rain than Ganga plains. Average rainfall of the state is

1200 mm but the heaviest rainfall is recorded in Pat region because of higher elevation. SW-

Part also receives higher rainfall because of greater forest cover. According to one observation

the North-Koel basin receives rainfall between 1200mm to 1250 mm but the SW portion of state

gets 1350mm to 1450 mm.

Actual Rainfall (mm) Av. Rainfall

Sr.No District 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

1 Sahibganj 1234.9 1595.8 1489.4 923.3 956.2 1230.9

Table 2.1 Rainfall details for Sahibganj district

11

The winter Season

This winter season extends between November and February. In winter season state has, clear

and charming weather with blue sky. The day is warm but the night is cold. December and

January are coldest months with temperature comes to 50 C to 70 C. Jharkhand state also gets

rainfall in winter. The average rainfall is 50mm but northwest part receives more than 80mm

rainfall.

Jharkhand state is divided in to 07 climatic zones by A. Prasad.

a. North and North Western Zone

b. Central Zone

c. East Santhal Paragana Zone

d. Ocean affected zone

e. South West zone

f. Ranchi Hazaribagh zone

g. Pat Zone

Sahibganj district comes under East Santhal Paragana zone. This zone includes the

highlands of Rajmahal. The Rajmahal ranges work as a barrier between warm westerly

winds and moist-later winds of the Bay of Bengal. The proximity of Bay of Bengal provides a

rainfall between 1400mm to 1500 mm.

2.5 Geology

The Sahibganj district is covered by Rajmahal traps belonging to lower cretaceous with

intertrapian beds. The traps are overlain by Gangetic alluvium covering Eastern part of the

district. The Rajmahal traps composed of basaltic lava flows with massive and vesicular units’

basalt and forms multilayer system. Rajmahal traps are inter-bedded with intertrapian beds

composed of calcareous sediments. The Gangetic alluvium composed of clay and sand.

2.6 Natural Vegetation

Forest is a renewable source and contributes substantially to the economic

development. About 29.61% of the state area is under forest. The forest of the state are mainly

located in Chatra, Hazaribagh, Garhwa, and Palamu districts. This Sahibganj district is with only

2.31% of area covered under the Forest. Because of the human intervention forest has not been

spared even on hills. Because of the Ganga River settlements have emerged on the hills. The

12

vegetations generally traced in Sahibganj district are Asian Openbill Stork Anastomus oscitans,

Brahminy Kite Haliastur Indus, Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis, Ferruginous Pochard Aythya nyroca,

Gadwall Anas strepera, Grey Heron Ardea cinerea,, Indian Pond Heron Ardeola grayii, Large

Egret Casmerodius albus, Little Cormorant Phalacrocorax niger, Little Egret Egretta garzetta,

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos, Red-crested Pochard Rhodonessa rufina, Tufted Pochard Aythya

fuligula, Western Reef Heron Egretta gularis, White-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus, Wood

Sandpiper Tringa glareola.

Chapter 3 AGRICULTURE, PRESENT LANDUSE AND SOCIOECONOMIC FEATURES

3.1 Landuse of Jharkhand

Sahibganj is primarily an agricultural

population is 8.29 Lakhs and urban population is

people lie in rural areas. Ref Fig 2.1.

agricultural land of the district is 29.74 Lakh hectors out of the total area of 79714 Sq.Km. The

state needs 46 lakh metric tones but only half of this produced in the state.

Looking at the land use pattern the net sown

29.61%, Uncultivable waste land is 7.19%, Non Agricultural use is 9.89%, Orchards is 1.38%,

pasture 1.10%, and Cultivable waste land is 3.48% and fallow land is 25.01%

Fig 2.1: Landuse pattern for Jharkhand State

Harvesting Season

There are three main crop seasons namely Kharif, Rabi and summer. Major Kharif crops are

maize, bajara, vegetable, til etc. Harvesting season of these crops is September

7.19%

9.89%1.38%

1.10%

3.48%

25.01%

Landuse Pattern For Jharkhand State

13

, PRESENT LANDUSE AND SOCIOECONOMIC FEATURES

is primarily an agricultural district. Out of the total population of 9.27 Lakhs

and urban population is 0.98 Lakhs. In this way nearly

Ref Fig 2.1. Most of them are dependent on agriculture. The total

is 29.74 Lakh hectors out of the total area of 79714 Sq.Km. The

state needs 46 lakh metric tones but only half of this produced in the state.

Looking at the land use pattern the net sown area of the state is 22.68%. Forest accounts for

29.61%, Uncultivable waste land is 7.19%, Non Agricultural use is 9.89%, Orchards is 1.38%,

pasture 1.10%, and Cultivable waste land is 3.48% and fallow land is 25.01%

1: Landuse pattern for Jharkhand State

There are three main crop seasons namely Kharif, Rabi and summer. Major Kharif crops are

maize, bajara, vegetable, til etc. Harvesting season of these crops is September

22.68%

29.61%

Net sown area

Forest

Uncultivable Waste land

Non-agriculture Use

Orchard

Pasture

Cultivable waste

Fallow land

Landuse Pattern For Jharkhand State

, PRESENT LANDUSE AND SOCIOECONOMIC FEATURES

9.27 Lakhs, the rural

Lakhs. In this way nearly 89% of the

ent on agriculture. The total

is 29.74 Lakh hectors out of the total area of 79714 Sq.Km. The

area of the state is 22.68%. Forest accounts for

29.61%, Uncultivable waste land is 7.19%, Non Agricultural use is 9.89%, Orchards is 1.38%,

There are three main crop seasons namely Kharif, Rabi and summer. Major Kharif crops are

maize, bajara, vegetable, til etc. Harvesting season of these crops is September-October. Like

Net sown area

Uncultivable Waste land

agriculture Use

Cultivable waste

14

Kharif crops Aghani crops are also grown in state. They are sown in beginning of monsoon just

like Kharif crops but the harvesting season is January-February.

3.2 Crops of Sahibganj

Paddy is the main crop of Jharkhand as well as Sahibganj. It is grown as Aghani, Bhadai and

Garma crop. The Aghani paddy occupies maximum of 86.25%, Bhadai covers 13.20% and

Garma as low as 0.28%.

Following is the table showing production of Crops in Sahibganj district.

(Below given production in thousand metric tones) Table No 3.1

Sr.No District Paddy Wheat Maize Barley Gram Sugarc

ane

1 Sahibganj 118.9 2.0 7.9 1.2 1.8 3.1

Fig-3.1 Details of Production of crops in thousand MT

Wheat is not much grown in Sahibganj as only 2000 tones is grown in the district.

Barley is the most ancient crop of India. It is a Rabi crop sown in October-November. It is grown

in Sahibganj with 1.2 thousand metric tones production.

118.9

27.9

1.2 1.8 3.1

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

Paddy Wheat Maize Barley Gram Sugarcane

Production of crops in Thousand Metric tonnes in Sahibganj DIstrict

15

Gram is another important crop of state. It is also grown in Sahibganj district with the net

production of 1.8 thousand metric tones. Besides gram other pulses like Mung (kidney bean)

Khesari, Masoor (lentil) Arhar are grown.

Fig 3.2 -Vegetables in Sahibganj District

Many area of Jharkhand are beneficial for cultivation of vegetable. It has now been proved

beyond doubt that soil and climate of the region are ideal for production of vegetables like

potato, tomato, cauliflower, cabbage, capsicum. Vegetables are grown in 2.23 Lakh hectors

which produces 33 lakh tones of different vegetables.

The vegetable production in Jharkhand is better. The per capita requirement of vegetable per

day is 280 gms. The state provides 246 gms per capita per day and national production is 230

gms per capita. It is apparent that Jharkhand meets eighty percent of its requirement from its

own vegetable production leaving the gap of only twenty percent.

Fruits

Different kind of fruits production occurs in Jharkhand. Given table shows fruit plantation and

there production.

16

Sr.No Crop Area in Ha. Production (M.T.) 1 Mango 7153 85836 2 Banana 2580 51600 3 Guava 5030 60360 4 Litchi 1377 16524 5 Citrus 5377 53770 6 Other Fruits 11386 113860 7 Vegetables 223595 3394888 8 Coconut 789 7890

Table 3.2 Fruit production details in Jharkhand

3.3 Socio-Economic Features

Sahibganj is the administrative headquarter of the district and situated on the bank of Ganges

River. The total area of the district is 2200 Sq.Km. Ref table no 3.3. Administratively district

comprises of two sub-divisions and nine blocks. Important statistics of the district are as below.

Sr.No Details Units 1 Area 2 Population 927584 3 Rural Population 829481 4 Urban Population 98103 5 Male Population 477366 6 Female Population 450218 7 Total Workers 390363 8 Male Workers 245438 9 Female Workers 144925 10 Cultivators 121009 11 Agricultural Labors 127015 12 Household Industry Workers 27850 13 Other workers 114489 Table 3.3 Sahibganj district at a glance.

Block wise population of the district is as below

Sr.No Sub-division Block Population Percentage of population

1 Rajmahal Taljahari 64126 6.91 2 Rajmahal 131254 14.15 3 Barharwa 143402 15.45 4 Pathna 67718 7.30 5 Sahebganj Berhait 109417 11.79 6 Mandro 59742 6.44 7 Udhawa 130156 14.03 8 Sahebganj 139748 15.06 9 Borio 82021 8.84

Table 3.4 Block wise details of Sahibganj district

17

Ganga River is flowing through the Sahibganj district, therefore agriculture especially paddy

cultivation is the main crop. 90% of the population is staying in rural part of the district with

agriculture as a major occupation.

Socio-economic Problems in Sahibganj

Transport in Sahebganj district is through railway and road network. Railway transport is

favorable for the Baharwa, Bakudi, Tinpahar, Maharajpur and Sahibganj town. South-western

part of the district is devoid of any transport facility. In this area easy accessibility is a major

problem.

Literacy rate in the state has increased during 1991 and 2001 by 13 %. But still literacy rate of

Jharkhand is low as 54.13%. Literacy rate for Sahibganj district is 37.91%.

Because of the less literacy in the state the health standard of the Sahibganj district is seen to

be poor. As per the details from Health organizations, only 30% of the womenfolk in rural

Sahibganj are coming out for immunization programme. Superstitions are keeping them away

from the health programme. It is very serious issue that 80% of the pregnant woman is suffering

from anemia. This shows a very low profile for the socio-economic condition of the Sahibganj

district.

Since Ganga River fast eroding the agricultural lands near Sahibganj district the socio-economic

condition of the people residing near river needs to be improved by rehabilitation of disturbed

population.

Fig3.3 Population density map for Jharkhand State

18

Chapter 4, METHODOLOGY

Soil survey is commonly used for identification of the soil series, various parameters related to

soil and its conservation. Methods of soil survey are different depending on the requirement of

the project activity. However the end results of the soil survey is generation of soil map and

study of various parameters of the soil. Soil survey results help to obtain description

comprehensively of the research area.

In the earlier period the soil survey used to be carried out by grid pattern and collection of soil

samples in the grid. However the technological advancement in Remote Sensing and

Geographical Information System have been a boom for recent soil survey methods.

Soil survey essentially covers following steps.

• Collection of base line data

• Interpretation of satellite image

• Plan for field survey

• Collection of soil samples

• Chemical & Mechanical analysis of soil samples

• Digitization of various features

• Compilation of database

• Preperation of final soil maps

4.1 Collection of Base line data:

The collection of baseline data in connection of soil mapping project involves collection of

toposheets, satellite images, information related to agriculture and its production, available

geological as well as soil map of the area and other collateral information such as data on

rainfall, temperature etc. Accordingly the toposheets pertaining to study area on 1:50000 were

obtained from survey of India, Ranchi (ref fig No 4.2) and the restricted toposheet which were

not available from Survey of India were referred at Jharkhand Space Applications Centre,

Ranchi. Soil map of study area on 1:500000 scale was obtained from National Bureau of Soil

Survey and Land use Planning, Nagpur. Similarly Geological map of the study area was

obtained from Geological survey of India , as well as from JSAC on 1:250 scale. In additional to

that Hydrogeological map available with JSAC under Rajiv Gandhi

19

Fig No 4.1 Process Flow Diagram for Soil Mapping Activity

Geocoded Standard FCC

Satellite Images Geological /

Geomorphological

Literature

Soil site and morphological

properties

Soil Classification

SOI Toposheets for Study

Area

Preperation of Base Map

Pre-field interpretation

database

Ground truth survey and

soil profiling data collection

Preperation of soil legend

and soil map units

Boundary and Legend

Finalization

Final Soil map

QAS-Check -I

Preperation of district wise

soil report

Chemical & Mechanical

Properties of soil sample

Other District Information

from Govt. Department

QAS-Check -II

QAS-Check -III

Final Output Preperation of

Soil Geodatabase for

district

Attribute attachment for

Chemical and Mechanical

database

20

Fig No- 4.2 Toposheet Data Reference

National Drinking water mission were also referred. Data on Landuse and cropping pattern was

obtained from concerned district authority. The rainfall data of study area was procured from

District collector office Sahibganj.

Sr.No Precision Geocoded IRS P6,LISS III data Date of Pass

1 72 O/7 08th April 2005

2 72 O/8 08th April 2005

3 72 O/11 13th April 2005

4 72 O/12 13th April 2005

5 72 O/15 13th April 2005

6 72 O/16 13th April 2005

7 72 P/5 08th April 2005

8 72 P/9 13th April 2005

9 72 P/10 13th April 2005

10 72 P/13 13th April 2005

11 72 P/14 13th April 2005

Table No 4.1 - Details of Satellite Image data used for Interpretation

21

Satellite image data of IRS P6, Liss IV (Geocoded Standard FCC) on 1: 50000 scales on hard

as well as soft copy formats were provided by Jharkhand Space Applications centre-Ranchi.

