SOIL RESOURCES

6.1 Remote Sensing and GIS in Soil Mapping

Soil (pedosphere) is an interface between lithosphere, atmosphere,

hydrosphere and biosphere. It is an essential component of terrestrial ecosystems

sustaining the primary producers and decomposers. The demand for specific,

accurate and rapid soil information and evaluation is growing in our modem

society.

Soil formation is resultant of the combined activity and relative influence of

parent material derived from underlying lithology, flora fauna, climatic conditions,

age of land relief features and anthropogenic activity (Jenny, 1941, Brady, 1984).

Keeping the climatic factors constant over an area, whose influence can be seen on

other features, the principle of physiography (i.e. relationship between geological

spectrum, topography, geomorphology, slope, landuse/landcover) can be used to

deduce the characteristics of the soil (Buthner and Csillang, 1989).

There is an intimate association between geomorphs and soils, as both are

modified together by energy and material fluxes controlled by biotic and

hydrologic factors along the interface between lithosphere and atmosphere. So,

identification of soil geographic distribution pattern can be inferred from structures

of the geomorphic environment (Zonck and Valenzuela, 1990).

Since remote sensing provides information mainly on surface features, the

operational methodology for soil mapping using remote sensing adopts a

multistage approach. Three data sets are mainly required for soil mapping: viz.

topographic data, remote sensing data and field data. Using topographic and

remote sensing data the region can be classified into various physiographic/soil

units. Each physiographic/soil unit is considered as a homogeneous unit

comprising identical landform and landuse. Sample soil profiles are studies in the

field for each of such unit and soil association is determined. Each

physiographic/soil unit is replaced with its corresponding soil association.

Detection of soil erosion process through satellite data is a tedious job,

nevertheless, it may be possible to infer the erosion hazard level in an area from

the landcover types, as different vegetation have different characteristics to reduce

the soil erosion (Disfani, 1992). However remote sensing data facilitate

identification and classification of existing and potential erosion prone areas for

taking reclamation/preventive measures. Effect of various watershed

characteristics on soil erosion can be evaluated using aerial and satellite data.

Methods of erosion detection and assessment are based on tonal, textural and

physiographic recognition of features. Twller and Booth (1975) listed certain

erosion features identifiable from satellite imagery should include erosion potential

associated with changes in vegetation and litter; change in soil type and soil

colour; occurrence of dendritic soil patterns and occurrence of sand dunes etc. By

deciphering information on land slopes, soil characteristics, vegetation cover and

intensity, hydrologicallanduse pattern as well as geology, remotely sensed data in

conjunction with ground data and integrating them with the help of GIS is useful

in determining many factors involved in Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE)

(Balakrishnan, 1986, Luong and Cuong, 1992; Fook et. al, 1992, Cyr et. al. 1991,

Das et. al, 1992.

6.2 Soil Survey in Delhi

Soil survey is the term used for classifying soils, locating them on a base

map and describing their nature as they occur in the field (Brady, 1984). Soil

survey maps and bulletins are useful in many ways. Scientists use them to

facilitate research on crop production, land evaluation and zoning of human

settlements. Engineers and hydrologists an select suitable building sites and road

beds and can make estimates of water runoff and infiltration using soil survey

maps and reports. Conservationists can use such maps for selecting suitable trees

105

and shrubs for plantation, cropland, woodland and well as wildlife development

and sewage disposal.

A number of factors operating and interacting over a continuum of spatial

and temporal scales, e. g. climate, organisms, topography and parent material, have

resultd in a wide range of soil properties which have been further modified by

human intervention. The purpose of most soil surveys is to resolve a whole

landscape into areas (block or parcels), that can be served by maps, or about which

statements can be made which are sufficiently precise to plan landuse for such

purpose (Beckett and Webster, 1971). Similar areas are grouped together, and

resulting sets of areas, or mapping units, constitute the map classification. Thus a

mapping unit in an area or a group of areas in which the soil is less variable than in

a larger landscape. The mapping unit is usually described or recorded in terms of

profile class, which is a group of limited number of soil profiles (Beckett and

Webster, 1971) or soil types (Van Kuilenburg et. al., 1982), usually defmed on

their morphology.

