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REPORT

ON A

RECONNAISSANCE

SOIL SURVEY

(Districts - Bhagalpur, Banka, Munger, Jamui, Lakhisarai & Sheikhpura)

TECHNICAL REPORT NO – 3

1970

SOIL SURVEY SCHEME, SABOUR-813 210

RAJENDRA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY

BIHAR, SABOUR

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REPORT

ON A

RECONNAISSANCE

SOIL SURVEY

(Districts - Bhagalpur, Banka, Munger, Jamui, Lakhisarai & Sheikhpura)

Soil Survey & Land Use Planning Scheme, Sabour- 813 210

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INTRODUCTION

The most valuable national asset in any country is its soil which calls for its constant

improvement and better management. In order to understand how the different soils may be best

managed it is necessary to know them and to classify and define them, accordingly. This is

usually based upon the nature of soil profile which reflects the influence of the various factors of

soil formation; like climate, vegetation, drainage, topography and age of the parent material.

Human agencies also play no less important role. In order that these data for different soils may

be well understood and made available for the solution of practical it is necessary that these units

of classification be expressed upon maps and explained in legends.

Soil maps are needed for the determination of adaptability of crops to soils and their

expected performance of crops to soils and their expected performance under different sets of

management and thus help in proper planning of agricultural programme of an area.

With this aim in view a reconnaissance soil survey of the district of Bhagalpur was

undertaken and the data collected and a soil association map of the district are presented here

under.

How to use the report and the Map :

The report and the map that accompanies the report, give information both general and

specific about the soils, the crops and the agricultural of the area surveyed. Basic soil survey was

done to determine the important characteristics of soils and thereby to classify them into different

soils series, types and phases and to fix boundary of soil series and types or any other recognized

mapping unit on the base map. As, in the present case only a reconnaissance soil survey at 2

miles grid was done, it was not possible to recognize all the series and types falling in between

the points and to properly delineate the boundary between different soil series and types.

Moreover, the scale of the base map used for the final map did not allow to present accurately

the boundaries between different soil series even when they were properly demarcated. Hence,

the soil series of the area have been grouped into geographically associated soils and have shown

on the map as soil associations.

Individual cultivators or person interested in this report who wants to know his soil for

crop and soil management or other purposes should after locating the soil association of his area

dig a pit, examine his soil profile for its characteristics explained under heading “Soil Survey

Methods and Definitions” and then ascertain the soil series from the description of individual

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soil series given under heading “Soil Series” and there find out proper soil and crop management

for the relevant series.

The report would be a valuable record to those who are interested in soil science and

allied subjects. Chapters dealing with morphology and genesis of soil, ecology and rural

sociology may also be useful to persons interested in them.

GENERAL NATURE OF THE AREA

Location and Extent:-

Bhagalpur district is located on both sides of river Ganga and is bounded on the North by

Saharsa and Purnea, on the South and East by Santhal Parganas and on the West by Monghyr

districts.

River Ganga flows through the northern portion of the district dividing if into two

unequal parts. Area lying North of the River Ganga now under Naugachhia subdivision is

commonly called North Bhagalpur and covers about 14 percent of the district and that on the

South covered by Bhagalpur Sadar and Banka is called South Bhagalpur, covers the rest 86

percent of the district.

The district has area of area of 2124.80 sq. miles. It extends between 24O30; N to 25O30

N latitudes and 90O30 E to 84O80, E longitude.

Physiography:- The district of Bhagalpur has been divided into five distinct physiographic

divisions as follows :-

1. The recent alluvial plains – North of river Ganga.

2. The Diara lands of the Ganga

3. The Tal lands South of the Ganga.

4. The old alluvial plains, South of the Ganga.

5. The hills and plateau regions of South Bhagalpur

1. The recent Alluvial Plains :- Of the North forms of East- ward continuation of the great

alluvial plain of North Bihar and is bounded by river Kosi in the North and Ganga in the South.

It covers about 14% of the area of the district and the surface of land is more or less flat and the

drainage is from west to cast. This nearly plain surface has many basin shaped depressions along

the course of river Kosi in the north and the general towards east and south. A major portion of

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the area is subjected to inundation and get flooded during the rains. Height and duration of flood

water vary according to the nearness of the area from the rivers, the relief of the area and the

flood level in the rives Ganga and Kosi. Soils are in general, of lighter texture near the rivers and

away from them become comparatively heavier. The area on the whole, is imperfectly to well

drained.

2. The Diara lands:- Occur along the two banks of the river GAnga and in the islands between

the dhars, which remain flooded during rains. The important diaras of river Ganga are

Shankarpur and Chawania diara. Erosion and deposition of new sediments take place almost

every year during the floods. The soils of the diaras are excessively drained and constitute

layered coarse sands in sills.

3. The Tal lands:- Are the innupdated basin shaped backwaters, south of the river ganga upto

pirpainti in the east and are from half of a mile to more than the miles in breadth. These Tal lands

are generally separated from the river Ganga in the north by an natural leave of varying breadth.

In the Tal lands only Rabi and occasionally Bhadai crop are grown. Soils are heavy textured and

poorly drained.

4. The Old Alluvial Plains :- Occur south of the ‘Tal lands’ and extend up to the hill and plateau

region. This area is nearly a flat medium upland to occasionally flooded for some duration during

the rains. The soils of this area are a fine examples of catenary soils of light medium to heavy

texture from the upland to lowland. The soils are mostly imperfectly drained to moderately to

moderately well drained.

The main crop of this area is paddy which is grown on medium upland to lowland. These

paddy fields either remain fallow during rabi or grow paira crops of Khesari, Gram and Linseed

during rabi. With the introduction of irrigation, especially canals, Wheat is taking the place of

Paira during the rabi season.

5. The Hills and Plateau Region:- Of the south stretches in the whole of the Katoria and part

of Banka and Amarpur revenue thanas and are occupied by either sedentary or shallow alluvium

and are moderately to excessively drained. The soils are shallow to deep over bed rocks and

regolith’s and are yellowish red on the uplands to moderately grey in the lowlances and alluvial

strips. Most of these soils are light to medium textured. A large part of the area is under forests

and crops like Maize, Millets, Kulthi etc are grown on upland and paddy in the terraced slopes or

abandoned streams of the rivulets.

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This area is traversed by several rivers and revulets, many of which origins from the hills

of Santhal Paraganas. The most important river of the area is Chandan. At the place where this

river enters the district it has broad and important torrent but as soon as it approaches the flat

lands, rather land of lower contour it spreads over the country into about fifteen channels. Out of

these only three branches reach the Ganga and the rest lost in the Tal lands. The main river

Chandan flows through limestone country and meets the Ganga near forms two courses, one

towards northeast and another towards east. This all happens because of the country rock

spreading beneath. The country rock is lime stone. The hilly country starts to wear a different

aspect as the land rises by an easy ascent. The general line of the inclination of the area is

towards south. There are few isolated hillocks at Mandar and Jeetnagar.

GEOLOGY

The district is divided into two parts by the river Ganga. The northern portion is purely

alluvial and the southern portion is partly alluvial and partly hilly and plateau region. The

alluvium of the district north of the Ganga is of recent origin. This alluvium belongs to the vast

Gangetic plains and consists of alluvial deposits extending to a variable but unknown depth. The

gravest depth is thought to be at least 6000ft. but other estimates have multiplied is more than

five times. The alluvium south of the river Ganga, is knowns as old alluvium. This is usually

composed of massive argillaceous beds rather of pale yellow to reddish brown and have

disseminated throughout with lime Kankar and pisolitic ferruginous concretions. The recent

alluvium is deep, mostly medium to coarse textured white to light grey coloured soils deposited

by the river Ganga, Kosi and their tributaries. The old alluvium south of the river Ganga thins

out near Banka. Other geological formations include fundamental gneissic complex, Gondawana

formations and Rajmahal traps. The Geological sequence of the district is given below.

FILL

Recent

Alluvium

Old

Rajmahal Trpas

Gandawana – Damuda Series

----------(unconformity)---------

Fundamental gneissic complex

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The oldest rocks occupy a considerable area in the south of the district in most parts of

Banka subdivisions, where they are continuous with those forming the plateau in the districts of

Santal Parganas, Monghyr and Hazaribagh. Different rock types such as granitic gneiss,

amphibolites, quartzose, however the major part of this complex is granite gneiss. Even within

the small area there is much variation in composition. Their texture varies from massive

homogenous granites and porphyritic gnesis weathering into great domes with concentric

structure of which mandar Hill is a fine example, through many varieties of well foliated gneiss

quartzose, micaceous and hornblende schist and trappoid hornbledite are seen.

There are several detached patches of gneiss, isolated in alluvium as near Panye and

kherhi and in the Ganga at Sultanganj and Colgong. It is probable that the whole alluvial area is

underlain by these rocks. The depth of these rocks below the alluvial plains, south of river

Ganga, varies from 30 to 100 meters.

The rock of Damuda series are seen at only one spot in the district. The white clay and

sand stone, about 50 ft, thick forming Patharghatta hills are of this formation. The rest upon

gneisses. Every portion of this group is well exposed on the steep sides of this little hill. without

any appearance of carbonaceous layer.

On the east side of Patharghatta hills the sand stone is overlain by strong beds of dark

green basaltic trap. The slope or the dip of the beds being easterly. The whole east and of the

ridge as, well as some other small hills in the districts in that direction are formed entirely of this

rock. The same rock is seen again at the south end of pirpanti.

These out crops are overlies of the great trapping formation of which the Rajmahal hills

are composed.

The minerals of economic importance which are found in the different parts of district are

listed below :-

(i) Galena – Sahrni, Chandan

(ii) Chromite – Baida Chak

(iii) Clay (Kaolin) – Colgong, Kasdih, Patharghata Hill

(iv) Glass sand - Patharghata Hill

(v) Lead and Silver- Dudhi Jharna, Phoga

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(vi) Fire Clay – Madhorampur

(vii) Mica – Pulhara

(viii) Garnet – Katharia

Main peaks of the hill ranges are Bitaru Pahar, Dharma Pahar, Malui pahar, Rangasar

Pahar and Mandar Parbat.

Drainage and River System :-

The northern part of the district is drained by rivers Kosi and Ganga. River Tilyuga which

flows south of river Kosi meets Kosi near Dadpur. The two rivers meet Ganga south of Kursela.

Courses of rivers Kosi, Ganga and other stremlets are east-ward indicating thereby and east ward

slope of north Bhagalpur.

River Ganga enters the district near Sultanganj and flows with a north ward drift upto

Bikarampur from where it takes a south ward dip. Another branch of the Ganga from Sultanganj

flows almost parallel to Sultanganj-Bhagalpur road. The two branch meet near Bhagalpur. In

between these two branches lies the Diara land. From Bhagalpur again, the river Ganga flows

eastward in a multibranched courses thereby foming a wide diara right from Mamalkha and

Pakra. All the courses meet again at Colgong from where flowing north-word along the

boundary the Ganga leaves the district near Govindpur east of Mirza Chouki.

The southern part of the district is hilly and as such many hill streams originate in this

area which meet river Ganga after a northend traverse. Among them Badua, Chandan, Belasi,

Katharia, Kahwa, Chir, Bhaina and Kowa are the important hill streams of these only Badua,

Chandan and Chir are mentioning.

Badua originates in the hills of Chakai and flowing northeast through-Belhar meets one of the

branches of Chandan and finally flows into the river Ganga.

Chandan is the largest of the hill streams. It rise from Dihgania and Trikut (Trikut) Parbat north

of Deoghar. Its catchment area is approximately 500 sq miles. The river splits into many

branches in the plains Dhanohar. One of its branches joins river Ganga near Ghogha.

Chir which rises from Rampur Pahar flows along the western border of the district upto a

distance and there after reaches the plan land it is divided into many branches and finally meets

Ganga.

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The drainage of the district is thus divided into two district units namely of north

Bhagalpur of south Bhagalpur.

The north Bhagalpur is drained by the rivers by Ganga and Kosi with its many tributaries

like Ghoghari, Kalbalianala, Tiluga etc. The main directions of the drainage is south –east –east.

The southern Bhagalpur lying sough of river Ganga is drained by a net work of hill

streams which flow north ward showing the slope of the portion from south to north.

However, along the entire course of the river Ganga there is a high land, about one of the

three Kilo-meter broad which prohibit the rivers coming from south meeting straight to the river

Ganga. The Tal lands lies south of this uplands stretch.

The hill streams when reach the level plain of the north take a sharp easterly turn when

they meet the natural leave but in this process much of the water is spilled and stored in the Tal

lands of the back water. The rivers at the time of meeting Ganga are just a diminished form of

their normal size and often one cannot belive that they are part of the main rivers. Export Badua,

Chandan and Chair most of the hill streams are active only during the rain and remain dry

afterwards.

Irrigation Resources :-

The district on the whole is again divided into two parts as regards the irrigation

resources. One lying north of the river Ganga, the other lying south of the river Ganga. The later

part is again subdivided into two broad groups (i) Plain land and (ii) Hill and Plateau region.

North Bhagalpur assures a good supply of Irrigation water because the water table is

higher and the sub-soil is sandy. Topography as well as the sub-soils is sandy. Topography, as

well as the sub-soils favour the sinking of Tube wells both deep and shallow. Bamboo boring is

very successful and economical in north Bhagalpur. North Bhagalpur is a good area for under-

ground resources.

Soils of South Bhagalpur are heavier and the water table is low. Irrigational water is

supplied either by deep boring or wells. Bomboo boring are not so common in this area.

Irrigation is being done through tube wells, wells and tanks.

The position of the hilly region is different from those of the North Bhagalpur and Plain

lands. The area is underlain by rocks. The hill streams which rise in this area are being found to

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provide irrigational facilities to the area through canals. Three schemes area worth mentioning

and they are :-

Scheme Command area

1. Badua Reservoir Scheme 1.40 lacs acres

2. Chandan Reservoir Scheme 2.87 lacs acres

3. Chir – Gerua – Bhaira Scheme 2.30 lacs acres

These lacs acres of the gross command area also include major part of Monghyr (Badua)

and some part of Santhal parganas (Chir, Chandan). Lift irrigation scheme is in progress in

Sultanganj.

The potential and Resources for irrigation have been discussed in the subsequent

chapters.

Climates :-

The climates of the district is tropical with hot summer and pleasant winter. Cold season

starts from November and lasts till February. Summer sets in March and continues up to June.

From July to September is the rainy season; October is the transitional month.

The average rainfall is 46.23o (1174.2mm) yearly. Rainfall is uniform through out the district. On

and average there are 59 rainy days in a year.

January is the coldest month of the year when the minimum temperatures of 46.50o F is

being recorded. May being the hottest month of year with the maximum temperature of 99.68o F.

The temperature during the months of May and June may go up to 119oF, or a little more. With

the onset of monsoon temperature goes down appreciable. There are meteorological station at

Sabour and Bhagalpur. The rainfall distribution of the district is given below.

Humidity percentage is lowest in March and April (50 to 55 percent). It is higher with the

onset of monsoon when it is above 80 percent. From October to December the relative humidity

falls rapidly. Hail storms which are common in April and June do considerable to thatched house

and tress.

Natural Vegetation:-

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Natural vegetation plays an important role in the formation of soils. These also play not a

lesser part in the economic development of the area by providing fruits, timber, grasses and other

by products.

Most of the natural vegetation in the plain and cultivated areas have been destroyed and

replaced by crops. After the abolition of zamindary system much of the private forests have been

desperately destroyed. The forest which are now existant in the hill area of Amarpur revenue

thana and forest of Banka and Katoria contain Sakhua Khair (Acacia datechu) Amal (Boswellia

serralu) Bamboo (Dendracalamens strictus) Palas (Butea frondosa) Mahua and Semal.

Orchard :

Mango is the most important fruit tress of the district. They are planted in types and

supplementary the food of the people for a considerable period of the year. There are many

commercial and experimental types and a large quantity of which is supplied from here to other

states. Mango trees have timber and fuel values also. Jack fruits are planted in large number in

Katoria. Jamun is also very important as much as it gives fruits and timer which is resistant to

water and hence is used in preparing boats. Palm are found in large number specially in urban

areas. From these are bad today. Which is realized by low class people. The timbers supplied by

it are elastic and resistant. Pipal, Pakar, Bar etc. are shade giving trees. Among other trees are

Mahua, Gullar, Lichies, Guavas, Sharifa, Shahtut, Kela, Sahura etc.

Weed :- Weeds have to be studied in as much as they compete with plants in uptake of the

nutrients and are indicative of the soils. Followings are the important weeds of the district along

with the associated soil types.

1. Gorkul (Fribulas spp) :-

It grows mostly in heavy textured soils. Main crop with which it is associated is paddy. It

indicates water logging.

2. Gumma (Leuoas aspera):-

It is associated with lighter soils such as loamy sand, sandy loam, silty sand etc. Main

crops infested with this weed are Rahar, Kurthi, Til etc.

3. Kataila (Argemoni Maxicana):-

Grows luxuriantly in loamy soils. This can be removed by regular cultivations. Water

requirement of the weed is very low.

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4. Murali (A weed of composite family):- This weed is associated with loam and silty loam

soils in medium uplands and lowlands and grows on fallow land along with paira crops after

paddy.

5. Teter (Lannea Pinnutifida):- This grows with rabi crops mostly on loam, silt loam and sandy

loam preferably on saline soils.

6. Pater (Typha spp):- This grows on ponded sandy soils.

7. Jhoua :- It grows on Diara soils, just near the two banks where moisture is available at low

depths.

8. Kukrondha (Blumea Lacera):- It grows on fallow preferably sandy loam, silty sand, sandy

silt and silt loam. It can be eradicated by continuous cultivation during the growth season.

9. Kans (Saccharam spontancus and S. Munja ):- It mostly grows on sandy soils in Diara and

is very difficult to eradicate.

10. Bathua (Chenopodium album) :- It is a command weed of cultivated Rabi crops such as

wheat gram etc. It grows mostly on silty and loamy soils.

11. AK (Calotropis procera):- It is a xerophytic plant and is commonly associated with sandy

soils.

Populations :-

The populations of the district is 1.175, 128. The density of population may be an

indicator of production capacity of the area. Density of population of Bhagalpur is 805 per

square mile.

South Bhagalpur, especially the hilly and plateau regions are sparsely populated with a

density of 942 persons per Square mile. Whereas the North Bhagalpur has the density of

population 748 per square mile. In the northern Bhagalpur the population is concentrated in

small area as the portion is subjected to flood is very productive.

INDUSTRIES

Bhagalpur district is essentially an agricultural district. There has been no

industrialization due to lack to local enterprises and lack of raw materials. However in recent

years the Government as well as the public on this area have taken interest in this as such

medium scale industries have sprung up. The industries which are worth mentioning etc.

(i) Silk Industry :-

Bhagalpur silk and its silk industry come from immemorable past and is famous both

within the country and abroad. Champanagar, which is the main centre of this industry, is famous

and this industry has given employment to a large number of persons. Recently with the

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collaborations of Japanese Government a silk Factory has been started in Fatehpur on Sultanganj

–Sahibganj road.

(ii) Gur Industry :-

Sugarcane is cultivated in Amarpur, Kotaria, Colganj and Pirpants. As there is no sugar factory

in the nearby area. Gur and refined gur are pounded from the Sugarcane. Mathurapur (Colgong)

Amarpur, Kotaria are important for their Gur preparations.

(iii) Iron Industry :-

This industry is in beginning stage. In Jaipur (Kotoria) and Bhagalpur iron

foundry works are now being started.

Apart from these medium industries. Handloom, Bidi, Furniture making is done on

cottage industry scale. This cottage industry has given employment to a large number of people

of the locality.

COMMUNICATION:-

Two zonal railways operate in the district viz:

(i) Eastern Railways :- Kiul to Sahebganj and Bhagalpur to Mandar Hill .

(ii) North Eastern Railway :- Barauni to Katihar to Barari; Mahadeopur Ghat to to Thana

Bihpur along with a net work of metalled and non-metalled roads which connect the district with

the other part of state and serve the main means of communications in the district. The important

roads passing or connecting the district head quarter with the other parts of the districts are listed

below:

(1) Gangania to Mirzachaukee

(2) Bhagalpur to Deoghar and Dumka

(3) Sultanganj to Amarpur – Banka

(4) Pirpainty to Pathargama

(5) Ghogha to Sonahaula – Punsia

The mode of conveyance through which people either travel or carry their goods are main

steamer, boat, truck, bus and bullock carts.