4.2 Interpretation of Satellite image

The soil is a product of parent material, slope, climate i.e. temperature and rainfall. The rainfall

and temperature does not vary to the great extent in a district and thus uniform over a district

area. However there is a variation in geological setup and slope across the district area. Thus

physiography is a major controlling factor in formation of soil. The physiographical as well as

slope characters are well reflected in satellite images through image character such as tone

texture, pattern, vegetation and association of features and therefore satellite data of the study

area was visually interpreted based on image character for delineation of different physiographic

units.

Initially standard legend for soil mapping unit was prepared which indicates parent material,

physiographic units and landuse following ridge to valley pattern. For example unit the standard

legend of the study area is given in table (Ref table no 4.2). A unique numeric code is given to

geology as well as physiographic units and landuse. Thus each mapping unit is represented in

three digits. The first digit indicates the parent material i.e. Geology, Second digit indicates

physiography and third digit indicates landuse.

Standard legend table is prepared for the area of Santhal Paragana province and therefore

Geological formation covered in the study area are taken for preparing the standard legend. The

standard legend table is as below in Table No 4.2

GNEISS

S.N UNIT LANDFORM SLOPE

% EROSION LAND USE DRAINAGE 1 111 HILLS AND RIDGES AND >33% Severe Forest Excessive HILL RANGES WITH VERY STEEP SLOPE 2 112 HILL RANGES WITH 10-15% Severe Forest/Grassland Excessive RESIDUAL HILLOCKS

MODERATELY STEEP

SLOPING

3 121 PEDIMENT STRONGLY 5-10% Moderate- Forest Well drain

TO MODERATELY SLOPING Severe

22

4 122 UPPPER PEDIPLAIN WITH 1-3% Moderate Forest Well drain GENTLY TO MODERATELY Open scrub SLOPING Open Forest 5 123 UPPER PEDIPLANE WITH 1-3% Moderate Cultivated Well drain GENTLY TO MODERATELY SLOPING 6 124 UPPER PEDIPLANE WITH 1-3% Moderate Cultivated Well drain GENTLY TO MODERATELY SLOPING 7 125 LOWER PEDIPLANE WITH 0-1% Moderate Cultivated Well drain GENTLY SLOPING 8 126 LOWER PEDIPLANE WITH 0-1% Moderate Cultivated Well drain GENTLY SLOPING 9 131 VALLEY / ALLUVIAL PLAIN 0-1% Low Cultivated Well drain VERY GENTLY TO GENTLY SLOPING

10 132 GULLIED LAND WITH 3-5% Severe Waste land Well drain MODERATELY SLOPING

GONDWANA

S.N UNIT LANDFORM SLOPE

% EROSION LAND USE DRAINAGE 1 211 PEDIMENT WITH 5-10% Moderate Mixed Forest Well drain MODERATELY TO STRONGLY SLOPING 2 212 UPPPER PEDIPLAIN WITH 1-3% Moderate Cultivated Well drain GENTLY SLOPING 3 213 LOWER PEDIPLANE WITH 0-1% Low Cultivated Well drain VERY GENTLY TO GENTLY SLOPING 4 214 GULLIED LAND WITH 3-5% Severe Waste land Well drain MODERATELY SLOPING

23

RAJ MAHAL TRAP

S.N UNIT LANDFORM SLOPE

% EROSION LAND USE DRAINAGE

1 311 DENUDATIONAL HILL WITH >33% Severe Forest Rapidly drain

VERY STEEP SLOPE 2 312 DENUDATIONAL HILL 15-25% Severe Degraded Rapidly DEGRADED WITH STEEP TO Forest Drain VERY STEEP SLOPE 3 313 UPPER PLEATUE WITH 3-5% Moderate- Barren Well drain GENTLY TO MODERATELY Severe SLOPING 4 314 UPPER PLEATUE (ON THE HILL) 5 315 UPPER PLEATUE WITH 1-3% Moderate Cultivated Well drain GENTLY TO MODERATELY SLOPING 6 316 LOWER PLEATUE WITH 0-1% Low Cultivated Well drain VERY GENTLY TO GENTLY SLOPING 7 317 VALLEY / ALLUVIAL PLAIN 0-1% Low Cultivated Well drain VERY GENTLY TO GENTLY SLOPING 8 318 OLDER ALLUVIAL PLAIN WITH 0-1% Low Cultivated Well drain VERY GENTLY TO GENTLY SLOPING

9 319 RECENT ALLUVIAL PLAIN

WITH 0-1% Low Cultivated Well drain VERY GENTLY TO GENTLY SLOPING

10 320 OLDER FLOOD PLAIN WITH 0-1% Low Orchard (Mango) Well drain VERY GENTLY TO GENTLY Cultivated SLOPING

11 321 RECENT FLOOD PLAIN WITH 0-1% Low Cultivated Well drain VERY GENTLY TO GENTLY SLOPING

12 322 UPPER PLATUE (LATERITE) 1-3% Moderate Cultivated Well drain

24

The first level interpretation was followed by QS check carried out by expert team of JSAC. The

interpreted boundaries were then finalized incorporating corrections suggested by QS teams.

4.3 Plan for field Survey

A detailed field plan for studying soil profiles of the interpreted mapping units was prepared in

which initially sheet wise units were listed and planning was done in such a manner that

adequate profiles representing all the delineated units were covered. The standard prescribed

by JSAC i.e. 20 profiles / sheet was followed. The soil profiling was done in month of April-to

June 2007. Each profile was dug to standard size and up a depth of parent material. The size of

profile pit is taken as 90cm in width and 120 cm in length

4.4 Collection of Soil sample

4.4.1 Profile study

The profiles so excavated were studied for soil characters for which a standard form was used.

The different soil layers were demarcated based on consistency and texture. The standard

format is given in annexture-1. This was followed by correlation of profile within the studied

profiles. Thus at the end each unit had 8-10 samples. It was observed that each polygon shows

representation of more than one soil series in which one series is dominant while remaining

series are semi-dominant. Based on this soil association was finalized. The first series represent

dominant soil series while second series represent semi-dominant. The series and association

is given in table no 4.4

4.4.2 Chemical & Mechanical Analysis

The representative samples of each series were then chemically as well as mechanically

analyzed and the observations are given in soil series data. This was followed by field QS check

by JSAC expert committee. This committee scrutinizes each and every sheet thoroughly

particularly for delineation of boundary. The QS committee has also check soil series analytical

data for its chemical and mechanical analysis. The unit boundaries were then finalized duly

incorporating the observation of QS checks.

25

4.5 Digitization of various features

As per the terms of references of the project the soil maps so interpreted were then digitized in

AutoCAD Map / ARC GIS and attribute table as prescribed by JSAC were prepared for soil unit

polygon was prepared. The matching of boundary with the adjacent sheet was maintained.

4.6 Compilation of database

The digitization of the soil map was followed by correlation of series with other vendors and

standardization of output data. The expert committee of JSAC convent a meeting of all vendors

at JSAC in August 2008 in which all the vendors presented soil series data which was then

correlated for standization of series as well as mapping units. The initial units at interpretation

level were then changed to standard units as prescribed by JSAC expert committee. Similarly

attribute table for each series was then prepared using standard 16 digit codes which indicates

series hierarchy and soil characteristics. A standard table of mapping units and series

association with 16 digit code is given below table no 4.3

GNEISSES

UNIT LANDFORM SOIL SERIES 16 code digit IMAGE

CHARECTERSTICS ASSOCIATION 2 HILL RANGES WITH Amra (PAN) 0405040203070501 Bright signature with RESIDUAL HILLOCKS Dharmapur 0405041407070508 thin soil cover

MODERATELY STEEP

SLOPING 4 UPPPER PEDIPLAIN WITH Dumka (PAN) 0405041403070510 Bright signature GENTLY TO MODERATELY Sikarpur 0405041408070518 Thin Vegetation SLOPING 9 VALLEY / ALLUVIAL PLAIN Sarwan 0604040912070504 Bright signature VERY GENTLY TO GENTLY Patharia 0604041508070503 Mottled Texture SLOPING Bansidharpur(INRMT) 0604040512010502 Cultivated

25 GULLIED LAND WITH Bright signature MODERATELY SLOPING Mottled Texture Waste land

26

GODWANA UNIT LANDFORM SOIL SERIES 16 code digit IMAGE CHARECTERS TICS

ASSOCIATION

10 PEDIMENT WITH Sarjori 0604042312070521 Bright signature MODERATELY TO Murabari 0405041407070516 Devoid of Vegetation STRONGLY SLOPING Chitra 0103082408070501 Smooth Texture

11 UPPPER PEDIPLAIN WITH Murabari 0405041407070516 Bright signature GENTLY SLOPING Chitra 0103082408070501 Motteled Texture Dhababad 0604042308070505

12 LOWER PEDIPLANE WITH Dhababad 0604042308070505 Pinkish Tone VERY GENTLY TO GENTLY Asabani 0103081012070501 Predominantly Agriculture SLOPING Rough Texture

25 GULLIED LAND WITH MODERATELY SLOPING

RAJMAHAL TRAPS

UNIT LANDFORM SOIL SERIES 16 code digit IMAGE

CHARECTERSTICS ASSOCIATION

13 DENUDATIONAL HILL WITH Baramasia 0405040208070502 Reddish Tone VERY STEEP SLOPE Baramasia 0405040208070502 Highly Vegetative Brindawan(Forest) 0405041412070504 Coarse Texture

14 DENUDATIONAL HILL Govindpur 0604040212070501 Barren DEGRADED WITH STEEP TO Baramasia 0405040208070502 Dark Grey Tone VERY STEEP SLOPE Coarse Texture

15 UPPER PLEATUE WITH Sahargaon 0604042312070520 Green Tone GENTLY TO MODERATELY Laterite Barren SLOPING Govindpur 0604040212070501 Smooth Texture

16 UPPER PLEATUE Sahargaon 0604042312070520 Grey Tone (ON THE HILL) Baramasia 0405040208070502 Smooth Texture Agricultural land

17 UPPER PLEATUE WITH Baramasia 0405040208070502 Pinkish Tone GENTLY TO MODERATELY Mottled Texture SLOPING

27

18 LOWER PLEATUE WITH Pathlahara 0604040512070505 Pinkish Tone VERY GENTLY TO GENTLY Sonajori 0604042312070523 Coarse Texture SLOPING Agricultural land

19 VALLEY / ALLUVIAL PLAIN Mohanpur 0604042312070515 Mixed Tone VERY GENTLY TO GENTLY Bansidharpur(INRMT) 0604040512010502 Rough Texture SLOPING Sonajori 0604042312070523

20 OLDER ALLUVIAL PLAIN WITH Bansidharpur(INRMT) 0604040512010502 Grey Tone VERY GENTLY TO GENTLY Mottled Texture SLOPING

21 RECENT ALLUVIAL PLAIN

WITH Mohanpur 0604042312070515 Bright Tone VERY GENTLY TO GENTLY Bansidharpur(INRMT) 0604040512010502 Mottled Texture SLOPING Baramasia 0405040208070502

22 OLDER FLOOD PLAIN WITH Mitial 0103082412070505 Grey Tone VERY GENTLY TO GENTLY Chandpur 0604040912070502 Smooth Texture

SLOPING along Rivers and

Streams

23 RECENT FLOOD PLAIN WITH Chandpur 0604040912070502 Dark Tone VERY GENTLY TO GENTLY Surni mod 0604040912070505 Smooth Texture

SLOPING along Rivers and

Streams

24 UPPER PLATUE (LATERITE) Telepara 0604042312070526 Greenish Tone Sahargaon 0604042312070520 Smooth Texture

26 Habitation

27 Water Body

28 Mine

29 Marshy Land

30 Sand

31 Sand bar

32 Water Logged

28

A unique soil code is a 16 digit code AA-BB-CC-DD-EE-FF-GG-HH where AA is the order, BB-is

the sub-order, CC-is the grade group, DD-is the sub-group. The actual codes were referred from

the NRIS Node design standard document.EE-is the textural pattern, FF-is the mineral

classification of soil and GG is the code given for different soil temperature. Final HH code is

given for benchmark / local series number in chronological order from (01-99).

Area assessment of different mapping unit was then carried out after finalization of digital

database. The area of each mapping unit is given in below table No- 4.4

SMUCODE Soil series Association Area in Sq.Km 002 Amra-Dharmapur 0.31 004 Dumka-Sikarpur 0.40 009 Sarwan-Patharia-Bansidharpur 0.73 010 Sarjori-Murabari-Chitra 0.22 011 Murabari-Chitra-Dhababad 21.88 012 Dhababad-Asabani 14.05 013 Baramasia-Baramasia-Brindawan-forest 540.63 014 Govindpur-Baramasia 53.69 015 Sahargaon-Laterite-Govindpur 5.31 016 Sahargaon-Baramasia 63.82 017 Baramasia 199.62 018 Pathlahara-Sonajori 384.08 019 Mohanpur-Banshidharpur-Sonajori 67.94 020 Banshidharpur 173.02 021 Mohanpur-Banshidharpur-Baramasia 174.25 022 Mitial-Chandpur 55.22 023 Chandpur-Surnimod 220.12 024 Telepara-Sahargaon 1.84 025 Unclassified 0.14 026 Unclassified 7.64 027 Unclassified 106.89 028 Unclassified 1.32 029 Unclassified 7.51 030 Unclassified 20.38 031 Unclassified 9.92 032 Unclassified 70.23

Area in Sq.Km 2201.164587

29

4.7 Preperation of final soil maps

The soil layers were then integrated with base features i.e. road, major drainages,

administrative boundaries, settlements etc. and final cover was prepared in hard as well as soft

copies. The final cover indicates mapping units as per the specification given by JSAC expert

committee. Along with standardize attribute table. The soft copies are available for each sheet

separately as well as for district global cover.