Soil classification of an area can be performed considering the

physiographic parameters like slope, natural drainage, climate, soil texture and

structure, soil readability, soil pH etc. (Brady, 1984). The source of parent

materials of Delhi soils are local quartzite, river borne alluvium (Sen, 1952) and

aeolian deposits (Sen, 1945; Sen 1952; Singh,1993). In the present study soil has

been classified on the basis of its formation and texture. Besides New

Comprehensive Soil Classification System based on National Bureau of Soil

Survey and Land Use Planning (NBSS & LUP), Nagpur has also been done.

106

6.2.1 Classification of Delhi's Soil Based on Soil Formation

On the basis of soil formation, the soil of Delhi can be classified into four

broad divisions such as Khadar (new alluvium), Banger (old alluvium), Dabar soil

low lying areas and Kohi soil (rocky areas) (Plate 6.1).

Khadars the soils of recent flood plain account for about 18 percent of the

area such soils exhibit a distinct stratification being finer on the surface and

courser below. It is usually silt to sandy loam. These soils are mostly calcareous

in nature.

Bangar is mainly restricted in north western part of Delhi which account for

apart 15 percent of the area. Large tract of hangar is usually affected by water

logging during rainy season due to poor drainage. Sand dunes are present in the

area, which are formed by aeolian deposits. These soils are coarse loamy in

texture. These are generally fertile soils with high moisture contents. However

saline and alkaline patches are not uncommon.

Dabar soil are mainly concentrated in south western part of the territory

which account for about 8 percent of the area. Texturally these soils are generally

sandy loam. Large areas of dabar are covered by saline and alkaline soils due to

poor drainage.

Kohi is composed of quartzites or sandstones of the Delhi ridge, which is

account for about 10 percent of Delhi. The texture of such soils varies from sandy

loam to clay loam Due to the uneven topography; these soils are subjected to a

severe degree of erosion.

107

6.2.2 Textural Classification of Delhi's Soil

As soils are composed of particles varying greatly in stze and shape,

specific terms are needed to convey some idea of their textural make up and to

give some indication of their physical properties. Three broad and fundamental

groups of soil textural classes recognised are : sands, loams and clays. Within

each group specific textural class names have been devised. Textural class names

are a reflection not only of particle size distribution but also of tillage

characteristics and other physical properties. Textural Classification of Delhi's Soil

is shown in Plate 6.2.

6.2.3. Soil Series of Delhi

Soil series is a smaller unit of New Comprehensive Classification System

called Soil Taxonomy. Soil Taxonomy maintains the natural body concept and the

primary bases for identifying different classes in the system are the properties of

soil (Brady, 1984). It also permits greater uniformity of classification as applied

by a large number of soil scientists.

Soil series names have local significance as they normally identify the

particular location in which the soil is found. This requires a careful analysis of

texture, thickness, structure colour, organic content and reaction (acid, neutral on

alkaline). Such features as hardpan at a certain distance below the surface, a

distinct zone of calcium carbonate accumulation at a certain depth, or striking

colour characteristics greatly aid in series identification. Different soil series of

Delhi along with their physics-chemical properties have been illustrated in Table

6.1. The major Taxonomic classes as given by National Bureau of Soil Survey and

Land Use Planning (NBSS & LUP), Nagpur, have also been given in Table 6.1.

However Plate 6.3 gives the soil series map of Delhi.