AGRICULTURE :-

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Agriculture is the main occupation of the district and more than 80 percent people live

upon it. The Bihar Agriculture Collage is situated 6 miles east of the district headquarter at

Sabour where graduate and post-graduate in Agriculture is imparted and important researches in

the field of Agriculture is Carried out. The district can be divided in four main with respect to

crops grown and rotation followed.

(i) Area north of the river Ganga.

(ii) Diara of the river Ganga and Kosi.

(iii) Old alluvium south of the river Ganga and

(iv) Sedentary soils of south Bhagalpur

(i) Area north of the river Ganga:- The area consists of soils of very recent origin. Near the

rivers, the soils are lighter and those remote from the river are heavier. In sandy soils main crops

grown and maize are heavier. In sandy soils main crops grown are maize sweet-potato, mustard,

castor, arhar, water melons, parwal, a little of early paddy and millets. Some of the rotations

followed and as under:-

Maize – Wheat

Chillies + Castor-Castor

Maize+ Arhar- Arhar

(ii) Diara and Tal lands:- This area remains inundated during rain and gets fresh deposits of

Sediments practically every year. Hence the nature of the crops here depend upon the kind of

deposits and the duration of insulation, maize, wheat, water melons, parwal, castor, kusum,

sweet-potato, kalai and mustard are the main crops. Below are few of the rotations followed:-

Maize- Wheat

Fallow – Parwal or water melons

Fallow – Wheat and gram/Peas

Gram, pea or Maize – Khesarie

Deep water pa + Moong – Paddy

(iii) Old Alluvium :- The old alluvium are mostly paddy lands.During Kharif expect for some

upland near the village mostly paddy is grown. During rabi, irrigated rabi crops depend mostly

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on the availability of water and water retention capacity of the soils. The crop rotations followed

are:-

Upland

Maize + Arhar- Arhar

Maize – Wheat (Irrigated)

Medium lowland/ Lowland

Paddy – Fallow

Paddy – Linseed – Paira

Paddy – Paira / Khesari/ Peas

Paddy – Wheat +gram (irrigated)

Paddy – Sugarcane- Sugarcane

Paddy – Potato and other vegetables (irrigated)

(iii) Sedimentary Soils of South Bhagalpur: - An appreciable part of the sedimentary soils are

covered by hills and forests. Lands cleared for cultivation in this area are divided into three parts

ie, upland terraced slopes and medium lowlands and lowlands. The uplands are generally used

for growing maize, early arhar, millets, short duration’s oilseed and kulthi etc. The medium

uplands and terraced slopes are used for paddy cultivation as the main crops and generally

remain fallow during rabi for want of water or grow short duration crops like mustard, linseed

and in heavy soils a crop of gram as paira is taken.

In the lowlands late aghani Paddy is the main crop followed by crops like barley, gram,

peas and khesari. The lands which remain wet for a long time depending upon remain fallow

during rabi. In the medium lowlands and lowlands, where water is available for irrigation rabi

crops like wheat, potatoes other vegetables at places sugarcane also come under rotation.

Live stook and its produce: - Animal husbandry is still in its primitive form. All the advanced

knowledge in the field has not been taken recourse to develop the animal wealth.

Bulk of the live stock constitutes of cows, buffallows, and goats. At places their numbers

are greater than the human populations but the milk-yield is low. Their milk capacity is as low as

quarter to half kilogram.

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Diara lands and plateau lands are suitable places for posture. Rearing of cows and

poultry. Farming are suitable for these areas.

Goats are no better. The same indigenous breed has been continuing times immemorial

and hence has deteriorated. Goat rearing on a scientific basis can be developed in the plateau

area of this district.

Poultry farming and rearing pigs and looked down upon by the castepersons.

Mohammadans near birds , while Adibasis keep both hens and pigs. But all these are generally

local breeds and need improvement.

USE OF FERTILISERS, IMPROVED SEEDS AND AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS :

Agricultural is practiced on only a subsistence basis in most of the area. But now with the

introduction of irrigation and rising cost of food grains and farm production intensive

cultivations with a commercial outlook especially in the irrigated areas is coming up.

Efforts are being made to bring home to the farmers the utility of improved implements

and the benefits of improved seeds and the use of fertilizers. But there are many impediments in

this way of which the important ones are :

(i) Poverty and illiteracy among the peasantry.

(ii) Lack of impressive propaganda and demonstrations.

(iii) Non-availability of fertilizers etc. on easy terms and above all.

(iv) Lack of irrigation facilities in major part of the district.

Land Tenures: - Land tenure is of two types viz the farmers either plough their land, fixed by

the Government in their name of the plough the land of other persons either on bataidari or on

cash payment.

For other improvement consolidation of holdings has been taken up in district. Under this

programmed of the whole area is first surveyed and rights to the land finalized. Then it is tried to

give the owner in smallest possible number of plots, in area equal to his whole holdings.

LABOUR PROBLEM :

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Labour problem is acute in the northern part on the district. However, in South Bhagalpur

the problem is not so acute. During harvest of maize and rabi labour moves to the north from the

south which eases the acuteness of the problem.

MARKET AND SYSTEM OF MARKETING

Bhagalpur, the district headquarter is the central market of the district. Naugachhia in

North Bhagalpur, Jagdishpur, Barahat, Colgong, Isipur, Barahat in South Bhagalpur are the main

grain markets. Apart from these permanent markets “Hat” are held once or twice in a week at

many places where the local persons sell and purchase their necessary article.

A big annual fare is held at Barauni in January which is the biggest fair of the district.

SOIL SURVEY METHODS AND DEFINITIONS

While conducting a soil survey, the soils are examined, classified and mapped in the field

and their characteristics recorded, particularly in regard to the growth of various crops, grasses

and trees.

Reconnaissance survey of the district was done at 2 miles grid during the seasons. 1958-

59-1959-60. The analyses of the soil samples collected were, however, Completed during the

year. 1965-1966.

Profile were dug, at each intersection points, borings taken while travestying the distance

from one profile to the other and road cuts and other exposures observed in way of traverse,

studied in a greater details. Each layer of the profile was carefully and systematically studied in

respect of soil colours, texture, structure, consistence, mottles, concretions and root distribution.

The reaction of the soil and the presence of carbonates were determined by simple rapid methods

in the field. Drainage both external and internal and other external features viz, relief or lay of

the land, with special emphasis to features influencing the adaptations of the land for growing of

crops, were studies.

The soils of Bhagalpur district are transported (Alluvial) as well as sedentary (in Situ) in

nature. In determining the soil, the colour texture, structure, reaction, drainage and other

important, internal, reaction, drainage and other important internal characteristics of subsoil

stratum of the profile, (8” or 36”) were taken into consideration and soils, having similar subsoil

characteristics were grouped together into a series to which was given a geographic name. It was

found that same soil series observed earlier in the district of Purnea, extended also in this district

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and so were given the same name as previous ones,. Within a soil series are one or more types

defined according to the texture of ht surface soils, and the class name of a particular texture as

sandy loam, clay loam etc is suffixed to the soil designations to give a complete name to the soil

type.

Variations in lower strata below 36” as well as differences in relief, stoniness and degree

of accelerated erosion, have been shown as phases. Salinity and alkalinity have separately been

shown by suitable mapping legends.

The soil samples collected from each layer of the profile were analyzed in the laboratory

for mechanical analysis (10% of the samples collected), pH CaCO3. Total soluble salts, Organic

carbon and Mineralogical compositions of sand fractions.

The associated soils samples 0-9” and 9-18” were collected from the field round about

the profile for determining the fertility status of the land and were analyzed for G/N ratio, pH,

CaCo3, available phosphorus and Base Exchange Capacity.

EXPLANATION OF TECHNICAL TERMS USED IN DESCRIBING PROFILE

For the individual farmers and other persons who are interested in determining the soil series and

their land, explanations of the technical terms are given below:-

1. Horizon boundary :- Horizon boundary refers to the plane of demarcation between two

consecutive horizons or layers in a profile and is described in forms of distinctness and

topography. The distinctness of the horizon or layers depends upon the contrast between them

and may be described as (i) abrupt – if width of boundaries is less than 1” (ii) clear if the width is

about 1 to 3.5 inches; (iii) gradual – if 2.5 to 5 inches wide and (iv) diffuse – if more than 5

inches wide. Topography may be (i) smooth – if nearly a plane, (ii) wavy- if pockets are wider

than their depth, (iii) irregular- if irregular pockets are deeper than their width and (iv) broken –

if parts of horizon or layer are disconnected with other parts.

Soil texture :- Texture refers to the relative proportion of sand, silt and clay practices in a mass

of soil. Sand is sufficiently coarse for the individual grains to be seen and felt. Silt is very fine to

see the individual particles, if feels very floury but is not plastic, clay is the finest of all and is the

kind of particles that makes soil plastic when wet.

Field textures as appearing in the report have also been described as coarse, medium and fine.

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Coarse textured :- Soils are mostly sand and are loose or slightly coherent. Such soils normally

hold little water or plant nutrients. They include sand and loamy sand textural classes.

Medium textured soils have the best combination of coarse and fine particles for general

agricultural use. They are mixture of sand, silt and clay to hold water and plant nutrients but low

enough to be easy to work and to keep in good physical conditions. They include sandy loam,

loam and silt loam textural class.

Fine textured soils contain more than 35 percent of clay and water very sticky and very plastic.

They hold much water and plant nutrients but are difficult to keep in good physical condition.

They include the sandy clay, silty clay, and clay loam and clay textural classes.

Soil structures :- Structure to the arrangement of primary soil particles into compound particles

or clusters that are separated from adjoining aggregates and have properties unlike those of an

equal mass or unaggregated primary soil particles. The principal forms of soil structure are of six

types.

Platy:- Soil particles are arranged along horizontal axis as such the horizontal axis as such the

horizontal axis is longer than the vertical axis.

Prismatic:- Soil particles are arranged around vertical plane. and the vertical axis of aggregates

is longer than horizontal axis.

Columnar :- It is prism with rounded top.

Blocky (angular or sub angular ):- Soil particles are arranged around a point and bounded by

flat or rounded surfaces.

Granular:- This is the resultant of the cohesion of soil particles around a point. Granular

structure is relatively nonporous.

Crumb :- Crumb structure is more porous than granular. Blocky, granular and crumb are the

most desired forms of soil structures which present no problems with proper management of the

soil in the field.

Structureless :- Soils are (1) Single grain (each grain by itself, as in dune sand or (2) massive

(the particles adhering together without and regular cleavage as in many clay pans and hardpans.

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Soil drainage :- Soil drainage refers to the rapidity and extent of the removal of water from the

soil. Soil drainage classes used in this report in respect of soil series; give a picture of how often

and for how long the soil is wet.

Excessively drained :- Soils are commonly very porous and rapidly permeable and have a low

water holding capacity are commonly so droughty that they are unsuited to ordinary crop

production without irrigation. The soils lose most of the water that fails on them, very rapidly. In

the field the subsoil are free of mottling.

Well- drained soils:- Water is removed readily but the soil retains a large amount for plant

growth. In the field can be seen uniform colours free of mottling throughout the profile and are

commonly of intermediate texture.

Moderately well drained Soils:- Water is removed slowly enough that the soil is wet for a small

but significant period of time, On examining the soils in the field only faint staining in the upper

15 to 24 inches can be observed but distinct mottles can be had only at greater depth. The soils

commonly have a slowly permeable layer in or immediately beneath the solemn. They have

uniform colour in the A and upper B horizons and have mottling in the lower B and C horizons.

Some what poorly drained soils:- Water is removed slowly to keep it wet significant periods.

These soils have a slowly permeable layer within the profile and a high water table. These soils

are strongly mottled from the ploughed layer downward.

Poorly drained soils :- Soils are wet much of the time and are unsuited to most of the crops.

Water is removed so slowly that the soil remaining wet for a large part of the time. The water

table remains near the surface during the considerable part of the year. A darker surface horizon

and a subsoil that has strong rust brown mottling are usually found in such soils.

Very poorly drained soils:- Water is removed from the soil so slowly that the water table

remains at or on the surface for the greater part of the year. Soils of this drainage class occupy

depressed sites and are usually pounded. These soils are rich in mottles both in the surface and

subsoils.

Soil acidity :- Soil acidity is one of the most important problem of crop production. Acid soils

are generally low in important nutrients needed by plants. Soil acidity is the limiting factors in

making most of the important plant nutrients unavailable to crops.

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Soil acidity is expressed in pH values invariably used in this report. The descriptive

forms used in the report which stand for a definite pH ranges are used as follows (Soil Survey

Manual U.S.D.A Handlook No. 18, 1951.

pH

Extremely acid Less than 4.5

Very strongly acid 4.5 to 5.0

Strongly acid 5.1 to 5.5

Medium acid 5.6 to 6.0

Slightly acid 6.1 to 6.5

Neutral 6.6to 7.3

Slightly alkaline 7.4 to 7.8

Moderately alkaline 7.8 to 8.4

Strongly alkaline 8.6 to 9.0

Very strongly alkaline 9.1 and higher

Natural soils are best for most crops.

IRRIGABILITY CLASS :- Irrigability class refers to the grouping of soils according to

arability under irrigation. A soil map depicting irrigability classes is required for planning

irrigation.

While making up irrigability classification two important factors are taken into

accounting (i) total soluble salt content (ii) Permeability, taking soil profile as the basis of total

soluble salts and permeability by the Central Water and Power Commission is as follows:-

A. Total soluble salt:-

Class I :- Soils having total soluble salt content less than 0.1%.

Class II :- Soils slightly affected by salt (0.15 to 3.3%).

Class III :- Soils moderately affected by salt (0.35 to 0.65%).

Class IV :- Soils strongly affected by salt (0.65 % and above)

B. Permeability :-

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Class I – B to ft, soil free from undesirable layers like hard pan, dense clay, good internal

drainage.

Class II :- At least 4 feet of good soil, resting on soils containing interfering layers, restricted

drainage.

Class III: - AT least 4 ft of good soil, resting on impermeable formation.

Class IV :- Shallow soils with interfering layers.

These factors are combined to deduce the final irrigable value as under :-

Permeability Salt Irrigability class

I I I

II I II

I II III

II II III

III I IV

I III IV

NUTRIENTS STATUS :-

The hazards of nutritional deficiencies among plants may be anticipated from the soil

survey report, where the relationship of deficiencies to soil series to soil series and soil

associations have been established.

Nutritional deficiencies have been worked out on the basis of the nutrient status of the

soil, which refers to the major plant nutrients, Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potash. Based on the

analytical values of these major plant nutrients, soils can be rated as shown below:

Nutrient Percentage

Total Nitrogen 0.1 0.06-0.1 0.5

Available Potash 0.005 001-005 0.001

Available Potash 0.03 01-02 0.01

Rating Reach Medium Poor

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LAND USE CAPABILITY CLASS

In these, the soils are first groped in to 8 classes that show in a general way the first

grouped into 8 classes that show in a general way the magnitude of the conservation and

management problem. These are called capability classes. Each capability class is sub divided

into sub classes which show is general way the dominant kind of problem.

Capability classes:-

Class I- Class I is very good land that can be cultivated safely with ordinary good farming

method. It is nearly level land, has deep, productive, easily worked soils, and is not subject to

more than slight water or wind erosion. It is well drained and is not subject to damaging over

flows. It is suited for intensive cropping. In some places the land for crop use may require the use

of fertilizers and lime, cover and green manure crops and crop rotation.

Class II:- Class II is good land that can be cultivated with easily special. Some of their variation

are gentle slopes, moderate susceptibility to erosion, soils of only moderate depth, occasional

moderate overflow and moderate wetness are easily correctible. Soil conservation practices may

include terracing strip cropping, crop rotations that include grasses or legumes vegetated water

disposal areas, cover or green crops, fertilizers and manures.

Class III :- Class III consists of moderately good land that can be regularly for crops in a good

rotations, with intensive treatment. Such lands are characterized by moderately steep slope, high

susceptibility t erosion, moderate over flow, slow or very slow subsoil permeability, excessive

wetness, shallow depth t bed rock, hard pau or clay pan. Sandy, very sandy or gravelly soil with

low moistures capacity and low inherent fertility.

Class IV :- Class IV constitutes fairly good land that is best maintained in perennial vegetation

but can be cultivated occasionally in a limited way. Its cropping use is restricted by natural

features such as slope, erosion, unfavorable soil characteristics or adverse climate. It needs

special treatment, special cropping systems of special practices to protect it against erosion and

to conserve moisture.

Classe V: Class V land is not suited for cultivations but is suited for perennial vegetations

(grazing and forestry with few or no limitations). Cultivations s not feasible because of one or

more factors. Such as wetness, stoniness or some other limitations. The land is nearly level and

not subject to more than slight wind or water erosion, but sometimes land with steep slope and

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severe erosion hazards come under this class. Examples are those of the bottom land subject to

frequent overflow that prevent the normal production of cultivated crops.

Class VI:- Class VI land is subject to moderate limitations under grazing or forestry use. It is too

steep, subject to erosion shallow, wet, dry, or otherwise not suited to cultivation, but with careful

management is suited to either grazing or forestry.

Class VII :- Class VII land is subject to severe limitations or severe hazards under grazing or

forestry use, it is not suited for cultivations. It is very steep, eroded, stony, rough, shallow, dry

swamy or otherwise unfavorable but can be use for grazing or forestry if carefully handled.

Class VIII :- Class VIII land is of such unfavorable characteristics as to be unsuited for

cultivations grazing or forestry. It is suited for wild life, recreation, or watershed protection uses.

It includes such areas as bushes deserts, deep gullies, high mountain land and very steep, rough,

stony, barren land.

Soils of Bhagalpur

Soils f the district are being described under four heads. They are,

(i) General soil areas or soil associations

(2) Soil series and Individual soils

(3) Soil crop management and

(4) Soil and crop management problems.

SOIL ASSOCIATIONS

A soil association is a landscape that has a distinctive proportions pattern of soils. It

normally consists of one r more major soils and at least one minor soil and is named after the

major soils. The soils in one association may occur in another, but in a different pattern. The

soils in one association may be much alike or entirely different but the pattern in which they

occur is fairly uniform. A map showing soil associations is given at the end of the report. Soil

maps giving more details as soil series or phase maps, could not be made, as the soil survey was

reconnaissance one and the boundaries between the series and phases were not properly mapped.

A map showing soil association is useful to users who want a general idea of soils in a distinct

or of a larger tract, who want to compare the different parts of a distinct or want to know the

locations of large areas that are suitable for a certain kind of farming in other land use. It is

further suitable for planning the management on a large scale but are not suitable for planning

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the management of a farm or field or for choosing the site for a building or other structure,

because soils in an associations generally differ in characteristics i.e, slope, depth, stoniness.

Drainage and other features that affect management. For planning on a smaller scale the soil

maps prepared on the basis of detailed soil survey are more useful. However, an intelligent user

will examine his soils, fit them in a soil series described in the following pages and plan

accordingly.

There are eighteen Soil association in the district. They are

1. Parsadih – Mairwa – Narayanpur – Kamla Kund

2. Motichak –Milki – Sarwasa

Motichak –Milki – Sarwasa

4. Paharpupr – Herio – Sripur

5. Sakrawan – Jogia – Khanpur- Gopalpur

6. Hasanpur – Tiwadih – Misarpur

7. Amadaha – Jogia – Chandanthara

8. Chanra – Mohanpur – Raipura – Kahnpur

9. Khanpur – Barahat – Jamohra

10. Jamadaha – Asuraha – Khasia - Lohtania

11. Parasbanna – Debipur – Patwa – Ahiro

12. Chandanthara – Tilangiya – Hariasi

13. Lohtania – Hariasi – Mohanpur

14. Peperwa – Tilangiya

15. Dumbhar – Khutwa (Minor Kolhua – Siktia)

16 Durgapur – Tiwadih – Chandankhari

17. Patwa – Ahiro – Kolhua – Dumbhar

18. Kolhua – Mohanpur – Asuraha

1. Parsadih – Mairwa – Narayanpur – Kamla Kund Association :-

The association occupies the diara portion of the river Ganga. Some of the portions fall

between the different branches of the river. Consequent results are recent origin of the soil, light

texture, high free Calcium Carbonate and pH. These areas get inundated during rains, durations

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and hight of water varies from place to place and year to year. Amount and nature of depositions

also very. At some places silty clay are deposited while on others sand is deposited. The

association is located in Thana Bihpur, Colgong revenue thanas only.

Parasdih Series :-

This series is characterized by somewhat paddy drained, medium textured sub soil (Silt

loam) of alkaline pH and grey to olive colours. This series generally forms the part of new

alluvium and is found in Colgong and Bihpur revenue thanas. Surface textures of the soils of this

series are sandy silt, siltloam, sandyloam and loam. They occur on plain and are subject to

intermittent flood during rains. Wheat, Maize, Arhar, Gram etc are the man crops grown.