30

Plate- 1

On Rajmahal Trap Denudational Hill on Rajmahal Traps – Lower Plateau

Baramasia Series Sonajori Series

On Rajmahal Traps Upper Plateau Laterite on Rajmahal Traps Upper Plateau Laterite

Barren Land. (Sahargaon Series). with Cultivated landuse. (Telepara Series)

31

Plate-2

On Gneisses – Valley alluvial plain On Gondwana – On pediment

Sarwan series Sarjori Series

On Gondwana – Lower Pediplain, On Rajmahal Traps – Older flood plain-

Dhababad Series Chandpur Series

32

CHAPTER 5 THE SOILS

5.1 Soil Generalities

The soil mapping carried out for Sahibganj district indicates that in all 26 soil series have been

mapped with 21 associations. Out of which 04 mapping units and 07 series have parent material

Precambrian metamorphic. 08 mapping units and 11 series fall on Raj Mahal traps and 04

mapping units and 05 series fall on Gondwana sedimentary formations. 05 mapping units and

08 series fall on Gangetic alluvium.

The soil map of the total area of Sahibganj district indicates that 223.8 sq. km is covered by

townships, water bodies, mines, marshy land etc. A very small area of 1.58 Sq.Km district is

covered by metamorphic soils while the very large area of the district i.e. 1316 sq.km is covered

by Rajmahal trappean soils. An area of 622 Sq.km is covered by Gangetic alluvial soils. The

remaining area of 36.15 Sq.km is covered by Gondwana soils. The metamorphic soils cover a

very small area lying in SW part of the district. Similarly the Gondwana soils are exposed in

southern part of the district. While Gangetic soil covers Northern and Eastern part of the district.

The trappean soils occur throughout the district.

5.2 Soil –landform relationship

The soil units have good correlation with physiographical units. The mapping unit number 2, 13

and 14 lie on either hills covering an area of 594.62 sq.km. These soils are severely eroded

since the slope is > 15%. These soils are mostly covered by forest cover and are well drained.

While mapping units 4, 11 lie on upper Pediplain covering an area of 22.28 sq.km. These soils

are moderately eroded with slopes less than 3%. The landuse on the soil is forest and open

scrubs.

Mapping units 15,16,17,24 are falling on upper plateau on Rajmahal traps covering an area of

270.59 Sq.Km. These soils are also moderately eroded; well drained and major landuse on soil

is agriculture.

33

Table No 5.1 Soil-Land Form relationship

Mapping unit 18 falls on lower plateau of Rajmahal traps covering area of 384.07 Sq.km. These

soils area having slope less than 1%. These soils have low erosion and are well drained. The

major landuse is agriculture.

While mapping unit 20,21,22,23 falls on Gangetic alluvium covering area of 622.6 Sq.km. These

soils have very gentle slope less than 1 %. These soils have low erosion and are also well

drained. The major landuse on these soils is intensive agricultural practices.

Similarly mapping units 9, 19, lie on valley fills covering an area of 68.67 sq. km. These soils

have very narrow valley fill area with slope less than 1% with low erosion and are also well

drained.

5.3 Soil distribution and classification

Soil data collected from the field through interpretation, profiling and then chemical / mechanical

analysis were placed as per the standards of soil series formation and integrated in to Arc GIS

format to form the soil map of the district. Soil map of district Sahibganj shows that hills occupy

Central, Western and SW part. Pediment occupies very small part on Southern side. Upper

Pediplain occupies SW part of the district. Lower Pediplain occupies small part on southern

side. Upper plateau occupies western and South Western part of district, lower plateau on

Western, Central and Southern part, valley fills on Northern and eastern part with alluvium.

The soil distribution with reference to physiographic units is shown in plate nos

Unit / Soil Code Landform Area in Sq.Km

2,13,14 hills 594.6243757 4,11 Upper Pediplain 22.28725627 10 Pediment 0.218231554

12 Lower Pediplain 14.05441238 15,16,17,24 Upper Plateau 270.5900729

18 Lower plateau 384.0773613

19, 9 Valley fills 68.67493021 20,21,22,23 Alluvium 622.6114479

34

Plate-3

Hills Upper Pediplain

Pediment Lower Pediplain

35

Plate-4

Upper Plateau Lower Plateau

Valley Fills Alluvium

36

Plate-5

Water bodies Water Logged Area

Sand and Sandbar Area

37

CHAPTER-6 SOIL DEGRADATION STATUS

The soil degradation means loosing the original potential of soil due to various reasons such as

natural causes, increasing biotic pressure due to rise in population, human interference i.e

unplanned excessive use, loss of top soil cover due to erosion and flooding. The generation of

soil requires very long period may be hundreds of years however the same can be degraded in

a very short time if remained unattended. Thus soil is very important natural resource which is

being exploited by human for various purpose mainly agriculture, forest vegetation, pasture

development etc. The soil is subject to degradation due to natural process as well human

influence. The soil erosion, inundation due to floods etc are the natural causes while excessive

irrigation, intensive farming, heavy use of fertilizers and deforestation are the results of human

influence. Sahibganj district is one of the backward districts and hence there are no evidences

of land degradation due to human interference because most of the cultivable area is under

single crop and thus lacks intensive farming. The socio-economic situation does not permit

excess use of fertilizers. The area under irrigation is also very low and therefore there are no

chances of land degradation due to excessive irrigation. However the natural causes of soil

degradation such as erosion, flooding and acidic soils have been observed in the district.

6.1 Eroded Soils

The physiographic situation of the district is such that steep sloping hills are lying just adjacent

to vast Gangetic alluvial plain. Under the situation fertile soils of plains are subject to erosion

due to high velocity of water running across the hills. Therefore the soils on the hills and foothill

region are subject to erosion. The soil series namely Murabari, Amra, Dumka, Sarjori,

Govindpur and Baramasia shows severe to moderate erosion. The total area under these soils

is 800 Sq.km i.e. 36 % of the geographical area.

Similarly the district lies in heavy rainfall zone under the situation leaching of bases is expected

which results in formation of acidic soils. The soils in the district are in general acidic in which

the pH ranges from 4 to 6.5

38

6.2 Water Logging soils

The soils along the Gangetic plains are aquatic and remain under submerged condition during

the heavy floods. The soil series namely Patharia, Asabani, Sarwan, Chandpur, Surnimod, are

aquic in nature and thus subject to flooding. The area of these soils is 234 Sq.km nearly 10% of

the total geographical area.

6.3 Acidic Soils

The physiographic and rainfall situation of the district favors heavy leaching of the bases from

the top soil causing formation of acidic soils and as a result the soils of the district are in general

highly acidic where the pH ranges from 4 to 6.5. Out of the 23 series in the district 21 series

except Surnimod and Chandpur are acidic in nature.

6.4 Gullied lands

Very small areas in isolated locations along the banks of streams are observed to be gullied

lands. However the extent is negligible.

6.5 Deforestation

The total forest area in the district is 78.54 Sq.Km confining to hills covering central part of the

district however the forest is surrounded by open forest. The total area is 740 Sq.km. This area

shows degraded forest cover at many locations as a result of rampant deforestation activity. The

series Baramasia, Brindawan forest are major soil series. The soils are also prone to erosion

due to steep slopes.

39

Chapter-7 Interpretation of Soils for Land Reso urces Management

The soil map should be interpreted in a way which will be meaningful to the ultimate users. Soil

maps can be interpreted by the individual kinds of soils and by the grouping of soils. Such

interpretations provide the user with all the information that can be obtained from a map. The

kind of soil grouped and the variation permitted within each group differ according to the use to

be made of the grouping.

7.1 Land Capability Classification

The land capability classification is one of such important interpretative groupings. The

capability classification of land also begins with the individual soil mapping units. In this

classification the aerable soils are grouped according to their potentialities and limitations for

sustained production of commonly cultivated crops and the non-aerable soils (Soils unsuited for

longtime sustained use of cultivated crops) are grouped according to their potential and

limitations for the production of permanent vegetation.

Land Capability Classes

The land capability classification places all the soils in eight capability classes. The risk of soil

damage or limitation in use, become progressively greater from class I to Class VIII. Soils in the

first four classes under good management are capable of producing adapted plants such as

forest trees and common cultivated field crops and pastures. Soils in class V, VI and VII are

suited to use of adapted native plants. Some soils in classes V and VI are also capable of

producing specific crops such as certain fruits and ornamental plants with soils and water

conservation measures. The basic characteristics of capability classes are given below. Class

VIII soils and land forms have limitations that preclude their use for aerable and non-aerable

crops.

(a) Land suited to cultivation and other users.

Class-I Soils have few limitations that restrict their use.

Class-II Soils have some limitations that reduce the choices of plants or require moderate

conservation practices.

Class-III Soils have severe limitations that reduce the choice of plats or require special

conservation practices.

40

Class IV Soils have very severe limitations that restrict the choice of plants or require very

careful management or both.

(b) Land limited in use-generally not suited to cul tivation

Class V Soils have little or no erosion hazard but have other limitations impractical to

remove limiting use to pasture woodland or wildlife food and cover.

Class VI Soils have severe limitations making them unsuited to cultivation and limit their

use largely to pasture woodland or wild life food and cover.

Class VII Soils have severe limitations making them unsuited to cultivation and restrict their

use to grazing, woodland or wild life.

Class VIII Soils and landforms have limitations that preclude their use for arable or non-

arable crops and restrict their use to recreation, wild life or water supply or to

aesthetic purposes.

Land Capability classes of soil association

The soil series in the study area on the basis of physical characters are classified in land

capability classes, II, IV,VI,VII, and VIII of which land capability class II covers major part of the

study area i.e. 50% while land capability class IV covers only 3% of the study area. The land

capability class VIII covers 33 % of the Sahibganj district. Land capability class VII covers 2.5%

of the study area. Land capability class VI covers 1 % of the study area. The rest of the area is

unclassified as covered by settlement, water bodies, rivers etc. The details of the each land

capability class are given below.

Land Capability Class-II

The land capability class II covers soil mapping unit number 9, 12,18,19,20,21,22,23, and 24.

The dominant series along with series association and area of each mapping unit is given in

table (Ref Table No 7.1)

Land Characteristics

The land capability class II is associated with soil occurring on Gangetic alluvial plain, lower

plateau and lower Pediplain. The slope ranging from very gentle to gentle. Occasionally these

41

soils are associated with moderately sloping soils with eroded phase. The soils are prominently

under paddy cultivation however vegetables and fruits are also grown at places.

Soil Characteristics

These soils are deep to very deep with fine loamy texture mostly non-calcareous. Most of the

soils have aquic moisture legend as can be judged from the mottles in the horizon. These soil

belongs to Sarwan (Aquic Haplustepts), Dhababad( Typic Haplustepts), Pathlahara ( Vertic

Haplustepts) , Mohanpur (Typic Haplustepts) , Banshidharpur (Vertic Haplustepts), Mitial (Typic

Haplustalfs), Chandpur (Aquic Haplustepts), Telepara (Typic Haplustepts). These soils are

susceptible to slight erosion and therefore needs soil conservation practices to protect the fertile

soil cover. The soils are very fertile and thus can sustain intensive cropping pattern.

The soil association showing capability classes under category II

SMUCODE Soil series Association

Land Capability Code of

Dominant Series Area in Sq.Km

009 Sarwan-Patharia-Bansidharpur II 0.73 012 Dhababad-Asabani II 14.05 018 Pathlahara-Sonajori II 384.07 019 Mohanpur-Banshidharpur-Sonajori II 67.94 020 Banshidharpur II 173.01 021 Mohanpur-Banshidharpur-Baramasia II 174.24 022 Mitial-Chandpur II 55.22 023 Chandpur-Surnimod II 220.12 024 Telepara-Sahargaon II 1.84

Total Area 1091.26 Table-7.1 Details of Land capability in Class-II in Sahibganj district

Land Capability Class-IV

Land Characteristics

The land capability class IV covers soil mapping unit number 15 and 16. The dominant series

along with series association and area of each mapping unit is given in table (Ref Table No 7.2)

42

Soil Characteristics

These soils are shallow to moderately deep with fine mixed texture mostly non-calcareous. Most

of the soils have Lithic horizon in the profile and belong to inceptisols however occasionally

associated with entisols. These soil belongs to Sahargaon(Typic Haplustepts), Govindpur (Lithic

Haplustepts), and Baramasia (Lithic Ustorthents). These soils are well drained with moderate to

severe erosion and therefore needs soil conservation practices such as contour bunding or farm

bunding to protect the soil cover. The dominant landuse is forest. These soils can be exploited

for dryland horticultural crops or for agro-forestry practices.