108

6.3 Land Degradation in Delhi

Soil degradation is defined as a decrease in soil quality which is measured

by changes in soil properties and processes and the consequent decline in

productivity whereas land degradation is defmed as a reduction in actual or

potential uses of land (Balaikie and Brookfield, 1987). Myopic landuse practices,

soil erosion, water logging, salinisation, alkalisation, over exploitation of land and

toxic effects of agrochemical as well as industrial effluents are the major causes of

soil degradation. Degradation of land in terms of physical chemical and biological

properties bad to lowering down of productivity and sustainability of land

resources.

In developing countries where rapid industrialisation and growth of

population induced agriculture growth has taken place, small scale soil degradation

status map might be an important tool for understanding the future pattern of soil

ecosystem. It can contribute to detect areas, degraded in order to adopt

conservation measures.

The physiography, hydrology and chemical characteristics of soils are

greatly responsible for various kinds of land degradation hazard (Saxena et. al.

1991). Any major disaster affects a wide range of sectors of a society which may

include social, cultural, environmental, political, technological or economic (Davis

1993).

Degraded land often termed as wastelands, are ecologically unstable entities

[Publications & Information Directorate (PID), 1990]. Such lands do not give

enough economic returns. Though various definitions of wasteland are available,

the Technical Task Group, constituted by the Planning Commission and National

Wasteland Development Board defined wasteland as the land which is degraded

and is presently lying unutilised except as current fallows due to different

constraints' (PID, 1990).

109

As like many other parts of the country, soil/land degradation problem is

not uncommon in Delhi. Such degradation problem in Delhi are not just due to

natural causes; but much of them are due to man's own selfish motives. Rapid

urbanisation and myopic planning practices have accelerated the pace of

degradation, and it is necessary to take urgent corrective measures before the land

is irrewrsively damaged.

In the present study IRS LISS II Geocoded FCC (DOP 7.3.92 and 6.5.95),

SPOT FCC (DOP 9.11.87) and IRS lC PAN POINT (DOP 9.4.96) date have been

used to delineate various wastelands in NCT of Delhi. The wasteland map of

Delhi is shown in Plate 6.4. Thus the major kinds of wasteland in Delhi are

salinity infested land, eroded land, rocky areas, brick kiln sites water logged areas

and back swamp.

In hot arid and semi arid regions, where the drainage in poor and the surface

evaporation is high, the soluble salts formed by weathering process excessively

accumulate on the surface of the soil. They accumulate beyond the tolerable limit

of the crops, the plant growth is affected adversely and the soil becomes infertile.

Such soils are called saline soil .

The soils containing toxic concentrations of soluble salts in root zone are

called saline soils. The salts mainly consists of cr, S04"2, C03"2 and HC03- of

sodium, potassium and magnesium. In such soil, exchangeable sodium is less than

15% of the absorbed cations, conductivity of the saturation extract is more than 4

mmho/cm at 250c and pH is usually below 8.5 (Brady, 1994). Thus the salinity

infested land has adverse effects on the growth of most of the plants due to

presence of excess soluble or excess exchangeable sodium.

110

On the other hand soil erosion involves losing plant nutrients at rates for

higher than those occurring through leaching (Brady, 1994). More tragically, it

can result in loss of the entire soil Furthermore, the soil that is removed fmds its

way into streams, rivers and lakes and becomes a siltation pollution problem there.

Bane of vegetation disturbed by cultivation, grazing, burning or bulldozing the soil

becomes vulnerable to damage caused by wind or water resulting in accelerated

erosion. The pace of soil erosion is influenced by a number of factors such as soil

characteristics, topography, climate, landuse and anthropogenic interference.

Brick Kiln industries play another havoc in terms of soil degradation. Soil

structure get distorted (Jackson, 1973) and soil nutrients get lost due to thermal

impacts of brick kiln industries. Thus fertile lands turned into a wasteland due to

brick kiln industries. Kaolin and quartzite mining have caused another deleterious

effect in terms of land degradation. Though such mining activities are almost

banned in Delhi, degradation already caused by them have not yet been reclamed.