Mairwa Series :-

This series is characterized by well drained soils and forms a part of the new alluvium.

These soils are found to occur on river alluvial fan and undulating land scape. They occur in

Bihpur and Colgong revenue thanas. They give vigorous reactions with hydrochloric acid and

hydrogen peroxide. Main soil types under the series and Mairwa sandy silt. Mairwa silt loam,

and Mairwa fine sandy loam and Mairwa loam and all are subject to occasional flooding during

rains.

Main crops grown in the area are wheat, maize, castor, mustard, arhar, grams , peas,

sweet potato, watermelon, parwal etc.

Narayanpur Series :-

This series is characterized by light textured surface soil underlain by medium or light

textured surface soil underlain by medium or light medium sub-soil. Lower layers are light

textured. pH is slight alkaline and percentage of free calcium carbonate varies between 5 to 10%.

The soils are of recent origin and are subject to inundation and have Diara characters. The

soils occur in Colgong and Bihpur revenue thanas of Bhagalpur, near river Ganga. The colour

varies between olive and light grey.

Kamlakund Series :-

The series represents the Diara soils of river Ganga. The soils are light throughout the

profiles and are of recent origin. They remain inundated during rains. Every year silt is deposited

according to the height and velocity of flood water at the place. Water dress up quickly after

rains.

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pH of the soils of the series is alkaline and percentage of calcium carbonate varies

between 5 and 10%. Percentage of organic nitrogen varies between traces to 0.09% and that of

phosphorus between 2 to 10 parts per million. Colour of the soils varies between pale olive to

olive grey.

2. Motichak –Milki – Sarwasa Assiciation :-

Soils of the association are light throughout and occur in the Diara area of river Kosi and

Ganga. The soils are subject to inundation that stands for some months. Erosion also takes place

by the flowing water and also due to change in course. Deposition of sandy silt and clay also

takes place. pH is alkaline. Soils are well to excessively drained, except at he time of

inundations. Percentage of free calcium carbonate varies between 0 to 5%. The association

occurs in the revenue thanas of Colgong and Bihpur and part of Bhagalpur. A short description

of different associated of the association are given below:

Motichak Series :-

The series is characterized by light textured surface soil, underlain by medium textured

sub soil and light textured sub surface soil or vice versa. The soils are of recent origin and occur

in the vicinity of rivers. pH is alkaline and percentage of free calcium carbonate is less than 5%.

The soils are flooded occasionally during rains depending on the height of water. Colour

varies between pale yellow to olive grey.

Milki Series :-

The soils of the series are of recent origin. Surface soil consists of medium soils underlain

by medium and light (in sequence) sub- soils. They are slight to moderately alkaline and

percentage of free calcium carbonate is less than 5%. The soils are mostly under direct influence

of rivers and subject to be affected by annual and have more less than characteristics.

The colour varies between grey to olive grey. Organic nitrogen consent varies between

0.05 to 0.01%. and available Phosphorus between 2 to 14 parts per million.

The series mostly occur in Bihpur, Colgong, Bhagalpur and Sultanganj revenue thanas in

the vicinity of river Ganga.

Sarwasa Series :-

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This series is characterized by light colored and light textured layers throughout the

profile depth which are neutral to slightly alkaline in reaction. pH remaining nearly constant with

depth. This somewhat, poorly drained, series occupies the central portions of nearly flat uplands.

3. Motichak –Milki – Sarwasa Association :-

The soils of the association are recent alluvium surface texture are loam and silt loam

underlying soils are loam silt loam and clay loam. Generally the soils are slightly in reactions.

Soils are generally somewhat poorly drained and subject to occasional flooding. Cultivation of

rabi and Bhadai crops are done. At times Rabi crops are damaged when the flood comes early,

before the harvest percentage of free carbonate varies between 1 to 5%. Content of nitrogen are

optimum and is deficient in phosphorus content. Association occurs in Colgong. Bihpur and in

small pataches in Bhagalpur and Sultanganj revenue thanas.

Milki Series – As in association no.2

Ratanpur Series :

The series is characterized by medium textured soils dominantly silt loam throughout the

profile. The pH is slightly alkaline. The dominant colour is grey, which varies between olive

grey to light grey. The soils are of recent formation and are influenced by rivers like Ganges and

Kosi, at places conjointly. Percentage of free calcium carbonate is less than 5%. They occupies

plain positions near rivers and is occasionally flooded for short duration during high flood.

The series occur in Bihpur and Colgong revenue thanas of the district of Bhagalpur.

Sripur Series :-

The series consists of soils having silt loam to silty clay loam as sub soil. They are poorly

drained a alkaline in reaction and of gray colour.The series also forms a part of the new

alluviums found in Bihpur and Colgong revenue thanas of Bhagalpur district. They have

concretions of iron in lower layers and are mottled. They occur on undulating and plain land

scopes. Individual soil types of the series are Sripur silt loam, Sripur silty clay loam. They are

subject to intermit flooding; Principal crops grown are Maize, Castor, Arhar, Wheat, Paddy etc.

4. Paharpur Herio- Sripur -Association

Soils of Paharpur series are heavy throughout, pH is slightly alkaline and percentage of

free calcium carbonate is less than 5%. Lower layer are mottles. Soils are generally moderately

well drained percentage. Carbon varies between 06 to 0.1% and content of Phosphorus is 2.8 t 17

Page | 29

pars million. Soils of Herio series are characterized by medium textured surface soils underlain

by heavy textured subsoil’s. Lower most layers are light textured .Percentage of nitrogen varies

between .09 to .1%. Soils of the Sripur series have silt loam and silty clay loam textures. Soils

are somewhat poorly drained and have alkaline pH. Association occurs in Colgong and Bihpur

revenue thanes.

Paharpur Series :-

The series is characterized by heavy textured surface soil underlain by heavy textured

soil. Sub surface soil is medium textured pH is slightly alkaline and percentage of free calcium

carbonate is less than 5%.

Soils are of recent origin and mostly formed in back water places. The soils are fairly

well drained. Colour varies between olive and olive grey.

Percentage of nitrogen varies between 0.06 to 0.1 % and a available Phosphorus ranges

between 2.8 to 17 parts per million. The soils occur in Bihpur and Bhagalpur revenue Thanas is

small patches.

Herio Series :-

The soils of the series are of recent origin. The surface soil is medium to light and is

underlain by heavy subsoil. The lower most layers consists of sandy soil. The pH is moderately

alkaline and percentage of free calcium carbonate varies between 1 to 5%. The soils are mostly

located near and under influence of rivers.

These soils are moderately well drained to well drained. They occur in Bihpur, Bhagalpur

and Colgong revenue Thanas in small patches. Percentage of organic nitrogen varies between

0.05 to 0.01% and available Phosphorus from 7 to 14 parts per million. Colour varies between

olives gray to olive.

Surpur series :- As in association no 3.

5. Sakrawan – Jogia – Khanpur- Gopalpur

Soils of the association are characterised by silt loam, to loam and clay loam as surface

soils underlain by clay loam and clay. Soils are mostly somewhat poorly drained. pH varies

between neutral to slightly alkaline. Lower layers contain concretions of calcium and iron. Brief

descriptions of different associates are given below.

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Jogia Series :-

The subsoil of the series is clay loam culminating into clay downwards indicating a

certain degree of profile development. These soils are found on low land and place land and are

subject to intermittent flooding. The colour of the soils is brown and is medium to strongly

alkaline in reaction. They are poorly drained containg concretions of iron and calcium carbonate.

Khanpur Series (Kr):

This series is characterized by medium to moderately heavy textured surface soils

underlain by heavy textured sub soil. The soils are deep and are somewhat poorly drained to

moderately well drained. It occurs on medium upland to medium lowland positions on level to

slightly undulating topography. They are neutral in reaction and brown in colour. The sub soils

contain iron and calcium carbonate concretions and are mottles.

Gopalpur Series :-

The soils of the series are of comparatively recent origin. They are characterized by silt

loam as surface soil underlain by clay loam subsoil. Lower subsoils are sandy silt and silt loam.

The soils are slight to medium alkaline in reaction and percentage of free calcium carbonate

varies between 0.3 to 5%. They occupy mostly positions which are nearby under direct influence

of rivers. The percentage of organic nitrogen varies between 0.03% to 0.0% and available

phosphorus between 3 to 11 parts per million. The soils are moderately drained to somewhat

poorly drained and are subject to flooding during high flood.

The soils are found mostly in Colgong, Bhagalpur and Sultanganj Revenue Thanas of

Bhagalpur District.

6. Hasanpur – Tiwadih – Misarpur Association :-

The association occurs in Sultanganj Amarpur and Banka revenue thanas in fur patches.

The soils and old alluvium in origin. Local deposits from the hills have also been observed.

Surface textures are loam sandy loam and silt loam. Lower layers are clay loam to sandy loam.

pH is generally neutral. pH increases t alkaline downwards at places.

Hasanpur Series:-

The series is characterized by sandy loam as surface soil underlain by loam as subsoil.

Below are layers of clay loam. These soils have in most cases developed on sediments locally

deposited by rivulets and rivers flowing through the sedentary areas.

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The soils are medium alkaline in reaction most probably due to salt washing from the

surrounding hillocks. The colour varies between pale yellow to yellowish brown. Concretions of

iron and calcium are found in lower horizons.

Percentage of nitrogen varies between 0.05% to 0.1 and available phosphorus between 2

to 6 parts per million.

The series is found in Banka Revenue Thanas of Bhagalpur district.

Misarpur Series :-

Surface texture of the series is mostly loam. Silt loam is also found at places. The subsoil

is clay loam which is underlain by lighter material mostly sandy loam. The series occupy mostly

plain topography and is generally moderately well drained. Colour varies between olives gray to

olive gray to olive yellow. pH increases with depth. Surface soils are neutral and lower layers

tend toward alkaline. The series is found in Bhagalpur, Sultanganj, Amarpur, Banka and Katoria

Thanas of the district. Organic nitrogen content of the surface soil varies from 0.03 to 0.1%. and

available Phosphorus from 4 to 10 parts per million.

7. Amadaha – Jogia – Chandanthara Association :-

The association occupies a small area in Amarpur revenue thana. Soils of the

Chandanthara are sedentary transported having deposited by hilly rivulets. Soils of Amdaha have

developed on the deposits made by Chandan river. The pH of the two series are slightly acidic.

The soils of Jogia series are old alluvium and are heavy throughout. The pH is slightly alkaline.

The soils are somewhat poorly drained to well drained.

Amdaha Series(Amd):

This series is characterized by having a thick layer of light textured soils abruptly

overlying heavy soils, the two layers showing clear signs of unconformity. The fresh depositions

over old alluvium are as a result of over flowing of streams over the banks. These soils occur in

Amarpur revenue thana along the banks of river Chandan and Katharia. The soils occupy

medium upland and upland positions on nearly level to slightly undulating topography. The

colors on the surface vary between yellowish brown to yellow and the underlying heavy textured

layers are olive to grey. The upper deposits are generally slightly acidic and the older deposits

are neutral in reaction.

Chandanthara Series :-

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The series is well drained to excessively drained has sandy profile on highly undulating

to rolling topography. The soils are generally shallow with little development. The colour of the

soils dark brown with acidic pH and are of sedentary origin.

8. Chanra – Mohanpur – Raipura – Kahnpur Association :-

The association is quite extensive and occupies a large area in Amarpur,

Bhagalpur and Banka revenue thanas. The soils are old alluvium. Surface textures are sandy

loam which are underlain by clay loam and clay. Generally, the pH is neutral. pH is acidic in

Mohanpur series . Soils are poorly drained to somewhat poorly drained. Lower layers contain

concretions of iron and calcium carbonate.

Chanra Series :-

The series is characterized by clay loam subsoil, neutral in reaction and olive brown to p

dark brownish gray colour. The series occurson plain is slightly undulating landscapes and is

mostly somewhat poorly drained. Surface texture are silt loam and loam. They contain

concretions in lower horizons. The pH increases downwards tending to become slightly alkaline

in some profiles.

Mohanpur Series (Mn):

This series is characterized by loam (heavy) to clay loam surface soils underlain by clay

loam or clay. These soils are neutral to slightly acidic in reaction and occupies medium upland to

low land positions. Sub soils generally contain concretions of calcium and irons are moderately

well drained to somewhat poorly drained. Color varies between olives to light grey.

Individual soil types of the series are Mohanpur loam and Mohanpur clay loam. Paddy is

the main crop of these soils under irrigated conditions. Organic nitrogen content very between

0.04 to 0.08 percent and available phosphorus between 7 to 10 pounds per acre.

Raipura Series (Ra):

This series is characterized by having clay loam or silty clay loam soils on the surface

underlain by clay. The series mostly occupy level topography and is somewhat poorly drained to

poorly drained. Concretions of iron and calcium carbonate are found in lower horizons, which

are generally mottled. pH increases downwards from neutral at the surface to slightly alkaline at

the lower most horizon. The colors vary between light olives brown to yellow.

Khanpur Series (Kr):

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This series is characterized by medium to moderately heavy textured surface soils

underlain by heavy textured sub soil. The soils are deep and are somewhat poorly drained to

moderately well drained. It occurs on medium upland to medium lowland positions on level to

slightly undulating topography. They are neutral in reaction and brown in colour. The sub soils

contain iron and calcium carbonate concretions and are mottles. The soil types recognized are

Kanpur loam, Kanpur clay loam and Khanpur silt loam the clay loam type being the most

predominant.

9. Khanpur – Barahat – Jamohra Association :-

The association occupies a large area in Colgong, Bhagalpur, and Amarpur revenue

thanas. Soils are moderately well drained to somewhat poorly drained. Lower layers contain

concretions of iron and calcium. pH of Khanpur and Barahat is neutral while that of Jamohra is

alkaline. Surface soils are silt loam, loam and silt loam. Which are underlain by clay loam and

clay. Short description of different series are given below.

Khanpur :- As in Association No-5

Barahat Series (Bt):

This series is characterised by soils which are clay loam to loam on the surface underlain

by silty clay loam to clay loam sub soils. The color is grey to olive grey. These soils are slightly

acidic in reaction and are of low permeability though moderately well drained as is occurs on

slightly undulating landscapes. Soil types recognized in this series are Barahat clay loam,

Barahat loam, Baraht silty clay loam and Barahat silt loam. The profile contains ferruginous

concretions are mottled at depth Paddy is the main crop grown. Other crops are gram, pea and

khesari etc as paira crops.

Jamhora Series (Jam):

This series is characterized by somewhat poorly drained. Slightly acidic soils having

medium textured sub soils. Soil color is generally grey to olive grey. Surface textured are sandy

loam, silt loam and loam. They are generally mottled up to a depth of 75 cms and concretions of

iron and calcium carbonate are also present. Crops grown are paddy, wheat, barley, arhar, maize

and gram etc.

10. Jamadaha – Asuraha – Khasia – Lohtania Association :-

This association extends in large area in Colgong revenue thanas. Small patches are

found in Banka and Amarpur also. Parasbana and Debipur are major partners. pH varies between

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slightly acidic to neutral and are somewhat poorly drained. Lower layer contains concretions of

iron and calcium carbonate and are mottled. Short descriptions of different series are given

below.

Parasbanna Series :-

This series consists of imperfectly drained medium textured subsoil. (Commonly loam)

and reaction is acidic and the soil has brown tinge. Roots go up to greater depths and few

concretions may be found in lower horizons along with mottling. Individuals of the series are

Parasbanna sandy loam, and slightly undulating landscape. The series have been detected and

mapped in Colgong and Banka Revenue Thanas. Main crop grown are rahar, sugarcane, maize,

etc. on uplands and paddy, wheat , gram etc on medium upland and lowlands.

Debipur Series :-

The series consists of imperfectly drained surface soil having loam texture underlain by

clay loam as subsoil. The series is similar in Chanra in almost all respect that the colour of the

soil is brown. Reaction of the soil is neutral. They occur on terraced undulaing and plain land

scape. Individuals of the series and are Debipur sandy loam. This series has been observed and

marked in the revenue thanas of Colgong, Amarpur and Banka.

Patwa Series :-

The series is characterized by sandy loam as surface soil underlain by loam as sub soil.

Below loam are layers of clay loam and clay. The soils are moderately well drained to somewhat

poorly drain. The soils occupy mostly upland positions on plain or on terraced topography. The

dominant colour is yellow and varies between grayish, yellow to yellowish brown. pH of the

soils is slightly acidic to medium acidic. Nitrogen content varies between 0.03 to 0.07% and

available Phosphorus from traces to 6 parts per million.

The soils are mostly found in Banka Revenue Thanas of the district. Patches of the series

are also present in Colgong and Amarpur Revenue Thana.

Patwa sandy loam is the only soil type of the series.

Ahiro Series :-

The series is characterized by so new what poorly drained soils and the colour of the soil

is brown. The subsoil consists of clay and surface texture is clay loam. The soils are neutra in

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reaction and occur on plain to slightly undulating and terraced landscape. The subsoil’s contain

iron and calcium concretions and mottled.

11.Jamdaha –Asuraha- Khasia- Lohtania Association:-

Soils of the association are of sedimentary origin and extends in Katoria revenue thanas.

Jamdaha and Asuraha occupy major area. Small Portion is occupied by Khasia and Lohtania.

Soils are generally deep and pH is acidic. pH becomes neutral in some of the series in lower

horizons. Soil erosion is severe.

Jamadaha Series :-

This series includes moderately well drained to excessively drained (few imperfectly

drained) profiles on medium upland and upland. with plain to roiling topography. The surface

soil of the profiles are loam and underlain by loam as subsoils. The soils are of dark brown

colour and have acidic pH.

Asuraha Series :-

The series includes moderately well drained excessively drained profiles on upland and

medium uplands. Soils gravels in the solum. The pH and profiles show signs of alleviation.

These soils have acidic have loamy sand to sandy loam surface soil underlain by loam.

Khasia Series :-

The series includes well developed profile on upland and medium upland with undulating

to rolling topography. The profiles are somewhat poorly drained to well drained with loam and

sandy loam on surface soil underlain by sandy clay loam and clay loam. The colour of soil is

yellowish brown to brown. The soils are alkaline in reactions.

Lohtania Series :-

This series is characterized by loamy sand surface soil underlain by sandy loam in the

rest of the horizons. pH is slightly acidic which between grayish brown to very dark brown. The

soils are of sedimentary origin. The series occurs in Katoria and Banka revenue thanas of

Bhagalpur district. The series has only one soil type and that is Lohatania loamy sand.

12. Chandanthara- Tilangiya- Harisi Association:-

The association extends mostly in Katoria revenue thana. Small patch occurs in Banka

also. Soils are sedimentary and erosion is severe. Soils of Chandanthara have developed on

sediments deposited by local rivulets are are comparatively of recent origin. Soils of Tilangiya

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and Hariasi are excessively drained. Erosion is also severe. pH is acidic and colour varies

between yellowish brown and dark brown.

Chandanthara Series :- As in Association no -7

Tilangiya Series :-

This series includes well drained to excessively drained shallow profiles with little

illuviation, on undulating to rolling topography. The soils are light textured and have medium

acidic pH.

Hariasi Series :-

The soils of the series are excessively drained. and occur on very undulating to rolling

topography. The A horizon of the profile as also part of whole of “B” is removed leaving only

7” to 12”deep soils underlain by morum. The soils are slightly acidic in reaction and are of very

light texture.

13. Lohtania – Hariasi – Mohanpur Association:-

The Association occupies a small area in Banka at two places. pH is acidic. Soils of

Mohanpur series only are cultivated. The rest are very shallow and unifitfor cultivated crops and

hence are suitable for forests only. Main problems are erosion and acidity.

Lohtania Series :- As in Association no -11

Hariasi Series Series :-As in Association no -12

Mohanpur Series:- As in Association no -8

13. Lohtania – Hariasi – Mohanpur Association:-

This Association occupies a small eastern portion of Katoria revenue thana. Soils of both

the series are sufficiently deep. Erosion also is slight, pH is acidic Short description of different

series are given below:-

Paperwa Series :-

This series includes poorly drained to somewhat poorly drained profiles on flat to

undulating topography. The profiles have sandy loam and loam as surface soils underlain by

loam as subsoil’s. These soils have acidic pH and soil types are Paperwa sandy loam and

Paperwa loam.

Tilangiya Series :- As in Association no- 12

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15. Dumbhar – Khutwa (Minor Kolhua – Siktia) Association:-

The association extends in five small patches in Katoria and Banka revenue thana. Soils

mostly occupy Tanrs and are very deep. Soil erosion also takes places to some extent. pH is

acidic. The soils are moderately well drained. They are deficient in nitrogen and Phosphorus.