The soil association table showing capability classes under category IV

SMUCODE Soil series Association Land Capability Code of Dominant Series

Area in Sq.Km

15 Sahargaon-Laterite-Govindpur IV 5.31 16 Sahargaon-Baramasia IV 63.81

Total area 69.12 Table 7.2 Details of Land capability class IV in Sahibganj district

Land Capability Class-VI

Land Characteristics

The land capability class IV covers soil mapping unit number 11. The dominant series along

with series association and area of each mapping unit is given in table (Ref Table No 7.3)

Soil Characteristics

These soils are moderately deep and falling on Gondwana pediment or Pediplain with coarse

loamy to fine loamy texture mostly non-calcareous. Most of the soils have typic horizon in the

profile and belong to entisols and alfisols. These soils belong to Murabari (Typic Ustorthents)

and Chitra (Typic Haplustalfs). These soils are well drained with moderate erosion and

therefore needs soil conservation practices such as contour bunding or farm bunding to protect

the soil cover. The dominant landuse is rainfed paddy. These soils can be exploited for dryland

horticultural crops or for agro-forestry practices.

The soil association showing capability class under category VI

43

SMUCODE Soil series Association

Land Capability Code of Dominant

Series Area in Sq.Km 011 Murabari-Chitra-Dhababad VI 21.88

Total Area 21.88

Table 7.3 Details of Land capability class VI in Sahibganj district

Land Capability Class-VII

Land Characteristics

The land capability class VII covers soil mapping unit numbers 2,4,10 and 14. The dominant

series along with series association and area of each mapping unit is given in table (Ref Table

No 7.4)

Soil Characteristics

These soils are shallow to moderately deep and falling on pediment and foot hill slopes, with

loamy skeletal to coarse loamy. The se are well drained and severely eroded. Most of the soils

have lithic and Typic horizon in the profile and belong to entisols and inceptisols. These soils

belongs to Amra (Lithic Ustorthents), Dumka (Typic Ustorthents), Sarjori (Typic Haplustepts)

and Govindpur(Lithic Haplustepts). These soils are well drained with severe erosion and non-

aerable soils and therefore major landuse is forest. It is essential to adopt forest conservation

measures. The dominant landuse is forest.

The soil association showing capability classes under category VII

SMUCODE Soil series Association Land Capability

Code of Dominant Series

Area in Sq.Km

02 Amra-Dharmapur VII 0.30 04 Dumka-Sikarpur VII 0.40 10 Sarjori-Murabari-Chitra VII 0.21 14 Govindpur-Baramasia VII 53.69 Total area 54.61

Table 7.4 Details of Land capability class VII in Sahibganj district

Land Capability Class-VIII

Land Characteristics

44

The land capability class VIII covers soil mapping unit numbers 13 and 17. The dominant series

along with series association and area of each mapping unit is given in table (Ref Table No7.5)

Soil Characteristics

These soils are shallow soils falling on denudational hills with slope greater than 15%, with fine

loamy. The soils are excessively drained and severely eroded. Most of the soils Lithic horizon in

the profile and belong to entisols. These soils belong to Baramasia (Lithic Ustorthents),

Brindawan Forest (Typic Ustorthents). These soils are well drained with severe erosion and

non-aerable soils and therefore major landuse is forest. It is essential to adopt forest

conservation measures. The dominant landuse is forest. In order to control the erosion it is

essential to grow grasses on the barren soil covers.

The soil association showing capability classes under category VIII

SMUCODE Soil series Association Land Capability Code of Dominant Series

Area in Sq.Km

13 Baramasia-Baramasia-Brindawan-forest VIII 540.62

17 Baramasia VIII 199.61

Total Area 740.24 Table 7.5 Details of Land capability class VIII in Sahibganj district

Unclassified units

Rivers, water bodies, major settlement have not been classified and hence shown separately by

SMU-codes from 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, and 32. These together cover an area of 224.02

Sq.km i.e. 10% of the study area.

7.2 Land and Soil Irrigability Classification

7.2.1 Land Irrigability Classification

The soils in the study area are classified under different land irrigability classes based on

limitations of physical and land properties with due consideration to USBR soil irrigability

classes. These are considered in the three basic headings viz soils (s), topography (t) and

drainage(d). These can be used for denoting sub-classes using the lower case letters s, t, and

d. singly or in combination such as st, sd etc. In all there are 06 land suitability classes as given

in below table

45

Table No 7.6 Land Irrigability and Hydrological Grouping of soils.

Class Suitability / Unsuitability 1 Highly suitable (aerable lands) 2 Moderately suitable (Aerable lands) 3 Marginally suitable (Aerable) lands 4 Suitable for special use or restricted range of crops 5 Unsuitable (non-arable) lands 6 Unsuitable (non-arable) lands

In all three irrigability classes have been observed which are 2, 5 and 6 of which land irrigability

class 2 is aerable while class 6 is non aerable while irrigability class 5 is suitable for restricted

agricultural practices. The characteristics and series association of each irrigability classes

observed in the study area are given below.

Land Irrigability class 2

The soil association under land irrigability class II has a moderate suitability for sustained use

under irrigation. These are aerable land. All the units represent sloppy to gently sloping alluvial

plain and lower plateau and Pediplain. The soils associated are moderate to very deep, well

drained and slightly eroded. Clay loams and clays but have a few soil related and topographic

limitation like flooding. Dominant soil unit associated with these are Sarwan, Sarjori, Murabari,

Dhababad, Banshidharpur, Mitial, Chandpur and Telepara. These units cover nearly 50% of the

study area. These soils are under paddy cultivation as well as orchards and vegetables and

horticultural crops, paddy wheat and gram under rainfed agriculture. These area can be

cultivated for various irrigated crops like sugarcane, fruit crops etc.

Land Irrigability Class 5

The soil association under land irrigability class V is non aerable due to limitations of topography

and soil depth. These soils are occurring on foot hills and therefore are shallow in depth and are

also severely eroded thus not suitable for sustained use. These lands are either barren or under

degraded mixed forest and mixed grasses. The soils associated are Sahargaon, Baramasia and

Govindpur and covers 3% of the geographical area.

Land Irrigability Class 6

The soil association under land irrigability class VI is non aerable due to limitations of

topography and soil depth. These soils are occurring on hills, foot hills, ridges and plateau top

Increasing

Productive

Capacity

46

therefore are shallow in depth and are also severely eroded thus not suitable for sustained use.

These lands are under forest vegetation and the forest is dense to open. The soils associated

are Amra, Dumka, Baramasia and Govindpur and covers 33% of the geographical area.

Table No 7.7 Land Irrigability of soils

Land Irrigability classification in Sahibganj district Jharkhand

Map Symbol SERIES LIRRCODE

Land Irrigability

Class

SOIRRCODE

Soil Irrigability Class

009 Sarwan-Patharia-Bansidharpur 1 2d 1 A

010 Sarjori-Murabari-Chitra 1 2d 1 A 011 Murabari-Chitra-Dhababad 1 2d 1 A 012 Dhababad-Asabani 1 2d 1 A 018 Pathlahara-Sonajori 3 2d 1 A 019 Mohanpur-Banshidharpur-Sonajori 3 2d 1 A 020 Banshidharpur 1 2sd 1 A

021 Mohanpur-Banshidharpur-

Baramasia 3 2d 1 A 022 Mitial-Chandpur 3 2d 1 A 023 Chandpur-Surnimod 3 2d 1 A 024 Telepara-Sahargaon 1 2sd 1 A

015 Sahargaon-Laterite-Govindpur 1 5ts 1 A 016 Sahargaon-Baramasia 1 5ts 1 A

002 Amra-Dharmapur 6 6st 4 D

004 Dumka-Sikarpur 6 6st 4 D

013 Baramasia-Baramasia-Brindawan-

forest 5 6ts 1 A 014 Govindpur-Baramasia 5 6ts 1 A 017 Baramasia 5 6ts 1 A

Table 7.7 Details of Land Irrigability in classes in Sahibganj district

7.3 Soil Suitability grouping for sustainable agric ulture

The productivity of the soil is linked to inherent characteristics of soil, agro-lithological setting

and land management. In order to achieve the sustainable development the understanding of

local features, potential and problems of soils is very essential. Which facilitate appropriate

planning for optimum utilization of aerable as well as non aerable area. Due to rise in population

in geometrical proportion the biotic pressure on land is also increasing as a result the per capita

47

availability of land is decreasing. The situation calls for judicious soil management practices to

achieve food security of the district. In view of this considering the soil characteristics of the

district following recommendations are made.

Present Scenario of Sahibganj District.

The Sahibganj district is basically monocrop growing district and paddy is the most dominant

crop in the area. Along with paddy other Khariff crops are also grown like pigeon pea, chick pea.

In addition to these Khariff crops such as wheat, soya bean, maize, and sorgam are also grown

in the district. The cropping intensity of the district is very low as very small percentage

agriculture land is under double crop. The irrigation potential of the district is just 3%. Thus

rainfed agricultural practices are followed in the district. However district does have potential of

raising double crops as area under land capability II is 50% of the geographical area. Similarly

soils of the area are suitable for raising horticultural crops. Based on these following

recommendations are given.

7.3. (a) Under Rainfed Agriculture

A large diversity of cropping system exist under rainfed and dryland agriculture over an over

riding practice of intercropping to cover of risk of single crop failure. Currently under rainfed

conditions only paddy is grown in the district and the land remain fallow during remaining period

of the year. The soils retains considerable amount of moisture after the harvest of wet season

which through proper management can be used for second crop. The best suitable crop rotation

considering the soil potential is recommended as under.

1. Rice – Rice

2. Rice-Wheat

3. Rice-Gram

4. Rice-Maize

7.3. (b) Under Irrigated Agriculture

The soils in the district are suitable for irrigation thus in order to increase agricultural

production it is essential to follow irrigation practices. The best possible use of irrigation can

be made by making available limited essential water for protective irrigation and using soil

moisture in combination with irrigation. The irrigation practices along with modern inputs

48

such as improved seed varieties , fertilizer the yield is expected to be higher i.e. 2.5 times

than the rainfed agricultural practices. Productive soils adequate water, rich natural

biodiversity and agro diversity is expected to enhance food production on unit piece of land.

Two main resources of water are surface water and ground water which needs to be tapped

to increase the agricultural production.

Mostly class II soils in the district can be brought under irrigation system where intensive

farming can be adopted under these programme. The area is suitable for raising cash crop

like sugar cane, vegetable crops, horticulture particularly mango sweet lime etc.

7.4 Cropping system and recommended crops

Currently the predominant crop which is grown in Sahibganj district is paddy, however other

Khariff crops like maize, pigeon pea, pulses are also gown. The area under Khariff crop is

around 70% while in pulses it is nearly 60% of the total cultivable land. The system

demands intensification of crops in space and time dimension. The length of growing period

is the base that decides the make up of cropping system. In Khariff season the rainfall in

terms of quantity and distribution decides the effective cropping system.

The area mainly belongs to paddy cropping which is permanently rainfed. The land on

succession of ridges and valleys are bunded with 0.5 to 1 mtrs high bunds depending upon

the type of soil and slope. As a result individual fields are small ranging between 0.25 to

0.50 ha. Only small area is under irrigation where paddy is grown after Khariff paddy. The

rotation of crop system is not usually followed.

The area experiences rainfall till late November thus residual moisture after paddy

harvesting and utilized for growing pulses like gram, mug, millets, maize, in ruby season.

Good residual moisture is expected n soils developed over Gangetic plain. The area is

suitable for growing wheat. The Rabi crops invariably should be supported with productive

irrigation through bore wells, lift irrigation through rivers, or canal water to increase the

agriculture production.

There is a good scope to utilize inland water resources to produce fresh water prawns to

ensure demand throughout the state and overseas. The state government should undertake

step for development of aquaculture under employment guarantee scheme. It should be an

integral part of developmental programme rather than cropping programme prevailing at

present.

49

Table No 7.8 Efficient cropping system for different rain dependent regions

Water availability

Period (days )

Intercropping System Double Cropping System Base Crop Intercrop Rainy Season

Crop Post Rainy

Season Crop

Up to 110 Pearl millet/ Cluster bean

Cowpea / Green gram / Black gram

-- --

Ground nut / Pearl millet

-- --

110-150 Pearl millet/Sorghum/ Cluster bean

Green gram/ Pigeon pea

Cow pea/ black gram/ soybean

Safflower/ Chick pea / Mustard

Green gram / pearl millet

Mustard/Chick pea / Barley

150-175 Pearl millet / chick pea

Pigeon pea / moth bean / Barley/ Linseed / Mustard / Safflower

Green gram Sorghum

175-200 Ground nut / Pearl millet / Sorghum Pigeon pea Green gram Sorghum

Cow Pea Sorghum Chick Pea Safflower Black gram Barley/Mustard Barley Mustard Pearl Millet Chick pea Maize Wheat / Chick

pea /Mustard -- -- Rice -- -- -- Sesame -- -- -- Chick pea -- 200-250 Sorghum / Pearl

millet / Maize Pigeon pea Sorghum /

Ground nut / maize

Chick pea/ safflower

soybean Pigeon-pea soybean Wheat Soybean

+maize Safflor / Chick

Pea Chick pea Mustard -- -- > 250 Rice / Finger millet /

Soybean / Maize Pigeon pea Rice / maize /

Finger millet / ground nut

Wheat / Chick pea/ Linseed / Lentil / Horse gram / Barley

Wheat / Barley Chick pea / Mustard

Soybean Finger millet

Chick pea Mustard Pearl Millet Wheat

50

7.5 Horticulture Development

The Sahibganj district is almost neglected under fruit and vegetable crop cultivation.

Encouragement should be given for product diversification, and value addition. Vegetable

farming needs to develop on commercial scale through the distribution of improved seeds,

planting material and infrastructural facility such market, transport, storage wear house etc.