Other kinds of wastelands such as waterlogged areas, back swamps river sand etc.

do not have such deleterious impacts on the land ecosystem.

6.4 Management of Degraded Land

Soils are the most precious natural resource of any nation. To meet the

growing demands of food, fibre and fuel, it is essential that soils are maintained in

an excellent state of health. Maintaining and enhancing soil productivity is a

major challenge before this generation. The most important consideration in the

management of wasteland is the correct application of relationship between the

soils and the crops grown. Such management practices vary according to the

landuse and the climatic condition.

Saline soils are reclaimed by proper management of land, irrigation sources,

drainage system and conversion of salts to less injurious from. Irrigating more

Ill

frequently to maintain a favourable salt dilution and adequate water supply to

plants helps a lot in removing salinity. Reclamation of saline soils require that

excessive sodium on the exchange complex be replaced by the more favourable

sodium ions and that the resultant soluble salts of sodium are leached beyond the

root zone. If the exchangeable sodium levels are high, it is essential to apply

inorganic chemicals like gypsum, sulphuric acid, calcium chloride, aluminium

sulphate, ferrous sulphate etc.

Crop rotation and growing tolerant varieties of crops are very important

methods for fighting soil salinity problem. Some crops are very sensitive and

cannot tolerate the excessive salts but there are many crops which are tolerant

(resistant)to moderate salt concentration certain crops can be growth in high salt

concentration by proper management practices. There are dhaincha, turnip, carrot,

garden pea, rape, cotton, palm etc. (Singh et.al 1994). At the some time there are

crops which are moderate salt tolerant such as beans, rye, wheat, barley, paddy,

millets, maize, arher, tomato, cabbage, cauliflower, salad, potato, onion etc.

While moderately salt tolerant fruits are fig, pomegranate, guava etc. (Singh et. al.

1994).

However and plantation is the most novel method of fighting any kind of

soil degradation problem. The superior grasses so far reported to be of great use in

soil conservation are Dallis grass (Paspalum dilatatum ), Dropping wheat grass

(Agrophyron semi-costatum), Large canary grass (Phalaris tuberosa), Napier grass

(Penisetum purpureum), Orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata), Pangola grass

(Digitaria decumbens), Rescue grass (Bromus catharticus), Rhodes grass (Chloris

gayana), Tallfescue grass (Festuca elatior var arundinacea), Veldt grass

(Ehrharta calycina), Weeping love grass (Eragrostis curvula).

Much steep land with shallow soils should not be touched at all by man, but

should remain in its natural state as it is a source for underground water table and a

112

home for wildlife. Good landuse is probably the best of all conservation practices.

The most inexpensive way to prevent soil from washing away or blowing off is to

keep it covered.

The legumes and also other species which can establish on various

wastelands can improve the texture of soil by a variety of mechanisms which can

be summarised as follows : (i) Dispersed nutrients in the form of leaf-litter; (ii)

The activity of root-symbionts, such as bacterial association in nitrogen-fixing

species, enriches nitrogen in soil; (iii) Increase in soil-organic matter from litter

and root can stimulate microfloral and faunal activity, increasing the

decomposition, mineralization and input of accumulation of organic matter can

increase the porosity and retention of water beneath the trees, whereas canopy can

reduce evaporation and moderate the surface temperature of soils; and (v) The

trees can accumulate wind-blown materials and may decrease soil -erosion by

increasing the population of plant and seepage of water, and improving soil­

structure.

On wastelands, a cover with grasses, legumes, shrubs and trees should be

established and maintained. If cutting and grazing are prohibited, the land may

slowly recover on its own and may eventually even become productive.

There are thousands of plants clothing the Earth, and none among them is

considered useless. However small or big, all are important in the ecosystem. The

selection of species for special purposes is based on the urgency of the need,

priorities and the condition of the soil. The also should be able to accumulate

nutrients, change the structure of soil and toxicity levels. On some types of soil, the

conditions are so harsh that only hardy, quick-growing and suitable species have to

be chosen for immediate success and to create conditions for succession.