Surface is sandy loam to loam which are underlain by loam.

Dumbhar Series :-

This series includes moderately well drained to excessively drained profile on upland and

medium upland having loamy sand as surface soils underlain by sandy loam as subsoils. Profiles

of the series stand on plain to rolling topography. The soils are acidic and have brown colour.

Khutwa Series :-

The series is characterised by loamy sand as surface soil underlain by sandy loam.

Further downwards are layers of loam. Further downward are layers of loam. The soil is deep.

pH is strongly acidic and colour varies between yellowish brown to dark gray. The soils are

moderately well drained to well drained.

The series occurs in Katoria and Banka Revenue thanas of the district in small area and

occupies mostly medium upland and upland position Organic nitrogen content varies between

0.028 to 0.0451 % and available Phosphorus ranges between 0.9 to 7 parts per millio.

Khutwa loamy sand, is the only soil type of the series Paddy, Kulthi, and Kodo are

grown. A considerable area of series is under forest cover.

Kolhua Series :-

Surface texture of the soils of the series is sandy loam which is underlain by sandy clay

loam, and clay loam and at places clay up to the lower most limits of the profile. pH is slightly

acidic which most limit of the profiles. pH is slightly acidic which tends to become neutral

downwards. Colour varies between concretions of iron are found in lower horizons. Percentage

of nitrogen ranges between 1.6 to 10 parts per million.

The series occupies upland and medium upland positions in undulating sedentary areas.

of Katoria and Banka revenue thanas of Bhagalpur district.

Some portion of the series is under forest. On rest of the area Paddy with little arhar,

maize, kulthi etc are grown.

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13. Siktia Series :-

This series is characterize by medium light textured surface soil underlain by medium

and heavy textured sub soil followed by heavy or medium textured sub stratum with olive grey

or pale olive soil colour. The soils occupy medium upland and lowland and are mostly somewhat

poorly drained. pH is neutral and percentage of free calcium carbonate is below 5%. Mostly iron

concretions are focused in lower layer but mottling is present in almost all layers of the profile.

The soils are alluvial in nature deposited by river.

16 Durgapur – Tiwadih – Chandankhari Association:-

The Association occupies three patches in Banka and Katoria revenue thanas. Surface

soils are sandy loam and loam which are underlain by light textured soils. Soils generally occur

in the vicinity of rivers and have field up profiles. Erosion hazards are comparatively less. pH

varies between slightly acidic to neutral and nitrogen and Phosphorus content are less than

required.

Durgapur Series :-

Sequence of texture to the series is sandy loam, loam and loamy sand. Soils are deep.

They occur on undulating to rolling topography and are of sedentary origin. Colour varies

between yellowish brown to very dark grayish brown. Soils are slight to medium acidic in

reaction. A variant of series has almost neutral pH.

They occur in Katoria and Banka revenue thanas of the district. Some of the areas are

lying as cultivated waste while medium uplands and uplands are cultivated and grow paddy,

grain, arhar, kulthi, til etc. Durgapur sandy loam is the only soil type of the series.

Chandankhari Series :-

The soils of the series are of sedentary origin. Surface soil is loam which is underlain by

sandy loam, loamy sand or gravels in downward sequence. They occupy undulating or terraced

medium upland and lowland positions and are poorly to somewhat poorly drained. Colour varies

between pale olive to yellowish brown.

pH is slightly acidic, organic nitrogen content varies between traces to 0.1% and

available phosphorus between 1.6 to 8 parts per million.

The soils are found in Banka and Katoria revenue thanas of Bhagalpur district. The series

is unity pic viz Chandankhari loam.

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17. Patwa – Ahiro – Kolhua – Dumbhar Association:-

The soils of the association are both sedentary and old alluvium. The association occupies

a very small area. One patch occurs in north eastern portion of Katoria and the other in south

eastern portion of Banka. The subsoils of Patwa and Ahiro are heavy.Soils of Dumbhar series

occupy tanr and are medium textured. The soils of Kolhua series are Donland, occupying

lowlands with heavy subsoil’s. Descriptions of different series are given below.

Patwa Series :-

The series is characterized by sandy loam as surface soil underlain by loam as sub soil.

Below loam are layers of clay loam and clay. The soils are moderately well drained to somewhat

poorly drained. The soils occupy mostly upland positions on plain or on terraced topography.

The dominant colour is yellow and varies between grayish, yellow to yellowish brown. pH of the

soils is slightly acidic to medium acidic. Nitrogen content varies between 0.03 to 0.07% and

available Phosphorus from traces to 6 parts per million.

The soils are mostly found in Banka Revenue Thanas of the district. Patches of the series

are also present in Colgong and Amarpur Revenue Thana.

Ahiro Series :- As in Association no-10

Kolhua Series :- As in Association no -15

Dumbhar Series:- As in Association no- 15

18. Kolhua – Mohanpur – Asuraha Association:-

The Association occurs in the north eastern portion of Banka revenue thana. Soils of

Kolhua series have sandy loam as surface texture underlain by clay loam. Soils of Mohanpur

series are old alluvium. This also has heavy subsoils and pH is acidic. The soils are medium deep

(depth phase). Lower layers contain high percentage of gravels. Soils mostly are suitable for

cultivation. Erosion hazard is also very severe. pH is also acidic.

Kolhua Series :- As in Association no-15

Mohanpur Series :- As in Association no- 8

Asuraha Series :- As in Associating no – 11

2. Soil Series and individual soils

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This association the soil series of Bhagalpur district. An essential part of each series is a

description of the soils profile. The sequence of layers beginning of the surface and containing

downwards, beyond which roots of most plant penetrate up to 6 feet in these cases. Each soil

series contain both a brief non-technical and a detailed technical description of the soil profile.

The non-technical description will be useful to most readers. The detailed technical and other

agricultural technical description is included for soil scientist, engineers and others. Who need

make through and precise studies of soil.

The names description and delineations of soils in the published soil survey do not

always agree or join fully with soil map of the adjacent district published at an early date.

Differences are through about through better knowledge about soils r through series. In addition

the correlation of a recognized soil is based on the acreage of that soil and its dissimilarity to

adjacent soils occupies only a small acreage and if its management and response are much the

same as those of similar soils, it is more feasible to include the soil with the similar soil rather

than to set it apart as different soil. The soil description reflects these combinations.

SOIL SERIES OF THE KOSI & MAHANANDA REGIONS.

1. Ahiro Series (AO):

This series is characterized by having sandy loam texture on the surface underlain by clay

loam sub soil and sub stratum. The soils are neutral throughout the depth of the profiles. The soil

is somewhat poorly drained to poorly drained and occupies medium lowland positions on level

and concave (sub normal) relief. Sub soils are mostly mottled and contain ferruginous

concretions right for the surface downwards and small lime concretions below 80 cm depth.

Organic nitrogen varies between 0.03 to 0.09 percent, available phosphorus between 17.6 - 22.3

pound per acre. The colors are from pale yellow to yellowish brown.

The soils of the series are found in the village Odhra, Jogdiha and Katia.

A typical profile of the series is described below:

Depth in cms Descriptions

0 – 23 Pale yellow (D 5Y 8/3) sandy loam; medium weak platy structure; slightly sticky

and slightly plastic, slightly hard when dry; no effervescence with dilute

hydrochloric acid; a few ferruginous concretion and a few faint fine yellowish

brown mottles; wide polygonal cracks on the surface; pH 6.65; clear and smooth

lower boundary.

23 – 61 Light yellowish brown (D 2.5Y 6/4) clay loam; medium moderate platy; very

sticky and very plastic when wet, very hard when dry; no effervescence with

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dilute hydrochloric acid; common fine prominent yellowish brown mottles;

ferruginous concretion; common; pH 6.7; diffused and smooth lower boundary.

61 – 86 Pale brown (D 10YR 6/3) clay loam; medium moderate angular blocky; very

plastic and very sticky very hard when dry; no effervescence with dilute

hydrochloric acid; common fine distinct yellowish brown mottles; pH 6.4; many

ferruginous concretions; diffused and smooth lower boundary.

86 – 178 Olive (D 5Y 6/3) clay loam; medium weak prismatic; very sticky and very

plastic; hard when dry; no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH 6.8;

few ferruginous and calcium carbonate concretions.

2. Amdaha Series(Amd):

This series is characterized by having a thick layer of light textured soils abruptly

overlying heavy soils, the two layers showing clear signs of unconformity. The fresh depositions

over old alluvium are as a result of over flowing of streams over the banks. These soils occur in

Amarpur revenue thana along the banks of river Chandan and Katharia. kThe soils occupy

medium upland and upland positions on nearly level to slightly undulating topography. The

colors on the surface vary between yellowish brown to yellow and the underlying heavy textured

layers are olive to grey. The upper deposits are generally slightly acidic and the older deposits

are neutral in reaction. Organic nitrogen varies between 0.15 to 0.06 percent and the available

phosphorus ranges between 25.0-30.4 pounds per acre.

Amdaha silt loam and loamy sand are the only soil types of the series and paddy is the

main crop grown on lands made level and bunded. Others crops that are frequently grown on this

series especially under arable cultivation are sugarcane, maize and arhar etc.

A typical profile of this series is described below:

Depth in cms Descriptions

0 – 23 Yellowish brown loamy sand (D 10YR 5/3); weak granular; slightly sticky and

slightly plastic; no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH 6.5; abrupt

and smooth lower boundary.

23 – 46 Yellow (D 10YR 7/6); coarse sand; single grained structure; non sticky and non

plastic; no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH 6.65; abrupt and

smooth lower boundary

46 – 56 Yellowish brown (M 10YR 7/4); silt loam; very sticky and very plastic; no

effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; a few ferruginous concretions; pH

6.4; clear and smooth lower boundary.

56 – 153 Olive (M 5Y 5/3); clay loam; wet; very sticky and very plastic; no effervescence

with dilute hydrochloric acid; a few ferruginous and calcium carbonate

concretions pH 7.05.

3. ASURAHA SERIES

The series is characterized by shallow nearly level, moderately well drained to

excessively drained soils. Soils contain gravels in the solum . The profile shows illuvation. The

sub-soil has acidic pH.

A typical profile of this series is described below:

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Depth in cms Descriptions

0 – 21 Yellowish brown(D 10YR 5/4); massive loamy sand, slightly sticky and non

plastic when wet, no reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid, pH 6.3 clear and

smooth lower boundary.

21 – 38 Reddish brown (D 5 YR 4/4) pebles and gravels sticky and non plastic when wet,

no reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid, clear and smooth lower boundary.

38 – 56 Reddish brown (D 5 YR 4/3) pebbles and gravels sticky and non plastic when

wet, no reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid, clear and smooth lower boundary.

56 – 122 Dark reddish (D 2.5 YR 6/3) pebbles and gravels sticky and non plastic when

wet, no reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid, pH 6.75, diffused and smooth

lower boundary.

122 – 158 Dark olive single grained decomposed rocks, non sticky and non plastic when

wet, no reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid.

4.Barahat Series (Bt):

This series is characterized by soils which are clay loam to loam on the surface underlain

by silty clay loam to clay loam sub soils. The colour is grey to olive grey. These soils are slightly

acidic in reaction and are of low permeability though moderately well drained as is occurs on

slightly undulating landscapes. Soil types recognized in this series are Barahat clay loam,

Barahat loam, Baraht silty clay loam and Barahat silt loam. The profile contains ferruginous

concretikons ae mottled at depth Paddy is the main crop grown. Other crops are gram, pea and

khesari etc as paira crops. Organic nitrogen contents of these soils very between 0.0448 and

0.072 percents and available phosphorus between 24 to 30 pounds per acre.

A typical profile of the series is described below:

Depth in cms Descriptions

0 – 23 Olive (D 5 YR 5/6) silty clay loam; coarse strong angular blocky; very sticky and

plastic; very hard when dry; no reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid; a few

ferruginous concretions; pH 6.15; wide polygonal cracks on the surface; abrupt

and smooth lower boundary.

23 – 46 Olive (D 5 YR 5/3) clay loam; coarse moderate angular blocky; very sticky and

plastic; very hard when dry; no reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid; a few

ferruginous concretions diffused and smooth lower boundary.

46 – 122 Olive(D 5 YR 5/3 clay loam; coarse moderate angular blocky; very sticky and

plastic; very hard when dry; no reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid; common

ferruginous concretions; pH 6.4; clear and smooth lower boundary.

122 – Below Olive (D 5 Y5/3) silty clay loam; coarse moderate angular blocky very sticky and

plastic very hard when dry; no reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH 6.4.

CHANDANKHARI SERIES :-

The soils of the series of sedentary origin surface soil is loam which is underlain by sandy

loam, loamy sand or gravels is own-ward sequence. They occupy undulating or medium upland

and lower land position and are poorly to somewhat poorly drained. colour varies between pale

olive to yellowish brown. pH is slightly acidic in reaction. Organic nitrogen content varies

Page | 43

between traces to 14 percent and available phosphorus 1.6 to 8 parts per million. The soils are

found in Banka and Katoria revenue thanas of Bhagalpur district . The series is untypical viz.

Chandankhari loam. Paddy is the main crop grown. Others are Arhar, Gram etc.

A typical profile of the series is described below:

Depth in cms Descriptions

0 – 16 Pale olive (D 5 Y 6/4) loam, medium weak angular blocky, structure sticky and

plastic, no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid, roots and rootlets present,

pH 6.45 clear and smooth lower boundary.

16 – 41 Light yellowish brown (M 2.5 Y 6/4) sandy loam, medium weak angular blocky

sticky and slightly plastic, no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid, roots

and rootlets present, pH 6.6 clear and smooth lower boundary.

41 – 61 Yellowish brown (M 10Y 5/4) gravely loamy sand, single grained, non sticky

and non – plastic no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid, roots and

rootlets present, clear and smooth lower boundary.

61 – 72 Yellowish brown (M 10Y 5/6) gravely loamy sand, single grained, non sticky

and non – plastic, pH 6.33.

8. CHANDANTHARA SERIES

Well drained to excessively drained sandy profile on highly undulating to rolling

topography. The soils are generally shallow with little profile developemet.The colour of soil is

dark brown with acidic pH.

A typical profile of the series is described is below;

Depth in cms Descriptions

0 – 32 Strong brown (D 7.5 YR 5/6) loamy sand, single grained structure, non- sticky

and non plastic when wet, no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid, roots

and rootlets present, pH 6.45 clear and smooth lower boundary.

32 – 66 Dark brown (D 7.5 Y 4/4) loamy sand, single grained structure, non sticky and

non-plastic when wet, no reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid, pH 6.5 clear and

smooth lower boundary.

66 – 153 Dark reddish brown (M 5 YR ¾) medium sand, single grained, non-plastic when

wet, no reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid., pH 6.4.

7. Chanra Series (Cha):

This series is characterized by clay loam sub soils, neutral in reaction and olive brown to

dark brownish grey in color. The series occurs on level to slightly undulating landscape and is

somewhat poorly drained. Surface textures are silt loam and loam. They contain concretions in

the lower horizon and are mottled. The pH increases downward and become slightly alkaline in

some profile. Organic nitrogen varies between 0.012 to 0.046 percent and available phosphorus

between 60 to 64 pound per acre.

A typical, profile of the series is described below:

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Depth in cms Descriptions

0 – 26 Olive brown loam; medium moderate granular; sticky when wet; friable when

moist and hard when dry; no reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH 7.2; clear

smooth lower boundary.

26 – 70 Very dark grayish brown sandy clay loam; sticky and plastic when wet; no

reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid; common fine distinct dark grey mottles;

pH 7.45; clear and smooth lower boundary.

70 – 107 Very dark grayish brown clay loam medium weak prismatic; very sticky and

plastic firm when moist; no reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid; common fine

dark grey mottles; pH 7.3; clear and smooth lower boundary

107 – 173 Greyish brown sandy clay loam sticky and plastic; no reaction with dilute

hydrochloric acid; a few ferruginous concretions pH 7.45.

8. DEBIPUR SERIES (Dr.):

This series consists of imperfectly drained soils having loam as surface soil underlain by clay

loam as sub soil. The series is similar to Chanra series in almost all respect except that the color

of the soil of this series tends towards brown. Reaction of the soil is neutral and they occur on

terraced undulating and plain landscapes. Soil types are sandy loam, loam and clay loam. The

series has been observed in Congong, Kateria, Banka ans Amarpur revenue thanas. Main crops

grown are paddy, wheat, sugarcane, Bajra.

The soil series has been observed in Bhagwatpur villages only in the area.

Depth in cms Descriptions

0 – 12 Light yellow sandy loam; granular structure; slightly sticky and slightly plastic

when wet; soft when dry; no reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid; contain roots

and rootlets; pH 6.55; abrupt and smooth lower boundary.

12 – 82 Yellowish brown loam; medium weak prismatic and blocky structure; sticky and

plastic when wet; hard when dry; no reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid;

horizontal and vertical cracks; pH 6.45; diffused and smooth lower boundary.

82 – 193 Red clay loam; medium, moderate blocky structure; sticky and plastic when wet;

hard when dry; pH 6.5; no reaction with hydrochloric acid.

9. DUMBHAR SERIES

The series includes moderately well drained to excessively drained profile on upland and

medium upland having loamy sand as surface soils underlain by sandy loam as sub-soils.

Profile of the series stand on plain to rolling topography. The soils are acidic and have brown

colour.

A typical profile is described below:

Depth in cms Descriptions

0 – 25 Reddish yellow (D 7.5 YR 6/8) loamy-sand; ploughed, noon sticky and sticky

and non plastic when wet few cracks pressure, no reaction with dilute

hydrochloric acid, pH 6.0 and clear and smooth lower boundary.

25 – 58 Yellowish red (D 5 YR 5/6) sandy loam, weak angular blocky , slightly sticky

and slightly plastic when wet, no reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid, pH 6.2

clear and smooth lower boundary.

58 – 92 Yellowish red (D 5 YR 4/6) sandy loam, weak angular blocky , slightly sticky

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and slightly plastic when wet, no reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid, pH 6.5

clear and smooth lower boundary.

92 – 115 Reddish brown (D 5 YR 4/4) loamy sand, compact, non-sticky and non plastic

when wet, no reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid, underlain by rock.

10. DURGAPUR SERIES

This series is characterized by deep, undulating topography, moderately well drained to

well drained soils. This surface texture from sandyloam, loam, to loamy sand. Colour varies

between yellowish brown to very dark greyish brown. Soils are slight to medium acidic in

reaction. A variant of series has almost neutral pH.

Percentage of nitrogen varies between 0.04 to 0.07 and available Phosphorus ranges

between 2 to 12 parts per million.

They occur in Katoria and Banka revenue thanas of the district, some of the area are lying

as cultivable waste. Medium upland and upland are cultivated and grow, gram, rahar, kulthi , til

etc.,Durgapur sandyloam is the only soil type of the series.

Depth(cm) Descriptions

0 – 26 Yellowish brown (D 10 Y R 5/4) sandy-loam, fine weak angular blocky, slightly

sticky and slightly plasitic, no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid. pH 6.3

gradual and smooth lower boundary.

26 – 46 Dark brown (D 7.5 YR 4/3) loam, fine weak angular blocky, sticky and plastic, no

effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid. pH 6.35 gradual and smooth lower

boundary.

46 – 69 Dark brown (D 10YR 4/3) sandy loam, fine weak angular blocky, sticky and

plastic, no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid. pH 6.1 gradual and smooth

lower boundary.

69 –

below

Very dark greyish brown (D 10 YR 3/3) loamy sand, very weak blocky, no

effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid. pH 6.1

11. GOPALPUR SERIES

The soils of this series are comparatively of recent origin. They are characterized by silt

loam as surface soil underlain by clay loam subsoil. Below to subsoil’s are sandy silt and silt

loam. The soils are slightly to medium alkaline in reaction and percentage of free calcium

carbonate varies between 0.3 to 5.0. They occupy mostly position which is near and under direct

influence of rivers. The percentage of organic nitrogen varies between 0.03 to 0.1 and available

phosphorus between 3 to 11 parts per million. The soils are moderately well drained to somewhat

poorly drained and are subject to flooding during high flood.

The soils are found mostly in Colgong, Bhagalpur and Sultanganj revenue thanas of

Bhagalpur district. Gopalpur silt loam Gopalpur loam are the two soil type of the series. Paddy,

Wheat, Gram, Maize, Arhar, Khesari etc are the main crops grown.