The major fruit crops which could be profitably cultivated in the district as Mango, Guava,

Jackfruit, Custard apple, Sweet lime, tapioca etc. Thought should be given to organically grown

fruit cultivation. Efforts should also be made to establish vermin-compost unit in each orchard

and readily available biomass such as rice husk, green grass and glarrioda should be used for

composting.

The area is suitable for Vegetable crops like potato, ginger, beans, brinjal, peas, etc. and should

be considered for profitable cultivation.

A very small area of Sahibganj district is covered by land capability class IV. These soils are

suitable for dryland horticultural activities as most of these soils occur at the foot hill thus have

low moisture regime however dryland horticulture activity if used in conjunction with traditional

Khariff crops to ensure the economical viability of agricultural practices.

Lime treatment

The soils of Sahibganj are acidic in nature which needs immediate attention for increasing

production and improving soil structure therefore lime treatment should be invariably given to

the fertile soil of the area. The recommended dose for supply is 1 ton/ Ha for soils where pH

ranges from 4.5 to 6.5 however the lime dose may vary depending upon soil texture.

7.6 Forest forage and grassland development

The soils of land capability VI, VII and VIII cover nearly 800 sq.km. Most of the soils occur on hill

slopes, thus unsuitable for agricultural practices. However these soils can be productively

utilised for increasing vegetation cover to maintain much needed forest environment. These

areas are suitable for plantation of forest species. This would ensure protection of soil cover

which may deteriorate due to erosion. The plantation activity should be covered with grass

vegetation to ensure fodder for the milk animals in the district.

51

Following pasture development activity are recommended in Sahibganj area.

Pasture Species Minimum

Rainfall Soil Type

Seed rate

Kg/Ha

Dry Forage t/

ha

Grass

Blue panic (Panicum

antidotale) 500

Medium to heavy 4-5 2.5

Marvel (Dicanthium

annulatum) 375

Mixed red and black 7-8 2.5

Sum (Sehima nervosum) 300 Versatile 8-9 3.0

Bufel ( Lenchrus ciliaris) 300 Versatile 8-10 3.0

Bahia (Paspalum notadum) 450 Versatile 2-4 3.0

Dinanath (Pennisetm

pedicellatum) 400

Light 11-17 3.5

Legume

Stylo (Stylosanthes hamata) 450 Light to medium 4-6 2.5

Sirato(Macroptilium

atropurpureum) 500

Light to medium 7-8 2.8

Aparajit (Clitoria ternatea) 300 Light to medium 15-20 3.0

Table No 7.9 Suitable pasture species.

7.7 Hydrological grouping of soils, Water Harvestin g, its storage and management.

7.7.1Hydrological soil groups

The hydrological soil groups indicate suitability of soils for sustained irrigation practice for

agriculture product. The grouping is based on soil limitations due to drainage, slope, erosion,

and depth. Soils with none to slight limitations due to erosion and drainage are classified in

group 1. Soils with moderate limitations are classified in group 2. The soils of group 3 have

severe limitations and thus unsuitable for irrigation practices. Soils with group 4 are non aerable

and have severe limitation for sustained irrigation. Group 5 soils also have severe limitations for

irrigation due to slope and shallow soil thickness and therefore non aerable.

On the basis of soil characteristics of the soil series of the study area have been classified

under 05 hydrological groups. Those are as under Ref table No-

52

Hydrological Grouping Definitions 1 None to slight limitations for sustained use under irrigation 2 Moderate soil limitations for sustained use under irrigation 3 Severe soil limitation for sustained use under irrigation 4 Very severe soil limitation for sustained use under irrigation 5 Not suited for irrigation

Table No 7.10 Hydrological Grouping table

Hydrological group 1 .

Hydrological soil group 1 is represented by soil mapping units, 9, 12, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 and

24. These soils have very slight limitations and thus are suitable for land irrigation practices.

These soils are suitable for intensive cropping pattern. The soil series namely Sarwan,

Dhababad, Pathlahara, Mohanpur, Banshidharpur, Mitial, Chandpur and Telepara are

associated with this hydrological soil group. These together cover 50% of the study area. Ref

(Table No 7.11)

Table 7.11 Land Hydrological Grouping in Sahibganj District

Map Symbol SERIES HS CODE Area

009 Sarwan-Patharia-Bansidharpur 1 0.734009985 012 Dhababad-Asabani 1 14.05441238 018 Pathlahara-Sonajori 1 384.0773613 019 Mohanpur-Banshidharpur-Sonajori 1 67.94092022 020 Banshidharpur 1 173.0198975 021 Mohanpur-Banshidharpur-Baramasia 1 174.2476905 022 Mitial-Chandpur 1 55.22057402 023 Chandpur-Surnimod 1 220.1232859 024 Telepara-Sahargaon 1 1.8437932

010 Sarjori-Murabari-Chitra 2 0.218231554 011 Murabari-Chitra-Dhababad 2 21.88464255

015 Sahargaon-Laterite-Govindpur 3 5.311193057 016 Sahargaon-Baramasia 3 63.81776005

002 Amra-Dharmapur 4 0.307474415

004 Dumka-Sikarpur 4 0.402613721 013 Baramasia-Baramasia-Brindawan-forest 4 540.6252963 014 Govindpur-Baramasia 4 53.6916049 017 Baramasia 4 199.6173266

25 to 32 Unclassified 224.02

Total Area 2201.164587

53

Hydrological group 2 .

Hydrological soil group 2 is represented by soil mapping units, 10 and 11. These soils have

some limitations and thus are suitable for limited land irrigation practices. These soils are

suitable for growing double crops or irrigated horticultural practices.. The soil series namely

Sarjori, Murabari and Chitra are associated with this hydrological soil group. These together

cover 1% of the study area. Ref (Table No 7.11)

Hydrological group 3 .

Hydrological soil group 3 is represented by soil mapping units, 15 and 16. These soils have

severe limitations in terms of erosion, depth and thus are not suitable for land irrigation

practices. These soils are suitable for growing dryland horticultural crops. The soil series namely

Sahargaon, Govindpur and Baramasia are associated with this hydrological soil group. These

together cover 3% of the study area. Ref (Table No 7.11)

Hydrological group 4

Hydrological soil group 4 is represented by soil mapping units, 2, 4, 13, 14 and 17. These soils

have very severe limitations in terms of erosion, depth and thus are not suitable for land

irrigation practices. These soils are non aerable lands and thus do not support agricultural

practices however suitable for forest vegetation. The soil series namely Amra, Dumka,

Baramasia, and Govindpur are associated with this hydrological soil group. These together

cover 36% of the study area. Ref (Table No 7.11)

7.7.2 Water Harvesting its storage and management

The Sahibganj district has a typical physiographical setup as nearly 30% of the total

geographical area is covered by hills and steep slopes where as 50 % of area is covered by

alluvial plain. Thus 2 contrasting physiographical features are laying juxtaposition. This peculiar

situation very is very suitable for implementation of insitu soil moisture and water conservation

measures. The small first order streams emerging from high hill slopes is suitable for

construction of gully plugs. Series of gulley plugs should be taken to check the velocity of

running water. The foot hill areas are suitable for construction of earthen check dams. The

alluvial plains are suitable for rain water harvesting through farm ponds. The farm ponds are not

only water harvesting structure but also useful for protective irrigation under prolonged dry

54

spells during rainy seasons. Contour bunding is recommended on hill slopes to protect soil from

erosion.

The density of irrigation wells in the district is very low. Under the situation currently there is no

need for implementation of artificial recharge projects.

55

CHAPTER 8 REFERENCES – Soil Series Description and Chemical Analysis Data

16 : DHARAMPUR SERIES

VILLAGE : Dharampur

LOCATION : 24° 14' 20'' N and 86° 56' 42'' E, Profile no 139, Sheet no 72 L/16

TALUKA : Sarath

DISTRICT : Deoghar

LANDFORM : Hill ranges with residual hillocks

SLOPE : 10-15%

VEGETATION : Palas, Tendu, Grasses

LAND USE : Forest/Grassland

PARENT MATERIAL : Gneiss

EROSION : Severe

DRAINAGE : Excessively drained

CLASSIFICATION : Coarse loamy, mixed, hyperthermic, Typic Ustorthents

INTERPRETATION :

LAND CAPABLITY CLASS: VII

LAND IRRIGABLITY CLASS: 6ts

HORIZON DEPTH DISCRIPTION

A 0-7cm Brown (10YR 5/3 D); gravely loamy sand; massive; dry loose, friable; many fine roots; weathered material in matrix; strong acid (pH 5.4); clear smooth boundary.

C 7-75cm + weathered material.

56

57

36 : SIKARPUR SERIES

VILLAGE : Sikarpur

LOCATION : 24° 07' 14'' N and 87° 09' 06'' E, Profile no 75, Sheet no 72 P/4

TALUKA : Maslia

DISTRICT : Dumka

LANDFORM : Upper Pediplain

SLOPE : 1-3%

VEGETATION : Mahuva, Tendu, Palas, Grasses

LAND USE : Open scrub; open forest

PARENT MATERIAL : Gneiss

EROSION : Moderate-Severe

DRAINAGE : Well drained

CLASSIFICATION : Fine loamy, mixed, hyperthermic, Typic Ustorthents

INTERPRETATION :

LAND CAPABLITY CLASS: VI

LAND IRRIGABLITY CLASS: 6ts

HORIZON DEPTH DISCRIPTION

A 0-12cm Light reddish brown ( 5YR 6/4 D); loam; massive; dry loose, friable, non-sticky, non plastic, many fine roots; slightly acid (pH 6.1); clear smooth boundary.

C 12-63cm + weathered material.

58

59

30 : PATHARIA SERIES

VILLAGE : Patharia

LOCATION : 24° 16' 47'' N and 86° 34' 48'' E, Profile no 107, Sheet no 72 L/11

TALUKA : Deoghar

DISTRICT : Deoghar

LANDFORM : Lower Pediplain

SLOPE : 0-1%

VEGETATION : Palm, Bamboo, Sisham, Grasses

LAND USE : Paddy

PARENT MATERIAL : Gneiss

EROSION : Moderate

DRAINAGE : Well drain

CLASSIFICATION : Fine loamy, mixed, hyperthermic, Fluentic Haplustepts

INTERPRETATION :

LAND CAPABLITY CLASS: II

LAND IRRIGABLITY CLASS: 2d

HORIZON DEPTH DISCRIPTION

Ap 0-12cm Dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/4 D); sandy loam; weak sub-angular blocky; dry loose, friable; many fine roots; strongly acid (pH 5.4); diffuse boundary

Bw1 12-32cm Brown (10YR 5/3 D); clay; weak medium sub-angular blocky; dry hard, friable, non-sticky, non-plastic; few fine roots; medium acid (pH 6.0); diffuse boundary

60

. Bw2 32-55cm Brown (10YR 5/3 D); clay loam; medium sub-angular blocky; dry hard; firm; sticky; plastic; slightly acid (pH 6.1); diffused boundary

. Bw3 55-110 cm + Yellowish brown( 10YR 5/6 D); sand loam; massive; dry loose, friable, non-sticky, non-plastic; slightly acid (pH 6.4).

61

62

35 : SARWAN SERIES

VILLAGE : Sarwan

LOCATION : 24° 22' 24'' N and 86° 46' 45'' E, Profile no 144, Sheet no 72 L/15

TALUKA : Deoghar

DISTRICT : Deoghar

LANDFORM : Valley Fill/ Alluvial Plain

SLOPE : 0-1%

VEGETATION : Palm, Babul, Bamboo, Pipal, Grasses

LAND USE : Paddy, Maize, Wheat, Bengal gram, Potato, Vegetables

PARENT MATERIAL : Gneiss

EROSION : Low

DRAINAGE : Well drain

CLASSIFICATION : Fine loamy, mixed, hyperthermic, Aquic Haplustepts

INTERPRETATION :

LAND CAPABLITY CLASS: II

LAND IRRIGABLITY CLASS: 2d

HORIZON DEPTH DISCRIPTION

Ap 0-15cm Dark grayish brown ( 10YR 4/2 D); clay; medium moderate sub-angular blocky; dry very hard, very firm, very sticky, plastic; many fine roots; medium acid (pH 6.0); gradual smooth boundary; 3cm wide crack developed upto50cm depth.

Bw1 15-40cm Very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2 D); silty clay; medium moderate sub angular blocky; dry very hard, very firm, very sticky, non plastic; many fine roots; neutral (pH 6.9); clear smooth boundary.

63

Bw2 40-65cm Dark brown (10YR 3/3 D); clay loam; medium moderate sub-angular blocky; dry very hard, firm, sticky, plastic; many fine roots; neutral (pH 6.9).

C 65+cm Weathered material.

64

65

34 : SARJORI SERIES

VILLAGE : Sarjori

LOCATION : 24° 81' 23'' N and 86° 50' 25'' E, Profile no 136, Sheet no 72 L/16

TALUKA :

DISTRICT : Deoghar

LANDFORM : Pediment

SLOPE : 5-10%

VEGETATION : Sal, Grasses

LAND USE : Forest

PARENT MATERIAL : Sandstone

EROSION : Moderate

DRAINAGE : Well drained

CLASSIFICATION : Coarse loamy, mixed, hyperthermic, Typic Haplustepts

INTERPRETATION :

LAND CAPABLITY CLASS: VI

LAND IRRIGABLITY CLASS: 2d

HORIZON DEPTH DISCRIPTION

A11 0-13cm Brownish yellow (10YR 6/6 D); loamy sand; single grained to sub-angular blocky; dry loose, very friable; many fine roots; very strongly acid (pH 4.7); diffuse boundary.