113

For reclamation and afforestation of any type of wasteland, the choice of

species of grasses and other plants should be such that the demand for inputs is the

least and attention needed is negligible. They should have deep and large root

system and preferably be hardy, fast-growing and suckering. The trees should be

coppicing, pollarding, and encouraging the growth of grasses and weeds under

their canopy, besides being economically useful. Such species help in

reconstructing the lost topsoil and bring the much needed rest and respite to the

soil from the forces of erosion. Once the seedlings start rooting, the land becomes

more and more hospitable and becomes porous, absorbs water and retains it. This

encourages better and greater growth and over the years it is easier to establish

vegetation, leading to dramatic changes. When mulch is present, the topsoil forms,

and the microflora, insects, birds and animals return, leading to an improved

ecological balance. Such situation defmitely improves underground aquifers, and

dried-up springs may reappear. When more tolerant species are planted on

degraded soils, they create better conditions in due course of time for less-tolerant

species to adapt to alkaline, saline, waterlogged or sandy soils.

Several herbs and shrubs, such as Calotropis spp, Datura sp, Dodonaea

viscosa, Lantana spp and Tephrosia purpurea, may not be aesthetic, but, in reality,

they are good soil-binders and green manures, yield mulch, and give protection

and stability to soil and seedling of other plants. Likewise, the most disliked

Croton bonplandianum, a very cosmopolitan, easily-regenerating, gregarious

weed, is a good green manure, and profusely grows on saline and alkaline soils.

Cassia spp also are not only good green manures but nitrogen-fixers and good soil­

binders. Acacia spp, Achyranthes aspera, Adhatoda zeylanica, Azadirachta

indica, Cassia spp, Chenopodium spp, Derris indica, Erianthus munja, Ipomoea

carnea ssp. fustulosa, Prosopis spp, and Saccharum spontaneum need little or no

input but check the deterioration and erosion of soil and provide large biomass;

they also provide the much needed mulch and organic manure and other products.

ll4

Saline and alkaline lands can be developed for pasture as several native

species of grasses and legumes are available. In general, early-colonising annuals

are Chloris barbata, Dactyloctenium aegyptium, Echinochloa colonum, Eragrostis

viscosa, Sporobolus airoides, S. coromandelianus, S. helvolus, and S. marginatus

(S. arabicus).

Reclamation of waterlogged areas is generally based upon the principle of

succession. They can be stacked with pioneer hydrophytes, followed by

economically useful Clinogyne dichotoma, Cyperus corymbosus, C. pangorei,

Typha spp, etc. These build up the substratum for higher plants on which species

of forage-value, such as Brachiaria mutica (Panicum muticum) (Paragrass),

Digitatia spp (Pangola-grass), Panicum maximum, Paspalum dialatatum along

with Alysicarpus rugosus, and Sesbanis sesban, can be grown; also when

Dichanthium annulatum 'IGFRI-495', Eulalia trispicata and lseilema laxum are

grown with Alysicarpus rugosus, Sesbasia sesban and Vigna spp, they not only

improve the soil but improve the quality of herbage. Cynodon dactylon, C.

plectostachyum, Dichanthium cariosum, Panicum antidota/e, Pennisetum

polystachyon, Sehima nervosum and Urochloa mosambicensis are suitable for

waterways, banks and bunds. Such soils can also later be planted with waterloving

trees which yield wood, fuel or fodder, such as Barringtonia acutangula,

Dalbergia latifolia, Eucalyptus robusta, Lagerstroemia speciosa, Populus

euphratica and Salix tetrasperma.