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Depth(cm) Descriptions

0 – 18 Olive (D 5 Y 5/3) silt loam, fine weak granular structure, sticky and slightly plastic,

vigorous effectiveness with dilute hydrochloric acid, pH 7.75; clear and smooth

lower boundary.

18 – 84 Olive grey (D 5 Y 4/2) clay loam, medium moderate angular blocky effectiveness

sticky and plastic, slight effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid, vertical and

horizontal cracks, many dead snails, pH 7.65; abrupt and smooth lower boundary.

84 – 183 Olive (D 5 Y 5/3) silt loam, fine weak angular blocky structure, slightly sticky and

plastic, vigrous effectiveness with hydrochloric acid, pH 7.9.

12. HARIASI SERIES (Hi)

The soils of this series are of sedentary origin and are excessively drained on a very

undulating to rolling topography. The (A) horizon of the profile on this topography with part or

whole of ‘B’ is removed leaving only 7’’ to 12’’ deep soils underlain by morrum. The soils are

acidic in reaction wand are very light textured. This series has been observed in Sondiha village

only mostly located in the western boundary of the village. A typical profile is described below:

Depth(cm) Descriptions

0 – 23 Strong brown ( D 7.5 YR 5/8) loamy, sand, single grained structure, non sticky and

non-plastic when wet, no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid, pH 6.15,

abrupt and broken lower boundary.

23 - + Sand mixed with pebbles underlain by hard bed rock, no reaction with dilute

hydrochloric acid.

13. HASANPUR SERIES:

The series is characterized by sandy loam as surface underlain by loam as sub-soils.

Below are layers of clay loam. These soils have in most cases developed on sediments locally

developed on sediments locally by rivulets and rivers flowing through sedentary areas.

The soils are medium alkaline in reaction (most probably due to salt washing from the

surrounding yellowish brown, concretions of iron and calcium carbonate are found in lower

horizons. Percentage of nitrogen between 0.03 to 0.1 and available Phosphorus between 2 to 6

parts per million. The series is found in Banka revenue thana of Bhagalpur district. A typical

profile of the series is described below:

Depth(cm) Descriptions

0 – 16 Pale yellow (D 5 Y 7/3) sandy loam, medium moderate angular blocky structure,

sticky and plastic when wet, hard when dry, no effervescence with dilute

hydrochloric acid, concretion of iron and calcium carbonate, pH 6.5 clear and

smooth lower boundary.

16 – 41 Pale yellow (D 2.5 Y 7/4) loam, medium moderate angular blocky structure, sticky

and plastic when wet, hard when dry; no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric

acid, concretion of iron, and calcium carbonate, horizontal and vertical cracks, pH

7.8 gradual and smooth lower boundary.

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41 – 82 Pale brown (D 10 YR 6/3) loam, medium moderate angular blocky structure, sticky

and plastic when wet, hard when dry, no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric

acid, concretions of iron and calcium carbonate, horizontal and vertical cracks, pH

7.5 gradual and smooth lower boundary.

82 – 102 Pale yellow (D 2.5 Y 7/4) clay loam, medium moderate angular blocky, very sticky

and very plastic when wet, very hard when dry, slight effervescence with dilute

hydrochloric acid, concretions of calcium carbonate and iron, horizontal and

vertical cracks, pH 8.4 clear and smooth lower boundary.

102 – 135 Brown (D 10 YR 5/3) clay loam, (moist at the time) very sticky and very plastic

when wet, very hard when dry, slight effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid,

concretions of calcium carbonate and iron, horizontal and vertical cracks, pH 8.5

clear and smooth lower boundary.

135 – 191 Dark yellowish brown (M 10 YR 4/4) clay loam, (moist at the time) very sticky

and very plastic when wet, very hard when dry, slight effervescence with dilute

hydrochloric acid, concretions of calcium carbonate and iron, horizontal and

vertical cracks, pH 8.6.

14. HERIO SERIES

The soils of the series are of recent origin. The surface soil is medium to light and is

underlain by heavy sub-soils. The lower layer consists of sandy soil. The pH is moderately

alkaline and percentage of free calcium carbonate varies between 1 to 5. The soils are mostly

located under the influence of rivers. These soils are moderately well drained to well drained.

They occur in Bihpur and Cologong revenue thanas in small patches. Percentage of organic

nitrogen varies between 0.05 to 0.1 and available Phosphorus from 7 to 14 parts. Herio silt loam

and sandy silt are the main soil types of the series. Mostly Rabi cultivation is done. Main crops

are Wheat, Gram, Peas, Mustard, Castor, Arhar, Maize etc. A typical profile of the series is

described below:

Depth(cm) Descriptions

0 – 21 Olive grey (D 5 Y 5/2) silt loam, medium weak angular blocky, slightly sticky and

slightly plastic when wet, slight effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid. many

pieces of dead snails, horizontal and vertical cracks, pH 7.6, clear and smooth lower

boundary.

21 – 48 Olive grey (D 5 Y 4/2) silty clay loam, medium weak angular blocky, very sticky

and very plastic when wet, slight effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid,

vertical and horizontal cracks, pH 7.95 abrupt and smooth lower boundary.

48 – 107 Pale olive (D 5 Y 6/3) silt loam, fine weak angular blocky, slightly sticky and

slightly plastic when wet, vigorous effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid, pH

8.35 clear and smooth lower boundary.

107 – 138 Olive grey (M 5 Y 4/2) silt loam, fine weak angular blocky, slightly sticky and

slightly plastic when wet, vigorous effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid, pH

8.4, abrupt and smooth lower boundary.

138 – 183 Olive (M 5 Y 5/3) fine sand, single grained, non- sticky and non-plastic when wet,

vigorous effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid, pH 8.4.

15. JAMADAHA SERIES

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This series includes moderately well drained to excessively drained (few imperfectly

drained) profiles on upland, medium upland and lowland with plain to rolling topography. The

surface soils of the profiles are loamy sand underlain by loam as sub soil. The soils are of dark

brown colour and have acidic pH. A typical profile of the series is described below:

Depth(cm) Descriptions

0 – 11 Yellow ( D 10 YR 5/6) loamy sand, single grained, slightly sticky and non plastic

when wet, no reactions with dilute hydrochloric acid, clear and smooth lower

boundary.

11 – 36 Dark brown ( D 10 YR 4/3) loam, fine weak angular blocky, sticky and plastic

when wet, no reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid, pH 6.1, Krotovinus present

clear and smooth lower boundary.

36 – 94 Dark reddish brown (D 5 YR 5/3) heavier loam, fine weak angular blocky structure,

sticky and plastic when wet, no reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid, pH 6.3

abrupt and smooth lower boundary.

94 – 145 Dark reddish brown (M 5 YR 3/4) loam mixed with gravels, slightly sticky and

non-plastic when wet, no reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid, pH 6.6.

16. JAMHORA SERIES (Jha)

The series is characterised by somewhat poorly drained acidic in reaction surface soil and

medium textured sub soils of neutral to alkaline nature. Soil color is generally greyf and olive

grey. Surface textures are sandy loam, silt loam and loam. They are generally mottled up to

depth of 75cms and concretions of iron and calcium carbonate present organic nitrogen vary

from 0.051 to 0.086% and available phosphorus between 32 to 40 pounds per acre. Crops grown

on such soils are paddy, wheat, barley, arhar, maize, gram etc. The soils of this series have been

found in village Pathra only. Concretions of iron and calcium carbonate are abundant and the soil

color is pale olive to olive grey.

A typical soil profile of this series is described below:

Depth(cm) Descriptions

0 – 15 Olive yellow loam; fine, weak angular blocky; sticky and plastic when wet;

concretions of iron; many medium distinct mottles, pH 6.0, clear and smooth lower

boundary.

15 – 31 Olive loam; fine weak angular blocky; sticky and plastic when wet; concretion of

iron; many medium, distinct brown mottles; pH 6.15 clear and smooth lower

boundary.

31 – 61 Olive loam; fine weak angular blocky; sticky and plastic when wet; no reaction with

dilute hydrochloric acid; concretions of iron; many medium distinct mottles; pH

8.15; clear and smooth lower boundary.

61 – 100 Light yellowish brown loam; medium weak angular blocky; very sticky and plastic

when wet; no reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid; few iron concretion; pH 7.65;

clear and smooth lower boundary.

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100 – 138 Light olive brown clay loam; angular blocky; very sticky and plastic when wet; no

reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid; few friable iron concretions; pH 7.56; clear

and smooth lower boundary.

138 – 153 Light olive brown clay loam; medium angular blocky; very sticky and plastic when

wet; no reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH 7.75; contain concretion

17. JOGIA SERIES

The sub-soils of the series is clay loam, culminating into a certain degree of profile

development. These soils are found on lowland on plain on plain land subject to intermittent

flooding. The colour of the soils is brown and is mildly to strongly alkaline in reaction. They are

poorly drained containing concretions of iron and calcium carbonate and are mottled.

The series occurs in Bhagalpur, Sultanganj and Amarpur revenue thanas major portion

being is Sultanganj, Surface Soils are clay loam, silty clay loam, loam and silt. Hence the

individual soils being called, Jogia clay loam, Jogia loam. Jogia silt loam and Jogia silty clay

loam. Paddy, Wheat, Gram, Khesari, Peas etc are the main crops grown. A typical profile of the

series is described below:

Depth(cm) Descriptions

0 – 15 Dark brown (D 10 YR 3/3) clay loam, (Puddled at the time) very sticky and plastic

when wet, no reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid, concretion of iron and many

brown mottles, pH 7.8 diffused and smooth lower boundary.

15 – 35 Dark greyish brown (M 10 YR 4/2) clay loam, medium weak platy, no reaction

with dilute hydrochloric acid, very sticky and plastic and plastic when wet,

concretions of iron and many brown mottles, pH 8.5 diffused and smooth lower

boundary.

35 – 60 Greyish brown M 10 YR 5/2) clay loam, medium weak platy, no reaction with

dilute hydrochloric acid, very sticky and plastic and plastic when wet, concretions

of iron and many brown mottles, pH 8.75 diffused and smooth lower boundary.

60 –

Below

Brown clay (M 10 YR 5/3) (moist at the time of sampling), giving slight reaction

with hydrochloric acid, concretion of iron and calcium carbonate present, pH 8.6.

18. KAMALKUND SERIES

The series represent the diara sails of river Ganga. The soils are light throughout the

profile and are of recent origin. They remain inundated during rains. Every year sand or silt is

deposited according to the height and velocity of flood water at the place. Water dries up quickly

after rains. pH is alkaline and percentage of free calcium carbonate varies between 5 and 10.

Percentage of organic nitrogen varies between traces to 0.09 and that of available Phosphorus

between 2 to 10 parts per million. Colour varies between pale olive to olive grey. Kamlakund

silty sand and Kamlakund sandy silt are the two types of the series, crops grown are Wheat,

Castor, Gram, Maize, Arhar, Waterlemon, Sweetpotato etc. The series occurs in Colgong and

Page | 50

Bihpur revenue thanas. One patch is found in Bhagalpur revenue thana also. A typical profile of

the series is described below:

Depth(cm) Descriptions

0 – 40 Olive (D 5 Y 5/3) silty sand, single grained, slightly plastic and non-sticky,

vigorous effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid, soils are heavier towards the

end of the layer, pH 7.65, clear and smooth lower boundary.

40 – 80 Pale olive (D 5 Y 6/3) fine sand (With silt) single grained, non sticky and non-

plastic, vigorous effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid, soils are heavier

towards the end of the layer, pH 7.8, clear and smooth lower boundary.

80 – 110 Light olive grey (D 5 Y 6/2) sand, single grained, non sticky and non plastic,

vigorous effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid, pH 7.7, clear and smooth

lower boundary.

110 – 180 Pale olive (D 5 Y 6/3) sand, single grained, non sticky and non plastic, vigorous

effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid, pH 7.65.

19.Khanpur Series (Kr):

This series is characterized by medium to heavy textured surface soil underlain by heavy

textured sub-soils up to profile depth, mostly clay. The soil is deep and is poorly drained to very

poorly drained. The soils are neutral in reaction and occur on medium upland, to lowland

position. At places on terraced landscapes. The sub soils contain iron and calcium carbonate

concretions and are mottled. In this area the surface soils are mostly silty clay loam and clay

followed by clay and the lower horizons give a slightly alkaline reaction. Paddy, wheat, gram,

khesari etc. organic nitrogen vary between 0.023 to 0.06% and Av. P2O5 between 24 to 48

pounds per acre. This series has been observed in villages Manikpur, Babhangama, Pathra only

mostly on lowland physiography. A typical soil profile of this series is described below:

Depth(cm) Descriptions

0 – 15 Very dark grayish brown (M 10YR 3/2) clay loam; medium moderate, angular

blocky; very sticky and very plastic when wet and very firm when moist; no

reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH 6.4; clear and smooth lower boundary.

15 – 58 Very dark grayish brown clay; very coarse angular blocky; very hard when dry and

very firm when moist; very sticky and very plastic when wet; no reaction with

dilute hydrochloric acid; contained ferruginous concretions; pH 6.6; gradual and

smooth lower boundary.

58 – 120 Very dark grayish brown clay; very coarse angular blocky; very hard when dry;

very firm when moist; very sticky and very plastic when wet; no reaction with

dilute hydrochloric acid; common, ferruginous concretions; pH 6.65; clear and

smooth lower boundary.

120 – 168 Pale olive clay; medium, moderate angular blocky; very hard when dry and very

firm when moist; very sticky and very plastic when wet; vigorous reaction with

dilute hydrochloric acid; contains a few ferruginous concretions and many big and

small calcium carbonate concretions; pH 7.25.

20.KHASIA SERIES (Ka)

The soils of this series are of sedentary nature characterized by well developed profile on upland

and medium upland with undulating to rolling topography. The profiles are somewhat poorly

Page | 51

drained to well drained with loam and sandy loam surface soil underlain by sandy clay loam and

clay loam sub soils. The colors of the soils are yellowish brown and brown. The soils are alkaline

in reaction. The above soil series have been observed in villages Dafarpur and Sondiha only

mostly on upland; but in patches it is found in medium uplands and even in lowland positions

also. The soils are neutral up to depth of 120cms, the at places it becomes slightly alkaline. A

typical soil profile of the series is described below:

Depth(cm) Descriptions

0 – 18 Brownish yellow loam; ploughed, sticky and plastic when wet; roots and rootlets of

natural vegetation and crops present; slightly reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid;

pH 7.2; gradual and smooth lower boundary.

18 – 35 Yellowish brown heavy loam, medium moderate, angular blocky; sticky and plastic

when wet; roots and rootlets, present; strong reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid;

pH 7.85; gradual and smooth lower boundary.

35 – 63 Yellowish brown loam; medium, moderate angular blocky; sticky and plastic when

wet; strong reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH 7.95; gradual and smooth

lower boundary.

63 – 88 Yellowish brown and loam; moist; sticky and plastic when wet; strong reaction with

dilute hydrochloric acid; pH 8.2; clear and smooth lower boundary.

88+ Olive grey clay loam; moist; very sticky and very plastic when wet; calcium

carbonate concretions present; strong reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH 8.2.

21.KHUTWA SERIES (Kta)

The soils of this series are of sedentary origin characterized by loam sand as surface soil

underlain by sandy loam soils. Further downwards are layers of loam. The soil is deep. pH is

strongly acidic and color varies between yellowish brown to dark grey. The soils are moderately

well drained to well drained. The soils are found mostly on upland and medium upland positions.

Organic nitrogen content varies between 0.029 to 0.045 % and available P2O5 ranges between

0.9 to 7 parts per million. Paddy, kulthi, kodo are grown in the soils of this series. The soils of

this series observed in the area are slightly acidic to neutral in nature and observed in village

Sondiha only. A typical soil profile as recognised earlier in the district of Bhagalpur is described

below:

Depth(cm) Descriptions

0 – 10 Light yellowish brown loamy sand; granular; slightly sticky and non plastic when

wet; no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH 5.05; clear and smooth

lower boundary.

10 – 26 Brown Sandy loam (heavy); medium weak angular blocky; slightly sticky and

slightly plastic when wet; no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; few iron

concretions; Krotorinus; pH 5.55; clear and smooth lower boundary.

26 – 73 Dark yellowish brown loam; medium strong angular blocky; sticky and plastic

when wet; no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; iron concretions and

krotorinus present; pH 5.7; clear and smooth lower boundary.

73 – 95 Yellowish brown loam (heavy); medium strong angular blocky; sticky and plastic

when wet; no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; iron concretions; pH 5.7;

diffused and smooth lower boundary.

95 – 136 Dark yellowish brown gravely loam; medium, strong angular blocky; sticky and

plastic when wet; no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; iron concretions;

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pH 5.55, abrupt and smooth lower boundary.

136 – 165 Yellowish red and white gravely loam (morrum) massive; slightly sticky and non

plastic when wet; no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; big stone pieces

present.

22.KOLHUA SERIES (Kha)

The soils of this series also are of sedentary origin characterized by sandy loam surface soils

underlain by sandy clay loam, and clay to the lower most limit of the profile. pH is slightly acidic

which tends to become neutral downward. Color varies between light olives brown to dark

yellowish brown. Concretions of iron are found in lower horizons. Percentage of nitrogen varies

between 0.03 to 0.09%. Available phosphorus ranges between 1.6 to 10 parts per million. The

series occupies upland and medium upland position in undulating sedentary areas. Some portion

of the series is under forest. On the rest paddy with little of arhar, maize, kulthi etc. are taken.

The soils of this series as observed in the area are medium fertile to fertile and found mostly on

upland, medium uplands but at places it has been observed even in lowland position also. This

series has been demarcated in the following villages of the area. Manikpur, Babhangawan,

Singhpur, Sondiha, Pathra, Bhelai, Dafarpur, Major portion of the surveyed area are covered by

this series. A typical soil profile of the series is described below:

Depth(cm) Descriptions

0 – 25 Dark yellowish brown sandy loam; fine weak granular; slightly sticky and slightly

plastic when wet; no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH 6.35; gradual

and smooth lower boundary.

25 – 43 Yellowish brown sandy clay loam; fine, weak, angular blocky structure; sticky and

plastic when wet; no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid, pH 6.35; gradual

and smooth lower boundary.

43 – 73 Light olive brown clay loam; medium weak prismatic structure; very sticky and

very plastic when wet; no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; concretions

of iron, pH 6.5; clear and smooth lower boundary.

73 – 100 Light olive brown clay; medium moderate prismatic structure; very sticky and very

plastic when wet; no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; concretions of

iron; pH 7.3.

23. LOHTANIA SERIES (La):

These soils of this series are of sedentary nature-characterized by loamy sand surface soil

underlain by sandy loam to the rest of the horizons. pH is slightly acidic which increased

downward to become neutral. Color varies between grayish brown to very dark grayish brown.

The soils occupy upland and medium upland positions on undulating topography and are well

drained to moderately well drained. Percentage of nitrogen varies between 0.016 to 0.045 and

available phosphorous ranges between 1.6 to 4.2 parts per million. Maize, paddy, barley, arhar,

kulthi etc. are grown. A considerable portion of the series is under forest cover. The series has

been observed in Pahari, Telgawan and Badodih village.

Page | 53

Depth(cm) Descriptions

0 – 15 Greyish brown loamy sand, single grained, slightly sticky and non plastic when

wet; no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH 5.95; abrupt and smooth

lower boundary.

15 – 33 Very dark greyish brown sandy loam; fine; weak angular blocky; slightly sticky and

slightly plastic when wet; o effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH 6.05;

gradual and smooth lower boundary.

33 – 78 Very dark greyish brown sandy loam; fine weak angular blocky; slightly sticky and

slightly plastic when wet; no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH 6.1;

gradual and smooth lower boundary.

78 – 103 Very dark greyish brown sandy loam; (Stoney) fine, weak, angular blocky; slightly

sticky ad slightly plastic when wet; no reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH

6.25; gradual and smooth lower boundary.

103 – 145 Mixture of white chart, semi decomposed feldspar and some dark brown minerals;

non sticky and non plastic when wet; no reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH

7.3.

24. MAIRWA SERIES

The series is characterized by sandy sub-soil of alkaline pH and grey colour. The soils are

well drained and form a part of the new alluvium. The soils are found to occur on river alluvial

fan and undulating landscape. They give vigorous reaction with hydrogen peroxide and dilute

hydrochloric acid. Main soil types under the series are Mairwa sandy silt, Mairwa silt loam,

Mairwa fine sandy loam, and Mairwa loam. They are subject to occasional flooding during rains.