A12 13-28cm Yellowish brown (10YR 5/6 D); sand loam; moderate medium sub-angular blocky; dry loose, friable; common medium roots; strongly acid (pH 5.5); diffuse boundary.

66

A2 28-55cm Brown (10YR 5/3 D); sand loam; moderate medium sub-angular blocky; dry loose, friable; common medium roots; strongly acid (pH 5.3).

C 55+ Weathered material.

67

68

27 : MURABARI SERIES

VILLAGE : Murabari

LOCATION : 24° 07' 07 ''N and 86° 49' 59'' E, Profile no 135, Sheet no 72 L/16

TALUKA :

DISTRICT : Deoghar

LANDFORM : Pediment

SLOPE : 5-10%

VEGETATION : Palm, Mango, Grasses

LAND USE : Mixed Forest

PARENT MATERIAL: Sandstone

EROSION : Moderate

DRAINAGE : Well drain

CLASSIFICATION : Coarse loamy, mixed, hyperthermic, Typic Ustorthents

INTERPRETATION :

LAND CAPABLITY CLASS: VI

LAND IRRIGABLITY CLASS: 2d

HORIZON DEPTH DISCRIPTION

A11 0-6cm Reddish yellow ( 7.5 YR 7/6 D); loamy sand ;fine sub-angular blocky; dry slightly hard; few fine roots; very strongly acid (pH 4.8); clear smooth boundary.

A12 6-20cm Reddish yellow (7.5 YR 6/6 D); gravelly sandy clay loam; moderate medium sub angular blocky; dry slightly hard, firm; few fine roots; strongly acid (pH 5.1); clear smooth boundary.

C 20-70cm + Weathered sandstone

69

70

13 : CHITRA SERIES

VILLAGE : Chitra

LOCATION : 24° 06' 01'' N and 86° 51' 53'' E, Profile no 130, Sheet no 72 L/16

TALUKA :

DISTRICT : Deoghar

LANDFORM : Upper Pediplain

SLOPE : 1-3%

VEGETATION : Palm, Sisham, Mango, Grasses

LAND USE : Paddy

PARENT MATERIAL: Sandstone

EROSION : Moderate

DRAINAGE : Well drained

CLASSIFICATION : Fine loamy, mixed, hyperthermic, Typic Haplustalfs

INTERPRETATION :

LAND CAPABLITY CLASS: II

LAND IRRIGABLITY CLASS: 2d

HORIZON DEPTH DISCRIPTION

Ap 0-9cm Reddish yellow (7.5 YR 7/8 D); sandy clay loam; massive; dry slightly hard, firm, non-sticky, non-plastic; few common roots; strongly acid (pH 5.2); clear smooth boundary.

Bt1 9-32cm Reddish yellow (7.5 YR 6/6 D); sandy clay loam; massive; dry slightly hard, firm; few fine roots; strongly acid (pH 5.4); clear wavy boundary.

71

Bt2 32-42cm Light brown (7.5 YR 6/4 D); gravelly sandy clay loam moderate medium sub-angular blocky ; dry hard, firm; thick patchy argillans thick patchy argillans few fine roots; strongly acid

(pH 5.5); diffuse boundary.

Bt3 42-65cm + Strong brown (7.5 YR 5/6 D); gravelly sandy clay loam; medium sub-angular blocky; dry hard, firm; thick patchy argillans few fine roots; strongly acid (pH 5.1).

72

73

15 : DHABABAD SERIES

VILLAGE : Dhababad

LOCATION : 24° 09' 53'' N and 86° 49' 48'' E, Profile no 132, Sheet no 72 L/16

TALUKA : Sarath

DISTRICT : Deoghar

LANDFORM : Lower Pediplain

SLOPE : 0-1%

VEGETATION : Grasses

LAND USE : Paddy

PARENT MATERIAL : Sandstone

EROSION : Slight

DRAINAGE : Well drain

CLASSIFICATION : Fine loamy, mixed, hyperthermic, Typic Haplustepts

INTERPRETATION :

LAND CAPABLITY CLASS: II

LAND IRRIGABLITY CLASS: 2d

HORIZON DEPTH DISCRIPTION

Ap 0-10cm Brown ( 10 YR 5/3 D); sandy clay loam; fine weak sub angular blocky; dry hard, firm, slightly sticky, non-plastic; many fine roots; extremely acid (pH 4.5); clear smooth boundary.

Bt1 10-23cm Yellowish brown ( 10 YR 5/4 D); clay loam; fine weak sub angular blocky; dry hard, firm, sticky, plastic; thin discontinuous argillans; few fine roots; medium acid (pH 5.8); clear smooth boundary.

74

Bw1 23-43cm Brown ( 10 YR 5/3 D); gravelly silt loam; fine weak sub angular blocky; dry slightly hard, firm, slightly sticky, plastic; many continuous argillans few fine roots; few Fe-Mn concretions; medium acid (pH 5.7); clear smooth boundary.

Bt2 43-65cm + Yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4 D); silty clay; medium moderate sub angular blocky; few clay cracks, dry very hard, firm, sticky, plastic; thick patchy argillans; slightly acid (pH 6.5).

75

76

2 : ASABANI SERIES

VILLAGE : Asabani

LOCATION : 24° 06' 43'' N and 86° 49' 07'' E, Profile no 134, Sheet no 72 L/16

TALUKA :

DISTRICT : Deoghar

LANDFORM : Lower Pediplain

SLOPE : 0-1%

VEGETATION : Bamboo, Mango, Tad, Grasses

LAND USE : Paddy

PARENT MATERIAL : Sandstone

EROSION : Low

DRAINAGE : Well drained

CLASSIFICATION : Fine, mixed, hyperthermic, Oxy-aquic Haplustalfs

INTERPRETATION :

LAND CAPABLITY CLASS: II

LAND IRRIGABLITY CLASS: 2sd

HORIZON DEPTH DISCRIPTION

Ap 0-14cm Grayish brown ( 10 YR 5/2 D); silty clay; fine weak sub-angular blocky; dry hard, firm, sticky, plastic; many fine roots; very strong acid (pH 5.0); clear smooth boundary.

Bt1 14-26cm Dark yellowish brown (10 YR 4/4 D); clay; medium moderate sub angular blocky; dry very hard, firm, very sticky, plastic; patchy thick argillans many fine roots; medium acid (pH 5.9); abrupt smooth boundary.

C 26-70cm + weathered sandstone.

77

78

6 : BARAMASIA SERIES

VILLAGE : Baramasia

LOCATION : 24° 51' 22'' N and 87° 39' 55'' E, Profile no 19, Sheet no 72 P/9

TALUKA : Bairhat

DISTRICT : Sahibganj

LANDFORM : Denudational hill

SLOPE : >33%

VEGETATION : Palm, Mohuva, Sisham, Grasses

LAND USE : Forest

PARENT MATERIAL : Basalt

EROSION : Severe

DRAINAGE : Excessive

CLASSIFICATION : Fine Loamy, mixed, hyperthermic, Lithic Ustorthents

INTERPRETATION :

LAND CAPABLITY CLASS: VIII

LAND IRRIGABLITY CLASS: 6ts

HORIZON DEPTH DISCRIPTION

A 0-6.0cm Brown ( 10 YR 5/3 D); gravelly sandy clay loam; fine weak sub- angular blocky; dry loose; firm; slightly non plastic , many fine roots; strongly acidic (pH 5.4) clear smooth boundary. acid (pH 5.4); clear smooth boundary.

C 6.0-40cm + weathered basalt mixed with soil matrix.

79

80

8 : BRINDAWAN FOREST SERIES

VILLAGE : Brindawan

LOCATION : 25° 01' 49'' N and 87° 41' 34'' E, Profile no 86, Sheet no 72 O/12

TALUKA : Bairhat

DISTRICT : Sahibganj

LANDFORM : Denudational hill

SLOPE : >33%

VEGETATION : Natural Vegetation

LAND USE : Forest

PARENT MATERIAL : Basalt

EROSION : Severe

DRAINAGE : Excessive

CLASSIFICATION : Fine, mixed, hyperthermic, Typic Ustorthents

INTERPRETATION :

LAND CAPABLITY CLASS: VIII

LAND IRRIGABLITY CLASS: 6ts

HORIZON DEPTH DISCRIPTION

A 0-20cm Dark grayish brown ( 10 YR 5/3 D); gravelly sandy clay

loam; fine weak sub-angular blocky; dry slightly hard,

friable, sticky, plastic; many medium roots; neutral

(pH 6.6); clear smooth boundary.

C 20-120cm + Weathered basalt.

81

82

19 : GOVINDPUR SERIES

VILLAGE : Govindpur

LOCATION : 24° 41' 09'' N and 87° 44' 08'' E, Profile no 11, Sheet no 72 P/10

TALUKA :

DISTRICT : Pakur

LANDFORM : Denudational hill

SLOPE : 15-25%

VEGETATION : Shindhi, Grasses

LAND USE : Degraded Forest

PARENT MATERIAL : Basalt

EROSION : Severe

DRAINAGE : Excessive

CLASSIFICATION : Fine, mixed, hyperthermic, Lithic Haplustepts

INTERPRETATION :

LAND CAPABLITY CLASS: VII

LAND IRRIGABLITY CLASS: 6ts

HORIZON DEPTH DISCRIPTION

A1 0-9cm Reddish yellow ( 7.5 YR 6/6 D); clay; fine weak sub angular blocky; dry slightly hard, firm, sticky, plastic; few fine roots; medium acid (pH 5.9); clear smooth boundary.

Bw1 9-20cm Strong brown (7.5 YR 5/8 D); silty clay; medium moderate sub-angular blocky; dry hard, firm, sticky, slightly plastic; medium acid (pH 5.9); clear wavy boundary.

C 20-58cm Laterite (Basalt).

83

84

33 : SAHARGAON SERIES

VILLAGE : Sahargaon

LOCATION : 24° 34' 24'' N and 87° 42' 43'' E, Profile no 52, Sheet no 72 P/10

TALUKA : Maheshpur

DISTRICT : Pakur

LANDFORM : Upper plateau

SLOPE : 3-5%

VEGETATION : Natural Vegetation

LAND USE : Barren grassland

PARENT MATERIAL : Basalt

EROSION : Moderate to Severe

DRAINAGE : Well Drain

CLASSIFICATION : Fine, mixed, hyperthermic, Typic Haplustepts

INTERPRETATION :

LAND CAPABLITY CLASS: IV

LAND IRRIGABLITY CLASS: 5ts

HORIZON DEPTH DISCRIPTION

A1 0-11cm Light reddish brown ( 5 YR 6/4 D); clay loam; medium moderate sub-angular blocky; dry slightly hard, firm, slightly sticky, non-plastic; many fine roots; strongly acid (pH 5.5); clear smooth boundary.

Bw1 11-21cm Reddish brown ( 5 YR 5/4 D); clay; massive; dry slightly hard, firm, sticky, plastic; few fine roots; strongly acid (pH 5.4); diffuse boundary.

C 21+ Weathered material.

85

86

31 : PATHLAHRA SERIES

VILLAGE : Pathlahara

LOCATION : 25° 03' 12'' N and 87° 35' 43'' E, Profile no 88, Sheet no 72 O/12

TALUKA : Borio

DISTRICT : Sahibganj

LANDFORM : Lower Plateau

SLOPE : 0-1%

VEGETATION : Tad, Mango, Palm, Grasses

LAND USE : Paddy

PARENT MATERIAL : Basalt

EROSION : Low

DRAINAGE : Imperfectly Drained

CLASSIFICATION : Fine, mixed, hyperthermic, Vertic Haplustepts

INTERPRETATION :

LAND CAPABLITY CLASS: II

LAND IRRIGABLITY CLASS: 2d

HORIZON DEPTH DISCRIPTION

Ap 0-15cm Light yellowish brown ( 10 YR 6/4 D); silty clay; medium moderate sub angular blocky; dry very hard, firm, sticky, plastic; many fine roots; strongly acid (pH 5.3); clear smooth boundary.

A2 15-29cm Light yellowish brown ( 10 YR 6/4 D); silt loam; fine weak sub-angular blocky; dry very hard, firm, sticky, plastic; few fine roots; very few iron concretions in diffused state; neutral (pH 6.9); clear smooth boundary.

87

B21 29-47cm Light yellowish brown ( 10 YR 6/4 D); silty clay loam; medium moderate sub angular blocky; dry hard, firm, sticky, plastic; pressure faces; few iron concretions in diffused state: neutral (pH 6.9); clear smooth boundary.

2B22 47-65cm Brown ( 10 YR 5/3 D); clay; medium moderate sub angular blocky; dry very hard, very firm, very sticky, very plastic; silken sides; neutral (pH 6.9); clear smooth boundary.

2B23 65-82cm + Dark brown ( 10 YR 3/3 D); clay loam; medium moderate angular blocky; dry hard, firm, sticky, plastic; mildly alkaline (pH 7.4).