The bushy forests and deforested lands should be protected from grazing,

and grasses, such as Dichanthium annulatum, Panicum antidotale, Saccharum

bangalense and S. spontaneum, should be planted along with fast growing trees as

Eucalyptus spp and Leucaena latisiliqua. Barren lands with overgrazing and road­

and land-cuttings can also be planted with Cenchrus ciliaris, C. setigerus,

Cynodon dactylon, etc. besides the species already mentioned.

115

The development of wastelands is an intricate process. Mostly, these are

skeletal soils lacking in humus; these contain toxic elements and the status of

nutrients is low. Natural colonisation and its development into an ecosystem are

slow and stochastic processes. Hence, assistance to quicken the reclamation of

wastelands is essential. The four important stages of development include; (i)

selection of suitable species; (ii) accumulation of nutrients both in plant and soil;

(iii) changes in structure of soil; and (iv) changes in toxicity levels. Herbaceous

legumes are one group of primary colonisers along with grasses, etc. and highly

useful in developing the wastelands because of their ability to enrich the soil.

Legumes form one of the largest groups in the plant-kingdom and are

cosmopolitan with a wide range of adaptability. The ecological success of these

legumes is due to their unique ability to form tubercles or nodules in the root

system in association with the soil-borne bacterium (Rhizobium spp or

Bradyrhizobium spp ). Initiation, development and function of nodules comprise

intricate biochemical and biophysical processes between the plant and the

bacterium. The effective nodules are pinkish and these fix atmospheric nitrogen

utilised by plants.

Besides nitrogen-fixing plants, the energy-crops are another group of plants,

which are gaining importance in reclamation of wastelands in recent times. This is

because of : (i) the dwindling non-renewable natural resources of fuel, (ii) the

steep increase in the demand for fuel, and (iii) the rapid loss of forests which are

the source of fuelweed, leading to degradation of soil. One of the alternatives to

meet the demand is to identify suitable renewable resources of fuel to supplement

natural petroleum and which in future, can meet the major share on a sustainable

basis. Renewable resources of fuel-crops should be such species which can grow

on marginal lands, and other degraded and non-productive lands which cannot

support traditional crops, and do not require heavy inputs.

116

The energy-rich exudates and extratives can be classified into: (I) latex, (ii)

vegetable oils and waxed, (iii) resins, (iv) essential oils, and (v) tannins and

phenolic compounds. Out of the above five groups of exudates and extractives,

latex and vegetable oils and waxes are important as a source for petrochemicals.

Resins and essential oils, which are highly combustible, have also been considered

for incorporation into formulations of fuel for automobiles. However, at present

these resources cannot compete with petroleum or allied products on commercial

basis. The discovery of utilising latex, having energy-rich hydrocarbons with low

molecular weight, as petrofuels has opened new possibilities for farming petro-.

crops on a renewable basis on wastelands.

Several Euphorbia spp have been found to be potential petro-crops. These

hardy plants can be used for reclaiming and revegetating the wastelands, ravines

and arid and semi-arid, saline and alkaline areas; E. /athyris and E. tirucal/i have

shown promising results.(Publication & Information Directorate, 1990) Attempts

have been made to grow different petro-crops at the National Botanical Research

Institute, Lucknow. The other potential petro-crops are Calotropis procera and

Asclepias curassavica. The former is widely distributed in arid and semi-arid

regions and grows without inputs under very adverse conditions, and easily

propagates from seeds.

Oils and waxed are abundant in seeds; and waxed are normally rich on the

surface of leaves and stems, and are very similar and consist of fatty acids and

their derivatives. Some of the non-edible oilseeds which can be cultivated on

wastelands, include Azadirachta indica, Derris indica, Madhuca longifolia var.

latifolia, Sa/vadora oleoides etc. but Calophyllum inophyllum, Jatropha curcas,

Ricinus communis, Sapium sebiferum, Schleichera oleosa and Simmondsia

chinensis are considered more productive. Conversion of jojoba, castor and other

vegetable oils into hydrocarbon fuels has already been demonstrated. The oil from

Jatropha curcas is also an effective substitute fuel for diesel-engines (Publication

117

& Information Directorate, 1990). Jatropha spp are highly adaptable to various

kinds of soils. They grow well on moderately sodic and saline, degraded and

eroded soils and propagate rapidly.

Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) has successfully been introduced and now

cultivated in the semi-arid and subhumid climates in the western and eastern

regions of India. It grows on soils with marginal fertility and where rainfall ranges

from 125 to 450mm and drought and high temperatures up to 45° C. It is the only

vegetable oil which is not a triglyceride but a mixture of two monobasic esters of

two long - chain alcohols. Linearity and close-range composition are probably the

two proberties which give jojoba its unique characteristics. This can be substituted

to spermwhalw oil in cosmetic industry (Publication & Information Directorate,

1990).

Resins include a number of terpenic compounds and their derivatives. The

resins are usually found in special cells and canals in different parts of a wide

variety of plants. The most important commercial resins are collected from the

Pinaceae. These are normally present as volatile oils (turpentine) and non-volatile

resins (rosin). Besides Pinus spp, the other promising resis-yielding plants include

Dipterocarpus spp, Vateria spp, Canarium spp and Shorea spp.

The brick kiln sites are very suitable for composting. The manure obtained

by composting of horticultural or other compostable refuse can be used for

improving soil fertility and soil structure of the brick kiln areas which is already

degraded due to brick kiln industry.

118

SOIL TYPES OF DELHI N (Based on soil formation)

LEGEND

~ KOHl

[[[[] DABAR

~ BAN GAR

~ KHADAR

PLATE 6.1

2~

45'N

30'N

0

7~ E 71 15' E =~

SOIL TYPES OF DELHI (BASED ON TEXTURE)

LEGEND

~ CALCAREOUS, !allY ct.AY lCWII (fiE LOAMY)

IIIllllliiiiiD MlXEO CALCAREOUS, S1L TV, ClAY NfD SNIDV LCWII (CONISE TO fiNE LOAMY)