Main crops grown are wheat, Maize, Castor, Musard, Arhar, Gram, Peas, Sweet potato,

Water melons, Parwal etc. A typical profile of the series is described below:

Depth(cm) Descriptions

0 – 25 Olive grey (M 5 Y 4/2) sand, single, grained, non – sticky and non plastic when

wet, giving vigorous effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid, containing and

brickbats , pH 7.7 clear and smooth lower boundary.

25 – 55 Olive grey (M 5 Y 4/2) silty sand, single grained, non sticky and non plastic when

wet, giving vigorous effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid, containing and

brickbats , pH 7.9 gradual and smooth lower boundary.

55 – 95 Olive grey ( M 5 Y 5/2) silty sand, single grained, non sticky and non plastic when

wet, giving vigorous effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid, pH 7.6, gradual

and smooth lower boundary.

95 – 180 Light grey (M 5 Y 7/1) fine sand, single grained, non sticky and non plastic when

wet, giving vigorous effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid, , pH 8.15.

25. MILKI SERIES

The soils of the series are recent origin. Surface soil consists of medium soils underlain

by medium and light (in sequence) sub soils. They are slight to moderate alkaline and percentage

of free calcium carbonate in less than 5. The soils are mostly in direct influence of the river and

subject to flood during annual flood and have more or less ‘ Diara’ characteristics. The colour

Page | 54

varies between brownish grey to olive grey. Organic nitrogen content varies between 0.05 to

0.1% and available Phosphorus between 2 to 14 parts per million. The series mostly occur in

Bihpur, Colgong, Bhagalpur, and Sultanganj, revenue thanas of the vicinity of river Ganga. Milki

loam, Milki silt loam, and Milki sandy silt, are the soil types of the series. Only rabi, cultivation,

is done. Crops grown are Wheat, Maize, Castor, Gran, Arhar, Mustard etc.

Depth(cm) Descriptions

0 – 30 Light brownish grey (D 2.5 Y 6/2) loam, fine sand, weak blocky, sticky and plastic

when wet, slight effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid, pH 7.6 clear and

smooth lower boundary.

30 – 60 Light olive brown (D 2.5 Y 5/4) silt, loam medium moderate angular blocky, sticky

and plastic when wet, vigorous effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid, few

fine faint yellow mottles, pH 7.95; abrupt and smooth lower boundary.

60 – 180 Light grey (D 2.5 Y 7/2) fine sand, single grained, non sticky and non plastic when

wet, vigorous effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid, pH 8.05.

26.MISRAPUR SERIES (Mr):

The series is characterised by loam surface texture underlain by clay loam sub soil which is

underlain by lighter textures mostly sandy loam. At places slit loam surface texture is also

observed. The series mostly occupy plain topography and is generally moderately well drained.

Color vary between olive grey to olive yellow. pH increases with depth. Surface soils are neutral

and lower layers towards alkaline. The series is found in Bhagwatpur, Sultanganj, Amarpur,

Banka and Kotoria revenue thanas of the district of Bhagalpur. Organic nitrogen content of the

surface soils vary from 0.03 to 0.1% and available phosphorous from 4 to 10 parts per million.

Main crops grown are paddy and paira (Khesari, gram, linseed, pea, etc). This series has been

observed mostly in almost all the villages by the side of river Badua falling in the surveyed area.

The soils are neutral in nature all along the profile. A typical soil profile is described below:

Depth(cm) Descriptions

0 – 18 Olive loam; puddle at the time of sampling, sticky and plastic when wet; firm when

moist; no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH 6.5; clear and smooth

lower boundary.

18 – 38 Olive grey loam; fine, weak angular blocky sticky and plastic when wet; firm when

moist; no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH 6.85 concretions of iron;

clear and smooth lower boundary.

38 – 78 Olive sandy clay loam; medium moderate angular blocky; sticky and slightly plastic

when wet; very firm when moist; slight effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid;

concretions of iron; pH 7.25; grains.

78 – 95 Olive sandy loam; medium, moderate angular blocky; slightly sticky and slightly

plastic when wet; firm when moist; vigorous effervescence with dilute hydrochloric

acid; concretions of iron; pH 7.55; water table.

27.MOHANPUR SERIES (Mnr):

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The series is characterised by loam to silt loam surface soils medium but clay loam to clay sub

soils. The soils are very slightly acidic to neutral in contain concretions of calcium and iron and

are moderately well drained to somewhat poors drained. Color varies between olives to light

grey. Paddy is the main crops grown. However, at plains in favourable times paid (Gram,

Khesari) is also taken. In the area surveyed, this series has been observed, in all the villages lent

the extension in Pathra, Bhelai, Singhpur, Babhangama, Manikpur, Dafarpur are comparatively

in larger areas mostly on medium lowland to lowland positions. The soils are neutral in character

and the surface soils are loam to clay loam. Organic nitrogen content vary between 0.04 to 0.08

per cent and available phosphorous between 7 to 10 pounds per acre. A typical soil profile of the

series is described below:

Depth(cm) Descriptions

0 – 20 Pale olive heavy loam; ploughed up at the time of sampling; sticky and plastic when

wet; few concretions of iron; slight effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH

6.78 gradual and smooth lower boundary.

20 – 78 Olive clay loam; fine, weak and moderate friable structure; very sticky and plastic

when wet; many concretions of iron, pH 6.85; clear and smooth lower boundary

78 – 154 Olive clay; fine weak prismatic structure; very sticky and very plastic when wet;

many concretions of iron; pH 6.65.

28. MOTICHAK SERIES

The series is characterized by light textured surface soil underlain by medium textured

sub-soil (and light textured surface soil) or vice-versa. The soils are of recent origin and occur in

the vicinity of rivers. pH is alkaline and percentage of free calcium carbonate is less than 5. The

soils are also flooded, occasionally during rains depending on the height of water. Colour varies

between pale yellow to olive grey. The series is found in Sultanganj, Bihpur, and Bhagalpur

revenue of Bhagalpur district. Crops grown are wheat, gram, khesari, peas, castor, chillies sweet

potato etc. A typical profile of the series is described below:

Depth(cm) Descriptions

0 – 40 Pale yellow (D 5 Y 7/3) silty sand, (deposited in this layer) ; slightly sticky and

plastic when wet, loose when dry, vigorous effervescence dilute hydrochloric acid,

few insects holes, pH 8.1 abrupt and smooth lower boundary.

40 – 50 Pale olive (M 5 Y 6/3) sandy silt, (deposited in this plates) ; slightly sticky and

plastic when wet, loose when dry, vigorous effervescence dilute hydrochloric acid,

few insects holes, pH 8.1 abrupt and smooth lower boundary.

50 – 91 Light olive grey (M 5 Y 6/2) sandy silt. (deposited in the plates) slightly sticky and

plastic when wet, loose when dry, vigorous effervescence with dilute hydrochloric

acid, few insect holes, pH, 8.05, abrupt and smooth lower boundary.

91 – 180 Pale yellow (D 5 Y 7/2) fine sand, single grained, non sticky and plastic when wet,

loose when wet, loose when dry, vigorous effervescence with dilute hydrochloric

acid, pH 7.85.

29. NARAYANPUR SERIES

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The series is characterized by light textured surface soil underlain by medium or light

medium sub soil. Lower layers are light textured. pH is slightly alkaline and percentage of free

calcium carbonate varies between 5 to 10. The soils are of recent origin and are subject to

inundation and have diara characters. The soils occur in Colgong, and Bihpur revenue thanas of

Bhagalpur district near the river Ganga. The colour varies between olive and light grey.

Narayanpur silty sand, and Narayanpur sandy silt, is the two soil types. Main crops grown and

wheat, arhar, chillies, gram, mustard etc. A typical profile of the series is described below:

Depth(cm) Descriptions

9 – 25 Olive (D5 Y 5/4) sandy silt, fine weak platy, slightly sticky and slightly plastic

when wet, vigorous effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid, pH 7.85, abrupt

and smooth lower boundary.

25 – 50 Olive (D5 Y 5/4) sandy silt, fine weak platy, slightly sticky and slightly plastic

when wet, vigorous effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid, pH 7.85, abrupt

and smooth lower boundary.

50 – 115 Olive (D 5 Y 5/4) sandy silt, medium weak platy, slight sticky and slightly plastic

when wet, vigorous effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid, action of termites,

pH 7.85 abrupt and smooth lower boundary.

115 – 180 Light grey (D 5Y 7/1) coarse sand, single grained, non sticky and non plastic when

wet, vigorous effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid, action of termites, pH

7.9.

30. PAHARPUR SERIES

The series is characterized by heavy sand, surface soil underlain by heavy textured sub-

soil. Sub surface soil is medium textured. pH is slightly alkaline and percentage of free calcium

carbonate is less than 5. Soils are of recent origin and mostly formed in back water areas of the

rivers, hence the heavy textures. Lower are at places mottled. The soils are fairly well drained.

Colour varies between olive and olive grey. Percentage of nitrogen varies between 0.06 to 0.14

and available phosphorus ranges between 2.5 to 17 parts per million. The soils occur in Bihpur

and Bhagalpur revenue thanas in small patches. Paharpur, clayloam is the only soil type of the

series. Crops grown are arhar, wheat, gram etc. A typical profile of the series is described below:

Depth(cm) Descriptions

0 – 44 Olive grey (M 5 Y 5/2) clay loam, medium weak angular blocky sticky and plastic

when wet, vigorous effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid, many pieces of

snails, pH 8.15, gradual and smooth lower boundary.

44 – 96 Olive grey (M 5 Y 4/2) silty clay loam, medium moderate angular blocky, very

sticky and plastic when wet, slight effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid,

many pieces of snails, pH 8.1,clear and smooth lower boundary.

96 – 164 Olive (M 5 Y 5/3) silt loam, medium weak angular blocky, slightly sticky and

slightly plastic when wet, vigorous effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid,

common distinct yellow mottles, pH 8.15.

31. PAPERWA SERIES

This series includes poorly drained to somewhat poorly drained profile on flat to

undulating topography. These profiles have sandy loam and loam as surface soils underlain by

loam as sub soil. The soils have acidic pH. A typical profile of the series is described below:

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Depth(cm) Descriptions

0 – 10 Yellowish brown (D 10 YR 5/6) loam, ploughed slightly sticky and slightly

ploughed slightly sticky and slightly plastic when wet, no reaction with dilute

hydrochloric acid, pH 6.0 gradual and smooth lower boundary

20 – 40 Yellowish brown (D 10 YR 5/6) sandy loam, (heavier) medium moderate angular

blocky, slightly sticky and slightly plastic when wet, no reaction with dilute

hydrochloric acid, pH 6.0 gradual and smooth lower boundary.

40 – 84 Strong brown ( D 7.5 YR 5/6) loam, medium moderate angular blocky sticky and

plastic when wet, no reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid, pH 6.1, clear and

smooth lower boundary.

84-122 Yellowish red (M 5 YR 5/6) loam, medium moderate angular blocky, slightly sticky

and non plastic when wet, few iron concretions, strong reaction with dilute

hydrochloric acid, pH 6.5.

32. PARSADIH SERIES

This series is characterized by some what poorly drained medium textured sub soils (silt

loam ) of alkaline pH and grey to olive grey colour. This series generally forms the parts of new

alluvium and is found in Colgong and Bihpur revenue thanas. Surface texture of the series are

sandy silt, silt loam, sandy loam and loam. They occur on plain lands and are subject to

intermittent flooding during rains. Wheat, Maize, Arhar, Gram etc are the main crops grown.

A typical profile of the series is described below:

Depth(cm) Descriptions

0 – 13 Pale Olive (D 5 Y 6/4) sandy loam, weak blocky, slightly sticky and plastic,

vigorous effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid, containing thick roots, pH

7.7, clear and smooth lower boundary.

13 – 25 Pale olive (D 5 Y 6/3) sandy silt, thin platy, non sticky non plastic when wet,

vigorous effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid, pH 7.75, abrupt and smooth

lower boundary.

25 – 80 Light olive grey (D 5 Y 6/2) silt loam, fine weak blocky, slightly sticky and plastic

when wet, vigorous effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid, pH 7.75, gradual

and smooth lower boundary.

80 – 106 Light olive grey (D 5 Y 6/2) silt loam, medium weak blocky, slightly sticky and

plastic when wet, vigorous effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid, pH 7.25,

abrupt and smooth lower boundary.

106 – 122 Pale olive (D 5 Y6/4) sandy silt, structure less, slightly sticky and plastic when wet,

vigorous effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid, pH 7.85, abrupt and smooth

lower boundary.

122 – 180 Light olive grey (D 5 Y 6/2) silt loam, fine weak blocky, slightly sticky and plastic

when wet, vigorous reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid, pH 7.9.

33.PARASBANA SERIES

This series consists of imperfectly drained medium textured sub soils (commonly loam).

In reaction it is acidic and the colour of the soil has brown tinge. Roots go up to greater depth of

few concretions may be had in lower horizon along with mottlings. Individual of the series are

Parasbana sandy loam, Parasbana loam, Parasbana silt loam. The soils occur on plain terraced and

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slightly undulating in Colgong and Banka revenue thanas. Main crops grown are Arhar,

Sugarcane, Maize etc on upland and paddy, Wheat , Gram etc on medium uplands and lowlands.

Description of a typical profile is given below:

Depth(cm) Descriptions

0 – 13 Brownish yellow (D 10 YR 7/4) sandy loam, granular, slightly sticky and plastic

when wet, soft when dry, no reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid, thick roots and

many vertical cracks, cracks, pH 6.3 clear and smooth lower boundary.

13 – 84 Brownish (D 10 YR 4/4) loam, medium moderate blocky sticky and plastic when

wet, no reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid, pH 6.2 gradual and smooth lower

boundary.

84 – 180 Dark brown (M 7.5 YR 5/6) loam, medium moderate blocky and sticky and plastic

when wet, soft when dry, no reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid. pH. 6.3

34. PATWA SERIES

The series is characterised by sandy loam as surface soil underlain by loam as sub soil.

Below loam are layers of clay loam and clay. The soils are moderately well drained to somewhat

poorly drained and occupy mostly medium upland position on terraced topography. The

dominant color is yellow and varies between grayish yellow to yellowish brown. pH of the soils

are slightly acidic to moderately acidic percentage of nitrogen content varies between 0.03 to

0.07 and available phosphorous from trace to 6 parts per million. Paddy is the main crops grown;

others are gram, wheat, sugarcane, khesari, linseed etc.

The soils of this series have been recognised in Manikpur, Chandpur, Babhangaon, Bhelai,

Jakha, Sonkhapra, Pathra village mostly on upland positions and largely extended in Jakha,

Bhelai and Pathra in almost one continuous stretch culminated in medium upland and

depositions in village Pathra. The soils are draughtily in nature. Surface soils are sandy loam,

loam and silt loam and are slightly acidic to neutral in nature as different from the master soil

profile. A typical soil profile of the main series is described below:

Depth(cm) Descriptions

0 – 15 Greyish white(D2.5Y8/2) sandy loam, fine weak granular; slightly sticky and

slightly plastic when wet; hydrochloric acid; pH 5.45; clear and smooth lower

boundary.

15 – 35 Pale yellow(D2.5Y7/4) loam; medium weak angular blocky structure; sticky and

plastic when wet; very hard when dry; no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric

acid; pH 5.6; diffused and smooth lower boundary.

35 – 75 Yellow(M2.5Y7/6) loam; medium moderate angular blocky sticky and plastic when

wet; very hard when dry; no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid;

concretions of iron; many medium, prominent yellow mottles; pH 5.75; few greyed

spots; about and smooth lower boundary.

75 – 112 Olive(M5Y5/6) clay loam; medium, moderate angular blocky; very sticky and

plastic when wet; very hard when dry; no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric

acid; concretions of iron; many medium prominent reddish brown mottles; pH 5.8

diffused and smooth lower boundary.

112 – 160 Olive(M5Y5/6) heavy clay; medium, moderate angular blocky; very sticky and

very plastic when wet and very hard when dry; no effervescence with dilute

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hydrochloric acid; concretions of iron present; many medium, prominent yellow

mottles.

35. RAIPURA SERIES (Ra):

This series is characterised by loam and silty clay loam surface soils underlain by clay loam to

clay sub soils. The series mostly occupy plain topography and are somewhat poorly to poorly

drained. Concretions of iron and calcium carbonate are found in lower horizons lwhich are

generally mottles. pH increases downward from neutral in the surface layer to slightly alkaline in

lower most horizon. Color varies between light olives brown to yellow. Percentage of nitrogen is

medium varying between 0.05 to 0.1%. Available phosphorous between 12.0 to 32.4 pounds per

acre. Main crops grown are paddy, paira (gram, khesari, tisi) etc. This series has been recognised

in village Poruchak, Saran and Babhangawan only on medium upland to medium upland

positions. Surface texture is clay loam only. Calcium carbonate and iron concretions are found in

surface layer also. This series has been found in Amarpur, Bhagalpur and Banka revenue thana.

Depth(cm) Descriptions

0 – 19 Light yellowish brown heavy loam; medium; moderate blocky; very sticky and very

plastic when wet; no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; deposition of fine

sand on ped through crack s on wall of the layers; pH 6.55; gradual and smooth

lower boundary.

19 – 55 Greyish brown clay loam; medium moderate blocky; very sticky and very plastic

when wet; slight effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH 7.15; gradual and

smooth lower boundary.

122 – 141 Green brown clay loam (light); (wet at the time of sampling) very sticky and very

plastic when wet; slight effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; many

concretions of iron and calcium pH 7.35.

36. RATANPUR SERIES

The series is characterized by medium textured soils, dominantly silt loam throughout,

the profile. The pH is slightly alkaline. The dominant colour is grey, which varies between olive

grey to light grey. The soils are of recent formation and influenced by rivers like Ganga and Kosi

at places conjoined. Percentage of free calcium carbonate is less than 5. They occupy plain

position near rivers and are occasionally flooded for short duration high flood. Percentage of

organic nitrogen varies between 0.016 to 0.1 and available Phosphorus between traces to 8 parts

per million.Main crops grown are Wheat, Gram, Maize, Arhar, Khesari etc. The series occupies

parts of Bihpur and Colgong revenue thanas of the district of Bhagalpur. A typical profile of the

series is described below:

Depth(cm) Descriptions

0 – 23 Pale olive (D 5 Y 6/3) silt loam, fine weak angular blocky, slightly sticky and

slightly plastic when wet, slight effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid, insect

holes, and horizontal and vertical cracks present, pH 6.8 abrupt and smooth lower

boundary.

23 – 48 Dark grey (D 5 Y 4/1) loam, medium weak angular blocky sticky and plastic when

wet, slight effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid, insect holes, and horizontal

and vertical cracks present, pH 6.8 abrupt and smooth lower boundary.

48 – 89 Olive grey ( M 5 Y 5/2) silt loam, fine weak angular blocky, slightly sticky and

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slightly plastic when wet, slight effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid, insect

holes, and horizontal and vertical cracks present, pH 8.0 abrupt and smooth lower

boundary.

89 – 115 Olive grey ( M 5 Y 4/2) silt loam, fine weak angular blocky, slightly sticky and

slightly plastic when wet, effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid, insect holes,

and horizontal and vertical cracks present, pH 7.9 abrupt and smooth lower

boundary.

115 –

165+

Olive grey ( M 5 Y 5/2) silt loam, fine weak angular blocky, slightly sticky and

slightly plastic when wet, vigorous effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid, pH

8.4.

37. SASKRWAN SERIES

This series is characterised by loam to clay loam surface soils underlain by clay loam sub

soils. The soils are poorly drained and alkaline in nature mostly medium upland plain and

undulating topography. Concretions of iron and calcium carbonate are present in abundance

throughout the profile. Mottles are also present. Individuals of the series are Sakrawan loam,

Sakrawan silt loam, clay loam, sandy loam silty clay loam and clay. Organic nitrogen content of

this series vary between 0.035 to 0.07 per cent and available phosphorous between 20 to 32.0

pounds per acre. This series has been recognized almost in all the villages of the area having soil

types loam and clay loam only. The soils are mostly located on medium upland plain to

undulating physiography having different slope gradient. At places it is also present on upland

and medium lowland positions. A typical soil profile of the series is described below:

Depth(cm) Descriptions

0 – 20 Olive loam; fine weak granular; sticky and slightly plastic when wet; no reaction

with dilute hydrochloric acid; many small and medium sized concretions; of iron

and calcium carbonate; pH 6.9; clear and smooth lower boundary.

20 – 65 Olive clay loam; medium, moderate angular blocky; very sticky and plastic when

wet; no reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid; concretions of iron and calcium

carbonate common; pH 7.55; clear and smooth lower boundary.