88

89

38 : SONAJORI SERIES

VILLAGE : Sonajori

LOCATION : 24° 38' 30'' N and 87° 48' 13'' E, Profile no 1, Sheet no 72 P/14

TALUKA : Pakur

DISTRICT : Pakur

LANDFORM : Lower Plateau

SLOPE : 0-1%

VEGETATION : Mango, Palm, Grasses

LAND USE : Paddy

PARENT MATERIAL : Basalt

EROSION : Low

DRAINAGE : Well drained

CLASSIFICATION : Fine, mixed, hyperthermic, Typic Haplustepts

INTERPRETATION :

LAND CAPABLITY CLASS: II

LAND IRRIGABLITY CLASS: 2d

HORIZON DEPTH DISCRIPTION

Ap 0-4.0cm Light yellowish brown ( 10 YR 6/4 D); silty clay; fine weak sub angular blocky; dry hard, firm, sticky, plastic; few fine roots; very strong acid (pH 5.0); clear smooth boundary.

A2 4.0-20cm Brownish yellow ( 10 YR 6/6 D); silty clay; fine weak sub angular blocky; dry hard, firm, sticky, plastic; few fine argillans; medium acid (pH 5.6); gradual smooth boundary.

90

Bw1 20-39cm Dark brown ( 10 YR 4/3 D); clay; medium moderate sub angular blocky; dry very hard, firm, sticky, plastic; few fine argillans; few Fe-Mn concretions; medium acid (pH 6.0); clear smooth boundary.

Bw2 39-75cm Dark brown ( 10 YR 4/3 D); silty clay; medium moderate sub angular blocky; dry hard, firm, sticky, plastic; few Fe-Mn concretions; medium acid (pH 6.0); gradual smooth boundary.

Bw3 75-105cm Dark brown ( 10 YR 3/3 D); clay; medium moderate sub angular blocky; dry very hard, firm, very sticky, plastic; slightly acid (pH 6.4).

91

92

26 : MOHANPUR SERIES

VILLAGE : Mohanpur

LOCATION : 24° 57' 09'' N and 87° 49' 39'' E, Profile no 45, Sheet no 72 P/13

TALUKA :

DISTRICT : Sahibganj

LANDFORM : Recent Alluvial Plain

SLOPE : 0-1%

VEGETATION : Tad, Mango, Shindhi, Grasses

LAND USE : Paddy, Sarso

PARENT MATERIAL : Alluvium

EROSION : Low

DRAINAGE : Moderately Well Drained

CLASSIFICATION : Fine, mixed, hyperthermic, Typic Haplustepts

INTERPRETATION :

LAND CAPABLITY CLASS: II

LAND IRRIGABLITY CLASS: 2d

HORIZON DEPTH DISCRIPTION

Ap 0-21cm Light yellowish brown ( 10 YR 6/4 D); silty clay; massive; dry hard, firm, sticky, plastic; few fine roots; very strongly acid (pH 4.8); clear smooth boundary.

Bw1 21-45cm Brown ( 10 YR 5/3 D); silty clay; fine weak sub-angular blocky; dry hard, firm, sticky, plastic; few fine roots; slightly acid (pH 6.8); clear smooth boundary.

93

Bw2 45-75cm Yellowish brown ( 10 YR 5/4 D); silty clay; fine weak sub angular blocky; dry slightly hard, firm, sticky, plastic; few fine roots; neutral (pH 6.9); clear wavy boundary.

Bw3 75-105cm + Brown ( 10 YR 5/3 D); silty clay; medium moderate sub angular blocky; dry hard, firm, sticky, plastic; few fine roots; neutral (pH 6.6).

94

95

25 : MITIAL SERIES

VILLAGE : Mitial

LOCATION : 25° 00' 30'' N and 87° 50' 06'' E, Profile no 82, Sheet no O/16

TALUKA : Rajmahal

DISTRICT : Sahibganj

LANDFORM : Older Flood Plain

SLOPE : 0-1%

VEGETATION : Mango Orchard, Guava Orchard, Grasses

LAND USE : Paddy, Mango Orchard

PARENT MATERIAL : Alluvial

EROSION : Low

DRAINAGE : Moderately Well Drained

CLASSIFICATION : Fine, mixed, hyperthermic, Typic Haplustalfs

INTERPRETATION :

LAND CAPABLITY CLASS: II

LAND IRRIGABLITY CLASS: 2d

HORIZON DEPTH DISCRIPTION

Ap 0-14cm Very pale brown ( 10 YR 7/3); silty clay loam; massive; dry slightly hard, friable, sticky, plastic; many fine roots; mildly alkaline (pH 7.7); slight effervescence; clear smooth boundary.

Bt1 14-30cm Pale brown ( 10 YR 6/3); silt loam; fine weak sub angular blocky; dry hard, firm, sticky, plastic; thin patchy argillans; many fine roots; moderately alkaline (pH 7.9); slight effervescences; diffuse boundary.

96

Bt2 30-54cm Brown ( 10 YR 5/3); clay loam; fine weak sub angular blocky; dry very hard, very firm, very sticky, plastic; common medium roots; many thin patchy argillans; moderately alkaline(pH 7.9); slight effervescences; diffuse boundary.

Bt3 54-85cm + Brown ( 10 YR 5/3); silty clay; medium moderate sub angular blocky; dry hard; firm; sticky; plastic; common medium roots; mildly alkaline (pH 7.5); slight effervescence.

97

98

12 : CHANDPUR SERIES

VILLAGE : Chandpur.

LOCATION : 24° 38' 25'' N and 87° 54' 30'' E, Profile no 5, Sheet no P/14.

TALUKA : Pakur.

DISTRICT : Pakur

LANDFORM : Recent Flood Plain

SLOPE : 0-1%

VEGETATION : Mango, Tamarind, Grasses

LAND USE : Paddy, Bengal gram, Maize, Sarso

PARENT MATERIAL : Basalt

EROSION : Low

DRAINAGE : Moderately Well Drained

CLASSIFICATION : Fine, mixed, hyperthermic, Aquic Haplustepts

INTERPRETATION :

LAND CAPABLITY CLASS: II

LAND IRRIGABLITY CLASS: 2d

HORIZON DEPTH DISCRIPTION

Ap 0-20cm Pale brown ( 10 YR 6/3); silty clay; fine moderate sub angular blocky; dry hard, firm, sticky, plastic; many fine roots; moderately alkaline (pH 8.0); clear smooth boundary.

Bw1 20-35cm Brown ( 10 YR 5/3); silt loam; fine weak sub angular blocky; dry slightly hard, firm, sticky, plastic; few fine roots; strong effervescence; moderately alkaline (pH 8.1); diffused boundary.

99

Bw2 35-51cm Brown ( 10 YR 5/3); silty clay; fine weak sub angular blocky; dry hard, firm, sticky, plastic; violent effervescence; mildly alkaline (pH 7.7); clear smooth boundary.

.

Bw3 51-76cm Grayish brown ( 10 YR 5/2); silty clay; medium moderate sub angular blocky; dry hard, firm, sticky, plastic; mildly alkaline (pH 7.4); diffuse boundary.

.

Bw4 76-97cm Grayish brown ( 10 YR 5/2); clay; medium moderate sub angular blocky; dry very hard, firm, very sticky, plastic; slight effervescence; neutral (pH 6.7).

C 97+ cm Base rock Lithic contact.

100

101

39 : SURNI MOD SERIES

VILLAGE : Surni.

LOCATION : 25° 10' 20'' N and 87° 12' 35'' E, Profile no 89, Sheet no 72 O/8

TALUKA :

DISTRICT : Godda

LANDFORM : Recent Flood Plain

SLOPE : 0-1%

VEGETATION : Grasses

LAND USE : Paddy, Wheat, Bengal gram, (irrigation)

PARENT MATERIAL : Basalt

EROSION : Low

DRAINAGE : Moderately Well Drained

CLASSIFICATION : Fine, mixed, hyperthermic, Aquic Haplustepts

INTERPRETATION :

LAND CAPABLITY CLASS: II

LAND IRRIGABLITY CLASS: 2d

HORIZON DEPTH DISCRIPTION

Ap 0-12cm Brown ( 10 YR 5/3); clay; medium moderate sub angular blocky; dry very hard, very firm, very sticky, plastic; many fine roots; strong acid (pH 5.5); clear smooth boundary.

Bw1 12-38cm Dark brown ( 10 YR 4/3); clay; medium moderate sub angular blocky; dry very hard, very firm, very sticky, plastic; few fine roots; mildly alkaline (pH 7.4); diffuse boundary .

102

Bw2 38-56cm Dark grayish brown (10 YR 4/2); clay; medium moderate sub-angular blocky; dry very hard, very firm, very sticky, very plastic; few fine roots; neutral (pH 6.9); clear smooth boundary.

Bw3 56-76cm Very dark grayish brown (10 YR 3/2); clay; medium moderate sub-angular blocky; dry very hard, very firm, very sticky, plastic; few fine roots; neutral (pH 7.1).

C 76+ Parent material.

103

104

40 : TELEPARA SERIES

VILLAGE : Telepara

LOCATION : 24° 36' 33'' N and 87° 42' 38'' E, Profile no 53, Sheet no 72P/10

TALUKA :

DISTRICT : Pakur

LANDFORM : Upper Plateau

SLOPE : 1-3%

VEGETATION : Bamboo, Grasses

LAND USE : Paddy

PARENT MATERIAL : Basalt

EROSION : Moderate

DRAINAGE : Well Drained

CLASSIFICATION : Fine, mixed, hyperthermic, Typic Haplustepts

INTERPRETATION :

LAND CAPABLITY CLASS: II

LAND IRRIGABLITY CLASS: 2sd

HORIZON DEPTH DISCRIPTION

Ap 0-12cm Light reddish brown ( 5 YR 6/4); clay loam; massive; dry slightly hard, firm, slightly sticky, slightly plastic; many fine roots; strong acid (pH 5.4); clear smooth boundary.

Bw1 12-32cm Reddish brown ( 5 YR 5/4); gravelly clay; massive; dry hard, firm, slightly sticky, slightly plastic; many fine roots; medium acid (pH 5.7); abrupt boundary.

C 32-74cm + Laterite(Basalt), Weathered material.

105

106

Banshidharpur series (0604040512010502)

Banshidharpur series is a member of fine, montmorilonitic, hyperthermic family of Vertic Haplustepts. Banshidharpur series comprises brown to yellowish brown and light olive brown, very deep, moderately well drained, calcareous silty clays. They are developed over old alluvium on very gently sloping (1-3%) alluvial plains.

Typifying Pedon Banshidharpur clay

Horizon Depth (cm) Morphological description Ap 0-18 Dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/4 M); clay; st rong, medium sub

angular blocky; firm, sticky and plastic; many, ver y fine pores; many, fine to medium calcium concretions; ab out 1 cm wide vertical cracks; common, fine to medium roots; slight to strong effervescence on calcium concretions; clear, smooth boundary;

B21 18-40 Light olive brown (2.5Y 5/3 M); clay; str ong, medium sub angular blocky; very firm, very sticky and very pla stic; many, very fine pores; common, fine to medium calcium concretions; shiny pressure faces; about 1 cm wide vertical cracks; common, fine to medium roots; slight to str ong effervescence; on calcium concretions; diffuse, smo oth boundary;

B22 40-65 Light olive brown (2.5 Y 5/3 M); clay; st rong, coarse angular

blocky; extremely firm, very sticky and very plasti c; many, very fine pores; few, fine calcium concretions; shi ny pressure faces; few fine roots; slight to strong effervesce nce; diffuse, smooth boundary;

B23 65-105+ Light olive brown (2.5Y 5/3 M) clay; strong, coarse angular blocky; extremely firm, very sticky and very plastic; many, very fine pores; few, fine calcium concretions; shiny pressure faces and distinct slickenslides; slight to strong effervescence.

Range in characteristics: The soil thickness is more than 100 cm. The Ap horizon is 12-18 cm thick with colors in hues of 10YR and 2.5Y with values of 4-5 and chromes’ of 3-4,

107

respectively. The texture of surface horizon is mainly silty clay to clay. The thickness of subsurface horizons is more than 90 cm with colors in same hues as of the surface horizon but values of 3-5 and chromes’ of 2-4. The soil texture is predominantly clay. The structure grades from strong medium sub angular blocky to strong coarse angular blocky. Shiny pressure faces and weakly developed slickenslides appear below 12-18 cm from the surface. About 1 cm wide vertical cracks occur on surface and continue up to about 40 cm below. Calcium concretions are found spread over the surface and in the profile but soil give effervescence below 40 cm depth from the surface. Algae micro-relief is found in uncultivated soils whereas sink holes are common on cultivated soils.

Use and vegetation: These soils are mostly used for rainfed rice and pulses. At places they are also found under wasteland and scrub (mainly acacia sps). The natural vegetation consists of Acacia arabica, Azadirachta indica, Zizyphus jujuba, Lantana camera and Calotropis.

Location: Village: Asabani Tehsil: Baharagora

District: East Singhbhum Profile No. 909

Interpretative Groupings:

Land Capability Subclass - IIes

Soil Irrigability Class - B

Land Irrigability Subclass - 2sd

Hydrologic Soil Grouping - D

Productivity Potential - High

108

Analytical Data

Series

symbol

Soil series

Profile No.

Depth

Particle size distribution

(%)

Texture

Bulk densi

ty

Soil reaction

(pH)

EC

(ds/m-

1)

Sand Silt

Clay 1:2 soil water suspension

8

Banshidharpur

909 0-18 15 30 55 c 1.60 7.7

0.23

18-40 15 30 55 c 1.65 8.33 0.1

40-65 25 20 55 c 1.60 8.4 0.13

65-105 10 35 55 c 1.58 8.53 0.11

Organic

Carbon %

CaCO3

%

Exchangeable cat ions me/100 gm soil

CEC (me/100 gm

soil) BS

Avail. P2O5

(Kg/ha)

Avail.