a. ~D. SILT AHD CALCAREOUS (COARSE LC».MY)

~~~~~~ ROCKY ARA.VAI.U RIDGE. N4J DISSECTED LAND

0

77 E PLATE 8.2

Kilometers

0 3

Referenot: D.M.C.(I>t>on) --~(l>Oon)

,_,.._

7"/ 15' E

9

45'~

30'N

SOIL SERIES MAP OF DELHI

f

BUlL T UP AREA

LEGEND

• 1 Rajpur - Kakra

• 2 Kakra - Holambi

• 3 Nabha - Ghoga

• 4 Holambi - Nabha

• 5 Daryapur - Hisar

• 6 Khampur - Hisar

• 7 Daryapur - Hamidpur

• 8 Holambi - Daryapur • 9 Hamidpur - Palla

• 10 Hiranki - Palla- Wazirabad

• 11 Mehrauli- Garhi

• 12 Palam 13 Asola-Bhati

• Misc. Land

BASED ON CLASSIFICATION SCHEME OF NATIONAL BUREAU OF SOIL AND LAND USE PLANNING ( NBSS & LUP)

PLATE8.3

'Ji..s•N

,J.,

21'30'N

,;,..

78 56' E nrtr.·• r7tae r71S'E

WASTELAND MAP OF DELHI N

l "j.• ~ ...,~ ~ 7' .Is

•• • •

q, .. ·. -4 ...

.. .. Salinity Infested Land .. Water Logged Area .. Brick Klin Area

c=J Eroded Land REFERENCE .. Back Swamp Delhi State Boundary

LJ River Sand ROAD

~ Rocky Area

tfw e 78!15'e nwr. "05'! n10' E n t5' !

BASED ON IRS LISS II FCC (DOP 7-3-92 AND 6-5-95), SPOT FCC (DOP 9-11-87 ) AND IRS 1C PAN POINT (DOP 9-4-96 DATA WITH LIMTED FIELD CHECKS

PLATE 6.4

·,...

....

., .

21l&'H

30'N

lia·r

,...

Table 6.1 Soil Series of Delhi with Physico-chemical Properties

Series Soil Series Sub order Depth Texture pH Ec (mmho/ Organic CaC03 CEC Problem Symbol Name cmJ c (%) meq/lOOg I Rajapur Typic Ustochrepts Very Deep Sand to 8.0 0.21 0.11 0.22 3-4

loamy sand

Kakra Udic Uotochrepts Very Deep Sandy loam 8.0 0.11 0.12 0.13 3-5 2 Kakra Udic Uotochrepts Very Deep Sandy loam 8.0 0.11 0.12 0.13 3-5

Holambi Udic Uotochrepts Very Deep loamy 8.1 0.25 0.25 calcareous 5-8 Salinity infested

3 Nabha Udic Uotochrepts Very Deep Fine loamy 8.1 0.85 0.5 0.30 7-12 Ghoga Udic Uotochrepts Very Deep Clayey 8.1 0.22 0.46 0.45 11-14

4 Holambi Udic Uotochrepts Very Deep Fine loamy 8.1 0.25 0.25 calcareous 5-8 Namha Udic Uotochrepts Very Deep Fine loamy 8.1 0.85 0.5 0.30 7-12

5 Daryapur Typic Ustifluvents Very Deep Fine loamy 8.3 0.53 0.52 1.15 7-9 Salinity infested

Hisar Typic Ustochrepts Very Deep Fine loamy 8.4 0.74 0.35 1.10 9-11 do 6 Khampur Typic Ustifluvents Very Deep Fine loamy 8.0 3.80 0.50 2.05 12-18

Hisar Typic Ustochrepts Very Deep Fine loamy 8.4 0.74 0.35 1.10 9-11 7 Daryapur Typic Ustifluvents Very Deep Fine loamy 8.3 0.53 0.52 1.15 7-9

Hamidpur Typic Ustochrepts Very Deep Coarse 8.0 0.55 0.30 0.85 4-6 loamyh

8 Holambi Udic Ustochepts Very Deep Fine loamy 8.1 0.25 0.25 calcareous 5-8 Salinity infested

Dayapur Typic Ustufluvents Very Deep Fine loamy 8.3 0.53 0.52 1.15 7-9 Do

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Table 6.1 conted.

Series Soil Series Sub order Depth Texture pH Ec Organic CaC03 CEC Problem Symbol Name (mmho/ c (%) meq/10

em) Og 9 Hamid pur Typic Very Deep Coars loamy 8.0 0.55 0.30 0.85 4-6 Salanity

Ustochrepts infested Palla Typic Very Deep Sandy loam 8.5 0.65 0.45 0.40 4-5

Ustifluents 10 Hiranki Typic Very Deep Loamy sand 8.2 0.80 0.75 2.50 9-11 Salinity

Ustifluents infested Palla Typic Very Deep Coarse loamy 8.5 0.65 0.45 0.40 4-5

Ustifluents Wazirabad Typic Very Deep Highly variable 8.2 1.00 0.34 1.4 8-13

Ustifluents strutified texture 11 Mehrauli Udic Very Deep Scourse loamy 8.3 0.35 0.44 calcareous 9-10

Ustochrepts Garhi Typic Deep Fine loamy 8.4 0.35 0.35 7-14

Hapludalfs 12 Pal am Typic Deep Course loamy 8.4 0.50 0.25 5-10 6-8

Ustochrepts 13 Bhati Typic Moderately Sandy loam 8.1 0.56 0.21 0.60 3-5 Eroded

Ustochrepts deep( 50-100cm)

Asola Typic Thin soil Sandy & rocky 8.1 0.48 0.19 0.55 3-5 Eroded U stochrepts cover

14 Misc. Land varied varied varied varied varied varied varied varied Severally eroded

124