65 – 180 Light olive grey heavy clay loam; medium moderate blocky; very hard when dry;

very sticky and very plastic when wet; slight reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid;

pH 8.0.

38. SARWASA SERIES

This series is characterized by light coloured and light textured layers throughout the

profile depth which are neutral to slightly alkaline in reaction. pH remaining nearly constant with

depth. This somewhat poorly drained, series occupies the central portion of nearly flat uplands of

Purnea. A typical profile of the series is described below:

Depth(cm) Descriptions

0 – 33 Light grey ( 5 Y 7/2) sandy loam, sub angular blocky, slightly sticky and non plastic

when wet, no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid, pH 7.3 clear and smooth

lower boundary.

33 – 68 Light grey ( 5 Y 7/2) sand, single grained, non sticky and non plastic when wet, no

effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid, brown mottles, pH 7.3, clear and

smooth lower boundary.

68 – 93 Pale yellow ( 5 Y 7/3) loamy sand, granular, slightly sticky and non plastic when

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wet dilute hydrochloric acid, pH 7.2 clear and smooth lower boundary.

93 – 135 Pale yellow ( 5 Y 7/3) loamy sand, granular, slightly sticky and non plastic when

wet, common brown mottles, no effervescence with dilute a hydrochloric acid, pH

7.5 abrupt and smooth lower boundary.

135 – 180 Pale yellow ( 5 Y 8/3) sandy , single grained, non sticky and non plastic when wet,

no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid, pH 7.3.

Sandy loam and loamy sand are the types mapped under Sarwasa series. They extend in the

extreme south east portion of the Purnea district.

39. SIKTIA SERIES

This series includes well developed profile with deep soils. The profiles have loamy sand

to sandy loam as surface soil, underlain by sandy clay loam to clay loam. Drainage of these

ranges, from moderately well drained to poorly drained. The soils have acidic pH. A typical

profile of the series is described below:

Depth(cm) Descriptions

0 – 13 Reddish brown ( D 7.5 YR 4/4) loamy sand fine weak granular, slight sticky and

non plastic when wet, no reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid, pH 6.1 clear and

smooth lower boundary.

13 – 35 Dark red ( D 2.5 YR3/4) loam, fine weak angular blocky sticky and plastic when

wet, krotovinas present, no reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid, pH 5.9, clear and

smooth lower boundary.

35 – 65 Dark red ( D 2.5 YR 3/1) clay loam, medium moderate angular blocky, sticky and

plastic when wet, few iron and manganese concretions present krotovinas present,

no reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid, pH 5.7, clear and smooth lower boundary.

65 – 115 + Grayish red ( D 2.5 YR 5/6) loam, medium moderate angular blocky, sticky and

plastic when wet, few iron and manganese concretions present krotovinas present,

no reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid, pH 5.95.

40. SRIPUR SERIES

This series consists of soils having silt loam to silty clay loam, as sub soil. They are

poorly drained, alkaline in reaction and of grey colour. This series also forms a part of the new

alluvium found in Bihpur and Colgong revenue thanas of Bhagalpur district. They have

concretions of iron in lower layers and are mottled. They occur in undulating and plain

landscape. Individual soil type of the series are Sripur siltloam, Sripur silty clay loam. They are

subject to intermittent flooding, Principal crops grown are Maize, Castor, Arhar, Wheat and

Paddy. A typical profile of the series is described below:

Depth(cm) Descriptions

0 – 20 Olive grey ( D 5 Y 5/2) silt loam, fine weak angular blocky, slightly sticky and

plastic when wet, no reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid, pH 7.2 clear and

smooth lower boundary.

20 – 78 Dark grey ( M 5 Y 4/1) clay loam, medium weak angular blocky and prismatic

sticky and plastic when wet, no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid,

containing many snails shells, pH 7.6 clear and smooth lower boundary.

78 – 123 Olive (M 5 Y 5/4) silt loam, medium moderate angular blocky, slightly sticky and

plastic when wet, effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid, containing fine

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concretions of iron, few faint yellow mottles, snails shells, pH 7.7 clear and smooth

lower boundary.

123 – 180 Olive ( M 5 Y 5/6) silt loam, medium weak angular blocky slightly sticky and

plastic when wet, effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid, containing fine

concretions of iron, few faint yellow mottles, pH 7.8.

41. TIWADIH SERIES (Th):

This series is characterised by sandy loam as surface soil underlain by sandy layers. The series

occurs near the hilly rivulets and seems to have de3velopedon the sediments, deposited by these

streams. pH is slightly to moderately acidic; color varies between olive to dark brown percentage

of organic nitrogen varies between olive to dark brown percentage of organic nitrogen varies

between 0.03 to 0.06 and available phosphorus ranges between 0.4 to 4 parts per million. The

Bhagalpur district. Paddy is the main crop grown. This series has been recognised in the area

having soils of neutral nature olive brown to greyish brown color. The soils have been mostly

found on by the sides of river Badua on upland to medium upland plain to undulating landscapes.

A typical soil profile is described below:

Depth(cm) Descriptions

0 – 23 Olive sandy loam; fine weak angular blocky; slightly sticky and slightly plastic

when wet; no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH 6.45; clear and

smooth lower boundary.

23 – 60 Dark brown very sand; single grained; non sticky and non-plastic; no effervescence

with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH 6.2; gradual and smooth lower boundary

60 – 89 Dark yellowish brown coarse sand; single grained; non sticky and non plastic when

wet; no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH 6.5; gradual and smooth

lower boundary.

89 –

98(W.T.)

Olive very coarse and; single grained; non sticky and non plastic when wet; no

effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid;

42. TILANGIYA SERIES

This series includes well drained to excessively drained shallow soils with dilute

illuviation, on undulating to roiling topography. The soils are light textured and are medium

acidic in reaction. A typical soil profile is described below:

Depth(cm) Descriptions

0 – 23 Yellow (D 10YR 7/6) loamy sand, ploughed slightly sticky and non plastic when

wet, no reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid, pH 6.6 gradual and smooth lower

boundary.

23 – 43 Brownish yellow (D 10 YR 6/6) sandy loam, fine weak angular blocky, slightly

sticky and slightly plastic when wet, no reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid, pH

6.55 clear and smooth lower boundary.

43 – 68 Yellowish brown (D 10 YR 5/4) gravelly sand, single grained, non sticky and non

plastic when wet, iron concretions present, pH 6.55 clear and smooth lower

boundary.

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68 – 95 Yellowish brown mixed with white micacious weathered rocks, non sticky and non

plastic when wet, no reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid, pH 6.55 abrupt and

smooth lower boundary.

68 – 95 Yellowish brown mixed with white micacious weathered rocks, non sticky and non

plastic when wet, no reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid, pH 6.55 abrupt and

smooth lower boundary.

95 – 146 White grey decomposed granite rocks, non sticky and non plastic when wet, no

reactions with dilute hydrochloric acid.

USE AND MANAGEMENT OF SOILS OF DIFFERENT SEREIES

Ahiro Series :- Soils of the series are sandy loam at the top underlain by clay loam. The light

texture at the top forms the plough layer which has developed due to continuous paddy

cultivation. Lower layers are heavy textured and they may impede the root development though a

present no such thing has been observed.

Sufficient amounts of organic matter should be added to improve the structure. No other

limitations is conspicuous. Hence wide variety of crops can be taken subject to the availability of

water. The area falls in Irrigability Class II due to heavy textured lower layers.

Nitrogen and Phosphorus deficiencies can be made good by the addition of fertilizers.

Amdaha series :- Soils of the series are light textured of reverine depositions on old alluvium.

Soils are suitable for cultivation. Erosion is also observed. Deficiency of Nitrogen and

Phosphorus should be made good to alleviate these. Liming can also be useful with irrigation

Sugarcane, Wheat, Gram,Paddy etc. can be grown.

Asuraha Series :- The soils of the series are medium textured. Below the surface soil these is a

horizon containing quartz. This to some extent checks the internal drainage.

Soils are acidic in nature. As the surface soils are shallow sufficient arrangement should

be made to check soil erosion.

The main crops grown are paddy, Arhar, Maize, Gram, Little Sugarcane, Mustard etc.

Barahat Series :- Barahat soils are similar to Majhagoan series. Only obvious difference lies in

the colour. Soils of Barahat series being grey in colour. This may have resulted from the reduced

iron content due to poor drainage. However base status is somewhat higher than that of

Majhagaon soils.

Addition of lime may held in improving physical conditions over and above neutralizing

the acidic reaction.

Preservation of moisture during dry seasons is also a problem. Hence early ploughing to

check surface and capilarly evaporation should be done.

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Under present conditions Paddy along with paira (Gram or Khesari and Linseed) may be

grown. Sugarcane, Wheat, Potato and vegetables can also be grown if facilities for irrigation are

made available.

Nitrogen and Phosphorus fertilizers should be added to replenish the deficiency of the

same. Organic manures will be beneficial in more than one wary.

Chandankhari Series :- Soils of this series are sedentary in origin. Soil depth is medium to

deep. Surface soil is loam which is underlain by sandy loam, and loamy sand at places

accompanied with gravels or morrum layers. In these areas, erosion is the main hazard terracing

will check erosion to a great extent. In lowland soil drainage is the main problems. Hence at

places crops other than paddy are taken. In upland soils Arhar, Gram etc are taken. Corrective

measures for acidity should also be taken. Deficiency of Nitrogen and Phosphorus as usual

should be compensated with fertilizers.

Chandanthara Series :- Soils are light in this series. They are acidic in reaction, low in base

status and important nutrients. Main problem is het leaching down of constituents even with light

irrigation. Sufficient organic matter should be added which has binding effect on lighter soils.

Leguminous crops may also help in conserving nitrogenous contents.

Main crops grown in paddy, Cover crops may be grown with good results.

Gypsum along with organic manures will help in eradicating the retrogative effect due to

acidity. Summer cultivation should be discouraged. Instead cover crops, grass-crop rotations,

should be grown on uplands. Medium uplands and lowlands can be utilised for growing Wheat,

Gram, Peas, Mustard and Paddy.

Chanara Series :- The characteristics of the series are similar to Khanpur series. Only sub soils

are mostly clay loam in place of clay. Being Paddy soils, plough soils have been formed, due to

leaching of bases and resulting into lower pH. Deep ploughing may help in eradicating it.

Nutrients status and other factors are similar to Khanpur. Hence the soil suitability has a wider

range. Hazards also are less intense. There is no problem of salinity and the soils come under

irrigability and land use capability class II.

Some modifications have been made at place by water from hilly rivulets such as Orni,

Badua etc. Obvious result in the brown colour of the soils. These are also paddy land though

with some precautions sugarcane is also grown on upland.

The soil occur on plain and slightly undulating and high terraces. Some properties are

moderately to somewhat poorly drained and some are poorly drained.

Nitrogen level in medium and Phosphorus content is poor. Hence judicious application of

fertilizers, specially phosphatic ones in combination with green manure will improve the

physical condition also of the soil.

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Debipur Series :- Surface soils are medium and sub soils are medium to heavy. They are

imperfectly to moderately well drained soils. Nitrogen and Phosphorus contents are almost

medium.

At places they are deficient in Nitrogen and Phosphorus. Hence judicious application of

nitrogenous and phosphatic fertilizers should be saved.

Soils occur on undulating light terraces and plain lands. Drainage varies from moderately

well lands. Drainage varies from moderately well drained to somewhat poorly drained. Organic

matter content is comparatively low. Hence application of compost, F.Y.M etc along with some

lime may help in producing good structure and other physical requisites.

The area has few limitations than the previous series. Hence a wide variety of crops can

be grown with good yields. They include paddy, wheat, rahar, maize, sugarcane, gram etc. C/N

ratio is low indicating thereby that added organic matter decomposes easily due to oxidation and

nitrogen relieved by bacteria is made available to plans. Soils are easy to till but addition of

organic manures may help in producing good physical properties.

Fertilizers should be added in small installments to avoid leaching. Sufficient amount of

organic matter (F.Y.M compost, Green manures) should be added to augment physical status of

the soil. The soils fall in irrigability class I and land use capability class II. In case of intensive

cultivation soil erosion may take places. Hence avoidance of summer cultivation growing of

vegetative cover crops preferably leguminous ones will help a lot.

Dumbhar Series :- The surface soils of the series are loamy sand. They occur mostly on

undulating to rolling topography. Terracing has been done at places. This should be done

carefully at all places to avoid erosion and draining out of soil constituents if they are cultivated.

Soils are generally tanrs. Moisture dries up early. Hence on uplands maize, arhar, maura,

kodo, till etc.. are grown. On comparatively lowlands, paddy is cultivated.

Reclamation of such soils are being done. Removal of bushes, stones and leveling are the

chief operation done. When these things are completed the soils could be irrigated from Badua

project. Under this management manures and fertilizers may be made. Use of firstly lime has to

be added for improving the base status, physical conditions and acidity of the soils. Addition of

fertilizers may be made after that as the soils are deficient in Nitrogen, Phosphorus etc.

Durgapur Series :- Same as in Chandan Khari series.

Gopalpur Series :- Soils of the series have been formed mostly due to back water

decompositions of the river Ganga. Hence the soils are comparatively heavier. Some of the diara

characteristics are present land use. Hence Kharif cultivation of paddy is grown only on a limited

scale that even in the face of damage due to floods. This can be avoided by using flood

preventing measures such as bundhing etc. This will increase the capability, status of the soils.

On the one hand, flood prevention is necessary where as on the other irrigation needs are quite

imperative.

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pH is alkaline due to the soil being calcareous. This may retards the availability of

phosphorus plants. Hence suitable amounts of phosphatic fertilizer at interval may be added.

At present wheat, maize, khesari, peas, gram etc (mostly bhadai & rabi crops) are taken.

With the provision of the measures detailed above, paddy crop can also be taken along with

many other crops.

Hariasi Series :- The soils of the series are shallow (less than 12” soils) occurring on undulating

to rolling topography and as sheet erosion is severe, soils are washed away as they are formed.

The soils are mostly under forest cover. But at places, Kodo, kulthi, Til and Paddy are

grown.

Soils conservation is the main task. The soils should be brought under afforestion instead

of putting it under cultivation along with other conservation method.

The soils are under land use capability class III and IV stoniness and rockiness phase, that

is rocks hamper the cultivation to great extent.

Hasanpur Series :- The soils of the series are found in the sedentary area and seem to have

developed on the sediments and washings from local hillocks deposited in the lowlands. Along

with the soil washing some salts also seem to have been deposited which are leached downwards

resulting into high pH. Soils are somewhat poorly to poorly drained. Lack of sufficient moisture

is the most crucial limiting factor. Paddy followed by paira crops (Khesari , gram etc)

are taken. If irrigation is assured other crops can also be taken profitably. Suitable arrangements

for drainage should also be made other wise there are chances of salt accumulations.

Herio Series:- The soils occur in the vicinity of the river Ganga. Consequent results are high

percentage of silt, free calcium carbonate, weak structure, alkaline pH etc. Sufficient amounts of

organic matter can be added. Drainage also is no problem. Nitrogen content is medium to high

and phosphorus content is low. Hence suitable amounts of fertilizers preferably in installments

along with green maunres will prove beneficial in always. Chronic problem of irrigation should

also be suitably tackled.

Jamhora Series :- Jamhora series occupies comparatively small area of the district.They are

meidum textured and alkaline in reaction. In case of Banka soils this seems to have been formed

due to alkaline washings from the decompositions of the nearby hills. In case of other soils. it is

due to free calcium carbonate.

Banka soils of the series occur on low land and terrace. Paddy is the main crop grown.

They are medium to rich in organic nitrogen but poor in phosphorus etc.

Soils of the series falling in other revenue thanas, mostly grow arhar, maize, gram, peas

etc. They are medium in nitrogen content and poor in available phosphorus. Hence suitable

arrangements should be Phosphatic made to replenish the deficiency occasionally. Phosphatic

fertilizers should be added along with organic matter. Gypsum will be a corrective for a

alkalinity.

Page | 67

Jogia Series :- Surface texture of the soils of the series are mostly clay loam, and silt loam. They

are flooded by Ganga water every year. Hence some amount of silt and clay along with organic

matter are deposited every year. This increases the fertility and the amount of free calcium

carbonate in the soil and consequently the pH.

Poor drainage conditions and absence of good physical conditions impair the prospect of

good yield. Hence the top priority has to be given for producing good physical conditions such as

structure, water holding capacity, aeration and to give a wide margin for root development. C/N

ration is as high as 20 or more. This is indicative of the fact that aeration is insufficient resulting

into slow oxidation of the organic matter.

Nitrogen content in the soil is medium whereas phosphorus is poor. Hence application of

nitrogenous fertilizers in combination with phosphaitic and potasic fertilizers equitability will

help in gentle good yield even in irrigated conditions.

Paddy, Gram, Khesari, Mustard, Arhar etc are the crops that can be grown depending

upon the physiography of the area. However insecticides should be used at the time of sowing

crops other than paddy as incidence of termites have been observed.

pH is not high enough is interfere with the wide variety of crops being grown. Salinity

may be a broken in future if suitable measures are not taken for reclamations. The area falls in

irrigability class III and land use capacity class III with limitations in root development and

inundaitons

Kamlakund Series :- The soils of the series form the Diara of the river Ganga. Annual flooding

river erosions or depositions of sediments (either sandy or silty) taken place. Inundation

continuous for about 3 months. Soils are recent and annual rejuvenation takes places. Profile

development has not taken place. Thus, the soils have may limitations. During Rabi seasons

Wheat, Gram, Peas, Watermelon, Parwal, Sweet potatoes etc are taken.

Flood protection measures is the first requisite cultivated crops should not be taken. Grass

cultivation crops should not be taken. Grass cultivation will be beneficial in more than one way.

It will conserve the soil improve structure, prevent aeolian erosions and will also be economic.

Cultivation can be done occasionally i.e, grass – crop rotation.

Khanpur Series :- Khanpur soils are similar to Jharkusia soils. Only colour of this soils is

brown due to its being inundated be south Bhagalpur rivers.

Some portions of this series are inundated during rains. In this area rabi crops are taken.

Such areas are dark gray in colour and carbon content is medium.

The area falls in irrigability Class II and land use capability Class III. The main

limitations is heavy sub soils which restricts the growth of roots down wards.

Khasi Series :- Soils of the series are mostly medium to heavy textured. They occur mostly on

lowlands and signs of profile developments are clear. Due to washings from the nearby hills pH

at places has gone up to 8.0 at other places reaction is slightly acidic to neutral.

Page | 68

Deficiency of phosphate is acute. The soils are also deficient in nitrogen.

Availability of water depends mostly on rains. Hence paddy is the main crops in Done.

while Kurthi, Arhar, Maize, etc. are grown on other physiographies.

Khutwa Series :- Same as Dumbhar series .

Kolhua Series :- Soils of the series can be put to cultivation with the introduction of following

measures:-

(i) Conservation methods such as terracing bundhing etc.

(ii) Liming to correct acidity.

(iii) Additions of nitrogenous fertilisers along with Phosphate ones.

(iv) Spraying for eradication of termite’s incidence.

Lothania series :- Same as Tiwadish series .

Mairwa Series :- This series forms the part of active flood plain of Ganga. Soils are light with

free internal drainage. Reaction is alkaline and free calcium carbonate percentage is high.

Due to inundation and high pH, Kharif crop of Paddy is not possible. Main crop taken are

Rahar, Maize, Wheat, Sugarcane, Sweet potato, Castor, Mustard, Barley, Gram, Bajra etc.

Main problem is leaching down of nutrients. The second problem is to conserve the soil.

However, soils are easy to till and due to fresh silt available from flood water, they are fertile.

However continuous cultivation may impair the physical conditions of the soil.

Hence the improve the conditions, arrangement to check inundation should be made as

far as possible. Deficiency of phosphate should be replenished by the additions of phosphatic

fertilizers in combination with green manures. A planed long term grass-crop rotation should be

popularized on a large scale.

Milki Series : Soils of the series fall in the Diara of river Ganga but is comparatively away from

it. Flooding takes place only occasionally during high flood. Sediments rich in organic content

are deposited during inundation. But these floods cause at times considerable damage to crops

(mostly maize etc) and put up limitations on the cultivation of crops. Paddy cultivations therefore

is not possible. Lower layers are sandy. Therefore leaching down of bases is the possible hazard.

Hence addition of fertilizers and irrigation should be made at intervals and in installments. Deep

ploughing should be avoided. Which will have some binding effect and improve soil structure.

Cover crops during summer will also be beneficial. Flood protection measures should also be

made.

Misarpur Series :- Soils of the series are medium textured and is moderately well drained.