K2O

(Kg/ha) Ca Mg Na K

1.1 - 20.4 8.6 0.6 0.6 43 70 4 620

0.4 - 24.4 10.8 0.5 0.2 45 80 5 245

0.2 3 21.2 11.2 0.4 0.3 41 81 3 340

0.2 - 11 22 0.4 0.3 41 82 2 280

109

Amra Series (AR1-2)

Amra series is a member of loamy skeletal, shallow, mixed, hyperthermic family of Lithic Ustorthents. It consists of very shallow to shallow loamy skeletal soils with dark brown to yellowish brown, strongly acidic AC horizons developed over granite gneiss parent material. These soils are found to occur on strongly to extremely sloping hill side slopes. These are severely eroded, well to excessively drained with moderately slow to moderate permeability. These are unbunded soils under open moderately dense mixed deciduous forest vegetation. Amra soils have poor moisture holding capacity due to high runoff and skeletal materials. The series has high organic carbon due to good forest cover, high K2O but low P2O5 availability. These are not fit for agriculture due to its topography. It should be protected from grazing and deforestation by contour trenching, fencing and afforestration. Amra occurs in association with R.O.C., Dumka, Ichak and Baghiari soil series. Proper soil and water conservation measures are highly essential to protect these soils from being denuded and maintain its fertility and valuable vegetative cover. Typifying Pedon: Amra gravelly sandy lo am (Natural Forest Vegetation)

Genetic Horizon

Depth (cm)

Morphological Description

AC 0-18 Dark brown (7.5 YR 3/2 m); gravelly sandy loam; weak, fine granular; slightly sticky, non plastic and friable, abundant gravelly and stony coarse fragments; many, very fine to fine pores; abundant very fine, fine and medium roots; abrupt and smooth boundary; pH-5.50.

C 18-40 Weathered patent materials of gravelly and stony nature.

R 40-50+ Consolidated parent rock of granite gneiss origin.

Range in Characteristics: - Soil depth ranges from 18 to 24 cm. with colours dominantly in hue of 7.5 YR or 5 YR and values and chromas of 3-5 and 5-6 respectively. Soil moisture regime is ustic, AC Horizons are 18 to 25 cm; in thickness. There soils have no diagnostic horizon other than Ochric epipedon. Horizons are complexes of A and C and can be separated by the

110

presence of nature, size and amounts of coarse fragments present in the soil. AC horizons are brown to dark brown and strong brown in colour, gravelly sandy loam to gravelly loam texture and weak, fine, granular to moderate medium sub angular blocky and massive structures.

Distribution and Extent : Amra series covers an extensive area of 0.31 Sq.km in Sahibganj District, Jharkhand). It is met with in all the 6 districts on North Chhota nagpur division. East/ West Singhbhum and Saraikel Kharsawan and Sahibganj Pakur, Godda, Deoghar Dumka and Jamtara districts of Jharkhand state.

Type location : Profile No. 11 of 72L/4 located near kasmakurha, P.S. Dungri, District Giridih, (Jharkhand).

Series Proposed Status& status : All India soil and land use survey, Regional Centre, Kolkata (1977)/ Established.

Interpretation grouping i) Land capability sub-class ii) Irrigability sub-class iii) Productivity potential

: : : :

VII -est 6st Poor

Soil Analytical data of Amra (AR2) Series [72L/4-11]

Soil Depth (cm)

CEC & Exch.Cations (m.e/100g)

Base Saturation

%

Available Nutrients E.S.P. B.D. g/cm3

Soil Moisture Kpa

Macro (kg/ha)

Micro (p pm)

330 1500

C.E.C Ca++ Mg++ Na+ K+ P2 O5

K2O Zn Fe Cu Mn S

Genetic Horizon

Soil Depth

(cm)

Gravels %

pH EC/dSm Org. Carbon

%

CaCO3 %

Mechanical Analysis <2mm Soil

Textural Class

1 : 2

S :W

Sand %

Silt %

Clay %

AC 0-18 40 5.5 0.13 1.31 --- 65.0 16.0 19.0 Gravelly Sandy loam

C 18-40 --------------------------------------------- Weathered Parent Material ----------------------------------------

R 40-50+ ------------------------------------------------- Consolidated Parent Rock-------------------------------------

111

0-18 12.0 2.5 0.9 0.30 1.1 40 7.5 525 4.66 107 4.9 21.2 12.30 6.3 1.46 22.11 9.78

18-40 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Weathered Parent Material ------------------------------------------------------------------

40-50+

----------------------------------------------------------- Consolidated Parent Rock (Granite Gneiss) ----------------------------------------------------

112

18. Dumka Series (D2): (Photo Plate – R-6-12] [72H/ 12-1] [Established]

Dumka series is a member of loamy skeletal shallow mixed, hyperthermic family of Typic Ustorthents. It consists of shallow, loamy skeletal soils with light brown to brown, strongly acidic, gravelly loamy sand to gravelly sandy loam. AC1 horizon and strongly acidic reddish gray to yellowish brown, gravelly sandy loam to gravelly sandy clay loam AC2 horizon developed over granite gneiss parent material. These soils are found to occur on gently to moderately sloping plateau plains having convex slope. These are severely eroded, well drained with moderately rapid permeability yielding high runoff. These soils are unbounded, mostly under forest cover and lying waste, but occasionally cultivated for small millets under rain fed conditions and yields are poor. Dumka soils are poor in moisture holding capacity due to high percentage of coarse fragments and its shallow depth, high organic carbon due to good forest cover, medium K2O availability but very low available P2O5. These soils are not fit for cultivation but can be better used for agro-forestry and pasture development. These soils cover an extensive area through out the state. Dumka occurs in association with Amra Laxmipur and Ichak, soil series. Dumka soils require sustainable soil and water conservation measures like afforestation and contour trenching. Prevention of cattle grazing will improve grass and vegetative forest covers to prevent the prevailing severe erosion. Cultivation of these lands should not be encouraged. They are lying mostly as cultivable and non- cultivatable waste and fallow land having good potential for agro-forestry. Typifying Pedon: Dumka gravelly loamy sand (Nati ve vegetation and pasture)

Genetic Horizon

Depth (cm)

Morphological Description

AC1 0-12 Light brown (7.5 YR 6/3 d) and brown (7.5 YR 5/3 m); gravelly loamy sand; weak, fine, granular to massive; non sticky non plastic, friable and loose; abundant coarse fragments; many very fine to fine pores; abundant very fine roots; clear and smooth boundary; pH-5.40.

AC2 12-23 Light reddish brown (5 YR 6/3 d) and reddish brown (5 YR 5/3 m); gravelly sandy loam; moderate, medium sub-angular blocky to massive; slightly sticky, non plastic and loose; abundant coarse fragments of gravel size;

113

many very fine to fine pores; few fine roots; abrupt and smooth boundary; pH-5.34.

Range in Characteristics: Soil depth ranges from 18 to 24 cm. Soil moisture regime is marginally Ustic. AC horizons are 18 to 25 cms in thickness. These soils have no diagnostic horizons except ochric epipedon. Horizons are complexes of A and C and are separated by texture, colour and amount of coarse fragments in the pedon. Surface layers are 10-12 cm thick having the same thickness of underlying sub-surface. Texture of the surface layer ranges from gravelly loamy sand to gravelly sandy loam with gravelly sandy loam to gravelly sandy clay loam sub-surface layers Colour ranges from dark yellowish brown to strong brown on the surface in hues of 7.5 YR to 5 YR with values and chromas of 4-5 and 2-4 respectively and brown to reddish brown in the sub-surface in hues of 5 YR to 7.5 YR with values and chroma of 4-5 and 3-8 respect layers. Structure of the surface layer is single grained to sub-angular blocky and massive in the surface and sub-surface layers respectively. Its B.I.R is moderately rapid (8.0-cm/hr).

Distribution and Extent : Dumka Soils covers an area of 0.40 Sq.Km in Sahibganj District, Jharkhand. It is met with in all the 6 districts of North Chottanagpur division; East/ West Singhbhum and Saraikela Kharsawan and Sahibganj, Pukur, Godda, Devgarh, Jamtara and Dumka from which it got the name.

Type location : Profile No. 1 of 72H/12 located near the Shiva Mandir at Jhumra Village, P.S. Jhumra, Distt. Hazaribagh, Jharkhand.

Series Proposed/status : All India Soil & Land use survey, Reg. Centre Kolkata (1977).Established.

Interpretation groupings: i) Land capability sub class ii) Irrigability sub-class iii) Productivity potential

: : :

VI -es 6 st Poor

114

Soil Analytical data of Dumka (D2) series] [72H/12-1]

Soil

Depth (cm)

CEC & Exch. Cations (m.e/100g)

Base Saturation

%

Available Nutrients E.S.P. B.D. g/cm3

Soil Moisture kpa

Macro (kg/ha)

Micro (p pm)

330 1500

C.E.C Ca++ Mg++ Na+ K+ P2 O5

K2O Zn Fe Cu Mn S

0-12 7.0 3.8 0.4 0.16 0.81 64.0 10.0 315 1.75 29.2 0.9 10.8 14.4 3.6 1.49 12.12 4.79

12-23 9.6 3.9 0.3 0.16 0.92 55.0 7.5 300 - - - - - 3.0 1.48 16.48 7.71

23+ -------------------------------------------------------------- Weathered parent material of granite – gneiss--------------------------------------------------------

Genetic Horizon

Soil Depth

(cm)

Gravels %

pH EC/dSm Org. Carbon

%

CaCO3 %

Mechanical Analysis <2mm Soil

Textural Class

1: 2

S:W

Sand %

Silt %

Clay %

AC1 0-12 40 5.40 0.02 0.82 - 80.0 17.4 12.6 Loamy Sand

AC2 12-23 60 5.34 0.03 0.32 - 72.0 14.0 14.0 Sandy Loam

C 23+ ------------------------- Weathered Parent material of granite gneiss -----------------------

115

REFERENCES CONSULTED

AIS & LUS (1971) Soil Survey Manual IARI, New Delhi India

FAO (1979) Soil Survey Investigation for Irrigation. FAO Soil Bulletin N.42 FAO Rome

FAO (1979) Land Evaluation Criteria For Irrigation, World Soil Resources Report No- 50, FAO Rome.

Jackson, M.L. 1958, Soil Chemical Analysis, Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, U.S.A.

Lal, S, S.B.Deshpnde, and J. Sehagal (1994) Soil Series of India. Publication No 40, National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, Nagpur, 684 PP

Murthy, R.S. , L.R.Hirekerur, S.B. Deshpande, and B.V. Venkat Rao (eds) 1982, Benchmark Soils of India, National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land use Planning, Nagpur 374 pp

Soil Survey Division Staff (1951) Soil Survey Manual Agril. Handbook 18, USDA, Washington, D.C. U.S.A.

U.S.D.A. handbook for Soil profiling and Munsell colour chart for idea of soil colour.

Soil Survey Staff (1975) Soil Taxonomy Agril Handbook 43, USDA, Washington, D.C. U.S.A. 754 pp

Soil Survey Staff (1994) Keys to soil Taxonomy, 6th edn Soil Conservation Services USDA, Washington, D.C. U.S.A.

116

List of Tables in Sahibganj Soil Report

Table No 2.1 Rainfall data for Sahibganj district 10

Table No 3.1 Production of Crops in Sahibganj district 14

Table No 3.2 Fruit Production in Sahibganj district 16

Table No 3.3 Sahibganj district at a glance 16

Table No 3.4 Block wise Details of Sahibganj 16

Table No 4.1 Details of satellite image data used for Interpretation 20

Table No 4.2 Standard legend table 21

Table No 4.3 Standard table of mapping units and series association with 16 digit code 25

Table No 4.4 Mapping Units and their soil series association 28

Table No 5.1 Soil-Land form relationship 33

Table No 7.1 Details of Land Capability class II in Sahibganj district 41

Table No 7.2 Details of Land Capability class IV in Sahibganj district 42

Table No 7.3 Details of Land Capability class VI in Sahibganj district 43

Table No 7.4 Details of Land Capability class VII in Sahibganj district 43

Table No 7.5 Details of Land Capability class VIII in Sahibganj district 44

Table No 7.6 Details of Land Irrigability and hydrological grouping of soils 45

Table No 7.7 Details of Land Irrigability classes in Sahibganj district 46

Table No 7.8 Efficient cropping system for different rain dependent regions 49

Table No 7.9 Suitable pasture species details in Sahibganj district 51

Table No 7.10 Hydrological grouping table 52

Table No 7.11 Land hydrological grouping in Sahibganj district 52

117

List of Figures in Sahibganj Soil Report

Fig No 2.1 Landuse Pattern of Sahibganj 13

Fig No 3.1 Production of crops in Sahibganj district 14

Fig No 3.2 Vegetable Production in Sahibganj district 15

Fig No 3.3 Population data for Jharkhand State 17

Fig No 4.1 Flow diagram for methodology of soil mapping project 19

Fig No 4.2 Toposheet data reference 20

List of Plates in Sahibganj Soil Report

Plate No - 1 Soils of Sahibganj district on Rajmahal traps 30

Plate No - 2 Soils of Sahibganj district on Gneisses and Gondwana rock types. 31

Plate No - 3 Soil distribution in Sahibganj district 34

Plate No - 4 Soil distribution in Sahibganj district 35

Plate No - 5 Soil distribution in Sahibganj district 36

118

Annexure-1- Soil Profile Data Sheet