Therefore the soils are easily workable and limitations on this count are few. Therefore, wide

Page | 69

range of crops can be taken. pH is also neutral. This also produces no problem. There is no

decomposition of salt. Hence the irrigability Class of series is Class I.

Nitrogen level is low to medium phosphorus is much less than optimum. Hence nitrogen

fertilizers along with Phosphatic ones can improve the capability of the land for higher yields to

a great extent.

Irrigation if measured will further improve the potentially of the land falling in the series.

Mohanpur Series :- Soils of the series have heavy sub soils with mostly prismatic structure,

This hampers to a great extent, the root development and thus restricts the choice of crops.

Continuous deep ploughing along with the addition of heavy amount of organic manures mixed

with required amount of lime will improve structure and correct the acidity, through it is not real

hazard at this moment.

The main problem of the area is want of irrigational facility. Main reasons for this are (i)

Water table recedes to a great depth in summer (ii) Wide cracks appear during dry and hot

seasons which result in to loss of moisture (iii) Lower horizons have clay and caliche layers and

hence digging of open wells are tedious and costly and (iv) Local rivers dry up in summer and

there is no perennial source of water availabilities. Hence only source that can be tapped with

comparative ease is digging of tube well and working them with electricity. This can to a great

extent improve the saturation and make the soils multi –cropped ones. A limitation of the soils

other than this is temporary and can be removed by means which are neither, costly nor beyond

means of cultivations. Hence by providing irrigational facility and improved seeds the yield per

acre will rise sufficiently to sustain the local populations. The soils are deficient in nitrogen to

some extent and in Phosphorus content which can be made good by the addition of fertilizers.

Thus Paddy, Gram, Khesari, Wheat etc can be grown.

Motichak Series :- Soils have similar management level with that of Kamlakund series. Hence

all the recommendations for the series are valid for this also.

Narayanpur Series :- Soils have been formed on the sediments of the river Ganga and is

comparatively of recent origin. Profile development has set in. As the soils are in initial

formation period suitable measures should be taken to avoid pan formations. Being almost on the

natural levees, water drain into the river and there is no drainage problem. Occasional inundation

can be avoided by flood protections measures. Soils have comparatively few limitations and

hence if irrigation is provided good crops of Paddy, Wheat etc. can be had with the applications

of requisite amounts of fertilizers. Addition of green manures will improve soil structure and

aeration which will help in root development.

Paperwa Series :- The soils of the series are medium textured and deep enough. They occur on

medium upland and upland and at place in done. The soils are cultivable and Paddy is the main

crop other crops varying according to the physiography are also taken.

At places gully erosion in dendritic pattern was observed. Nitrogen content is low to

medium and Phosphate is low. Soils are acidic and of low base status.

Page | 70

Conservation methods along with addition of required lime and other fertilizers may be

done to improve the soils

Dons are comparatively fertile but in these there is every chance of salt accumulations as

the drainage is ponded. Hence arrangements to improve drainage should be made.

Main problem is the erosion and widening of the gullies. Every precaution should be

made to avoid the same.

Parsadih Series :- The soils of the series are imperfectly to moderately well drained and

medium textured. They are alkaline in reaction and high in calcium carbonates. In such soils

paddy is not taken.

The crops grown are Wheat, Maize, Arhar, Castor, Mustard, Gram, Khesari, Jowar,

Sugarcane etc. Soils are easy to cultivate and are satisfactory in nutrient status except available

phosphate. High water table at places has some inhibitive effect on plants, otherwise they have

free drainage. Moisture status is satisfactory during rabi crops and good yields are had there

form.

Severe attack of termites was observed. Fertilizers should be added in installments to

avoid leaching.

Parasbana Series :- Parasbana soils are contain medium textured surface soil and sub soil. They

are easy to handle and variety of crops can be grown. Internal drainage is almost satisfactory.

The area is flooded by Kadua, Chir, Orni etc all of which are hilly rivers.

Soils are medium acidic to neutral in reaction. This to some extent restricts the growth of

some crops. Excepting few small patches, soils are low in main nutrients and base status. Perhaps

this resulted due to depositions from the washings from the nearby hilly areas, which are low in

base status or may be due to leaching of base.

Hence liberal use of fertilizers along with organic manures should be made. At places in

the areas of low pH liming along with green manures or any other organic manures may act as

corrective and also as fertilizers.

Crops should be taken in a judicious sequence so as to conserve the nutrients and produce

good physical characteristics. At least one leguminous crop should be in corporated in each

rotation.

Paddy, Gram , Sugarcane, Arhar, Maize can be grown. The soils fall in Class I in respect

of irrigability and in Class II as regards Land use Capability Class.

Patwa Series :- Soils of the series are medium textured up to a considerable depth. Hence they

can be worked with comparative ease. They are well drained, hence there is no limitations on this

count also. pH is acidic. This is the only observable limitations. This should be corrected with

lime be determining the lime requirement. Besides this, the limitations are few.. Hence variety of

crops can be grown.

Page | 71

Salt accumulations are no problem. Area falls in irrigability Class I. Deficiency of

nitrogen and Phosphorus can be made good with the addition of undicious amounts of fertilizers.

Main crop that can be grown easily are paddy, wheat, gram, khesari, sugarcane etc.

Raipura Series:- Soils of this series as regards cultivation are almost similar to the soils of

Mohapur series, Hence all the main items discussed for that series hold good also.

Ratanpur Series :- Soils of the series are broadly similar to those in Milki series except that the

sub soils in this series are also medium textured. Hence the measures recommended for Milki

series are all applicable in this series also.

Sakrawan Series :- Surface soils of the Sakrawan series are mostly medium textured. They are

subject to inundation from Ganga water. This has resulted in high pH high free calcium

carbonate percentage. Organic Nitrogen percentage is mostly medium. In other important

elements they are deficient. Hence fertilizers may be added judiciously. Their management is no

problem.

Paddy is the main crop grown. Other include Gram, Khesari, and little of Maize and

Rahar.

High pH perhaps makes phosphate unavailable. Hence such arrangements should be

made as to turn this nutrient available to plants. Addition of gypsum and organic matter will

lessen this hazard. This will also improve the workability.

Arrangement of protective fertilizers should be added to compensate for the loss incurred

due to each crop. A proper crop rotations should be followed. Leguminous crops should be taken

in each or alternate rotation.

Sarwasa Series :- The soils being coarse textured are poor in nitrogen, available Phosphorus and

potash. Application of fertilizers in sandy soils has been discussed under Kumarkhand series and

the same treatments are recommended to the sandy soils of Sarwasa Series.

Siktia Series :- Soils of the series are some what heavier than Khasia series. All other aspects are

similar.

Sripur Series :- The soils of Sripur Series have been formed by still water from Ganga flood.

Hence they are medium to somewhat heavy in texture. They contain high percentage of calcium

carbonate and are alkaline in reaction. This occasional inundations puts some curbs on the

cultivations of many crops of maize depending upon the timing of visiting flood.

As is the characteristics of alkaline soils they are deficient in available phosphorus. Other

nutrient status are satisfactory. At places erosion from flooding water is the main problems.

Some vegetation having deep roots may have hindering effect.

Termite incidence is severe. Some insecticide should be used in every crop.

Page | 72

Tilangiya Series :- Soils of the series shallow and are mostly underlain by rock. Hence primary

necessity is the checking of erosion and conservation of the soils.

Hence trenching, afforestation and other methods of conservations should be employed.

Plantations of forest will be much better than putting it under cultivations as under this

management there is every risk of soil being washed away leaving behind rocks and the parent

materials exposed on the surface.

Tiwadih Series:- Soils of this series though in sedentary area, have no developed profile and are

in all probability deposited by rivulets Lohataniya. These soils can be put to cultivations of

Paddy. But irrigations etc should be done. Sufficient amounts of organic matter should be added

so that it will have some binding effect. This will also lessen the hazard of leaching. Acidity also

has to be corrected.

Page | 73

S. No Name of

the series

Nature of

the series

Distinguishing Characters Soil type

found

Soil

Reaction

Total

soluble

salts

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

1. Ahiro (Ao) Sedentary The series a very deep soil, is characterized by Pale yellow to

yellowish brown sandy loam, underlain by clay loam, occupying

medium upland positions on plain and concave reliefs. Sub-soil

are mostly mottled and having calcium and iron concretions. They

soils are somewhat poorly to poorly drained.

Sandy

loam

Neutral 0.115

2. Amdaha New

Alluvium

The series is characterised by yellowish brown to olive loamy sand

underlain by sandy sub soils and clayey substratum occupying

medium upland positions on plain topography. In reaction the soil

is slightly acidic. It is a moderately well drained soil.

Loamy

sand

Slightly

acidic

0.196

3. Asuraha

(Asa)

Sedentary The series a shallow soil is characterized by yellowish brown to

dark brown loamy sand underlain by gravels. The soils are

moderately well to excessively drained occupying upland and

medium upland positions. In reactions the soil is slightly acidic the

acidity decreases down ward to neutral.

Loamy

sand

Slightly

acidic acidity

decreases

down ward

0.018 to

0.09

4. Barahat

(Bt)

Sedentary The series is very deep soil is characterized by grey to olive grey,

poorly drained silty clay loam, underlain by clayey soils

occupying plain to slightly undulating land scapes. In reaction the

soil is slightly acidic and is mottled.

Clay

loam

Silty clay

loam

Slightly

acidic

0.24

5. Chandan

Kheri (Chi)

Sedentary The series a shallow soil is characterized by pale olive to

yellowish brown somewhat poorly to poorly drained loam

underlain by sandy loam sand sub sub stratum, occupying terraced

medium upland and lowland and is slightly acidic in reaction .

Loam Slightly

acidic

0.086

6. Chandan

Thara

(Cha)

Sedentary The series is moderately deep soil is characterisezed by dark

brown well t excessively drained loamy sand, occupying

undulating and rolling topography, it is slightly acidic in reaction.

Loamy

sand

Slightly

acidic

0.4

Page | 74

Calcium

carbona

-te %

Irriga

b-ility

Class

Land

use

capab

ility

class

Organic

carbon

%

Nitrogen

level

C/N

ratio

Available

Phosphor

us (in

parts of

million)

Present Land

use cultivated

Proposed Land Use Special

Problems

encountered

and

Corrective

Measures

Without

Irrigation

With

Irrigation

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Nil II II 0.42 0.05 8 2 Paddy, wheat,

maize,

sugarcane,

bajra etc

Paddy, wheat,

maize,

sugarcane, bajra

etc

Paddy, wheat,

maize,

sugarcane,

bajra etc

Heavy

subsoil

0.496 II III 0.49 0.47 10.2 3.6 Paddy, arhar,

kulthi, maize

Paddy, maize,

arhar, kulthi

Paddy, wheat,

maize,

sugarcane

Erosion

Acidity

Traces III III 0.31 to

0.93

0.03 to .09 10 0.6-5.2 Paddy, arhar,

kulthi, maize

Paddy, gram,

khesari

Paddy, wheat,

maize,

sugarcane,

bajra etc

Acidity

Liming

Traces II II 0.49 –

0.53

0.04 – 0.07 10.8 1.6-0.5 Paddy, arhar,

kulthi, maize

Paddy, arhar,

kulthi

Paddy, wheat,

maize,

sugarcane,

bajra etc

Moisture

preservation

Acidity

6-0.54 III IIIe 0.516 0.063 8.9 6.72 Paddy, arhar,

kulthi, maize

Paddy, arhar,

kulthi, maize

Arhar, wheat,

maize, gram,

pasture

Erosion main

hazard.Gypsu

m along with

manure will

help to

remove soil

acidity

Nil II IIIe 0.348 0.026 13.4 1.6 Paddy, arhar,

kulthi, maize

Arhar, maize,

kodo, gram,

pasuture, forest.

Arhar, maize,

kodo, gram,

pasuture, forest

Acidity and

Erosion

Page | 75

S. No Name of the

series

Nature of the

series

Distinguishing Characters Soil type

found

Soil

Reaction

Total soluble

salts

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

7. Chanra (Cha) Sedentary This series, deep oil is characterised by olive brown to

brownish grey loam under lain by clay loam sub soil. The

series occurs on plain to slightly undulating land scapes and is

somewhat poorly drained. It is neutral in reaction and contains

concretions and mottles in lower depth.

Loam Neutral 0.150

8. Debipur (Dr) Sedentary The series is very deep soil is characterized by yellow to

yellowish brown, imperfectly drained loam underlain by clay

loam soils. It occurs on terraced undulating and plain

landscapes and is neutral.

Loam

clay

loam

Neutral 0.095 to

0.161

9. Dumbhar

(Dbr)

Sedentary The series is a deep soil is characterised by yellowish red to

brown, moderately well excessively drained, loamy sand under

lain by sandy loam soils. It occupies plain to rolling landscape

and is slightly acidic in nature.

Loamy

sand

Slightly

acidic

0.055

10. Durgapur

(Dgr)

Sedentary The series a deep soil is characterized by yellowish brown to

very dark greyish brown moderately well to well drained, sandy

loam underlain by loam as sub soil and loamy sand as sub

stratum. It occupies undulating landscape and is slightly acidic

in nature the acidity increases down ward to become medium

acidic.

Sandy

loam

Loamy

sand

Slightly

acidic

0.086

11. Gopalpur

(Gr)

New Alluvium The series a, deep soil is characterized by olive to olive grey,

moderately well to somewhat poorly drained silt loam under

lain by clay loam as substratum. The soils are slightly alkaline

to the alkalinity increases down ward to become medium

alkaline and occupy the flood plain.

Silt loam

Loam

Slightly

acidic

0.208 to

0.371

12. Hareasi

(Hi)

Sedentary The series a shallow soil is characterised by strong brown

excessively drained loamy sand underlain by gravely stony sub

soil. It occupies very undulating to rolling topography and is

slightly acidic in nature

Loamy

sand

Slightly

acidic

.052

to .123

Page | 76

Calcium

carbona

-te %

Irriga

b-ility

Class

Land

use

capab

ility

class

Organic

carbon

%

Nitrogen

level

C/N

ratio

Available

Phosphor

us (in

parts of

million)

Present Land

use cultivated

Proposed Land Use Special

Problems

encountered

and

Corrective

Measures

Without

Irrigation

With

Irrigation

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

0.5 – 1.0 II IIs 0.5989 to

0.39

0.07 to 0.05 8.9 2.0 Paddy,sugarcane

, gram, arhar,

Paddy,sugarca

ne, gram,

arhar,

Paddy,sugarca

ne, wheat

0.10 to

0.17

I II 0.42 to

0.59

0.039 to

0.064

9-10 1.2-9.4 Paddy,sugarcane

, gram, arhar,

Paddy,sugarca

ne, gram,

arhar,

Paddy,sugarca

ne, gram,

potato

0.061 III IVe 0.316 0.032 9-10 1.2 Paddy,sugarcane

, gram, arhar,

Paddy,sugarca

ne, gram,

arhar,

Maize, arhar,

pasture, and

forest

Nil III IIIe 0.425 .04 - .07 9-10 4.0 Paddy,sugarcane

, gram, arhar,

Paddy,sugarca

ne, gram,

arhar,

Paddy,wheat,

gram, maize

4.48 II IIw 0.579 to

1.374

0.02 to .109 10-12 5.6-7.7 Paddy,sugarcane

, gram, arhar,

Paddy,sugarca

ne, gram,

arhar,

Paddy,wheat,

gram, maize

arhar,

Flood,

Alkalinity

Nil to

.135

IV Ves .431 .059 10-11 .42-0 Paddy,kulthi,

arhar, kodo

Forestry and

wild life

Forestry and

wild life

Shallow soils

severe

erosion soil

conservation

viz bunding,

Terracing etc

should be

followed or

forest

cultivation

Page | 77

S. No Name of the

series

Nature of the

series

Distinguishing Characters Soil type

found

Soil

Reaction

Total soluble

salts

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

13. Hasanpur

(Hr)

New Alluvium The series is very deep soil is characterised by pale yellow to

dark yellowish brown. Somewhat poorly drained sandy loam,

underlain by loam as sub soils and clay loam as substratum. It

occupies plain land scapes and is medium alkaline in nature.

Sandy

loam

Medium

alkaline

0.236

14. Herlo

(Ho)

New Alluvium The series a very deep, soil is characterised by olive grey, to

olive moderately well drained to well drained silt loam

underlain by silty clay loam. It occupies plain land scapes and

is medium alkaline in nature.

Siltloam

Sandy

loam

Medium

alkaline

0.14-0.09

15. Jamdaha

(ja)

Sedentary The series a very deep, soil is characterised by olive grey, to

olive moderately well drained to well drained silt loam

underlain by silty clay loam. It occupies plain land scapes and

is medium alkaline in nature.

Loamy

sand

Slightly

acidic

0.07

16. Jamohara

(jha)

Old Alluvium The series a very deep soil is characterised by olive to olive

grey, somewhat poorly drained. Loam underlain by loam as sub

soil and clay loam as sub stratum. It occupies plain land scapes

and is slightly acidic, the acidity changes to slightly alkalinity

after 31 cm. and mottled up to 75 cm.

Sandy

loam

Silt loam

Slightly

acidic

0.1156-.325

17. Jogia

(Jga)

Old Alluvium The series a deep soils is characterised by brown, poorly

drained clay loam underlain by clayey sub soil. It occupies

plain lowland and is moderately alkaline the alkalinity

increases with depth and contains iron and calcium carbonate

concretions from surface layer.

Silty

clay

loam

Siltloam

Medium

alkaline

0.144

18 Kamlakund

(Kd)

New Alluvium The series a shallow, soil is characterised by olive, excessively

drained silty sand underlain by sand as sub soil. It occupies the

diara land and is slightly alkaline in nature.

Silty

sand,

Sandy

silt

Slightly

acidic

0.18-.43

Page | 78

Calcium

carbona

-te %

Irriga

b-ility

Class

Land

use

capabil

ity

class

Organic

carbon

%

Nitro

gen

level

C/N

ratio

Available

Phosphor

us (in

parts of

million)

Present Land

use cultivated

Proposed Land Use Special Problems

encountered and

Corrective Measures Without

Irrigation

With

Irrigation

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

0.035-

0.478

II II 0.541 0.073 7-8 5.2 Paddy,fallow,

gram, arhar,

Paddy,sugarc

ane, gram,

arhar,

Paddy,sugarca

ne, gram,

arhar,

Lack of sufficient

moisture suitable

arrangement for

irrigation should be

made

1.0-3.0 II II 0.1-0.7 0.05-

0.09

7-8 8.4 Wheat, gram,

khesari, maize,

linseed

Wheat, gram,

khesari,

peas,khesari,

castor

Wheat, gram,

khesari,

peas,khesari,

castor

Flood, alkalinity

organic matter for soil

structure development

should be added

Nil II IVes 0.235 0.021 10-11 6.6 Wheat, gram,

khesari, maize,

linseed

Arhar, marua,

kodo,

Wheat, gram,

khesari, maize,

linseed

Nil II II .426-

.877

0.051-

0.086

9-10 4.12 Paddy, wheat,

gram, khesari

Paddy, gram,

arhar

Paddy, wheat,

sugarcane,

vegetables

Alkalinity,

Phosphorus

deficiency, Addition

of Phosphatic at

intervals

0.645-

1.08

III IIIsw .3-1.0 0.36-

.048

10-11 2.7 Paddy, wheat,

gram, khesari

Paddy, gram,

wheat

Paddy, wheat,

gram

Flood , poor drainage,

Phosphorus deficiency

Nitrogenous and

Phosphatic fertilizers

should be added

5.98-

8.72

III IVscw 0.49-

0.84

0.03-

0.092

10-12 2.8-6.6 Maize, what,

kalai

Pasture, long

grass

Pasture,

vegetables

Flood, alkalinity,

Erosion grass

cultivation should be

adopted to check up

the soil erosion

Page | 79

S. No Name of the

series

Nature of the

series

Distinguishing Characters Soil type

found

Soil

Reaction

Total soluble

salts

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

19. Khanpur

(Kr)

Old Alluvium The series a very deep soil is characterised by brown, some

what poorly to poorly drained clay loam underlain by clayey

subsoil. It occurs on plain to slightly undulating lanscapes and

is neutral in reaction the subsoils contain iron and calcium

carbonate concretions are mottled.

Silty

clay

loam

Neutral 0.122

20. Khasia

(Ka)

Sedentary The series a deep, soil is characterised by brownish yellow to

brown somewhat poorly drained, Loam underlain by loam as

sub soil and clayey soil as substratum. It occupies undulating

and rolling topography and is slightly alkaline in reaction the

alkalinity increases downward.

Loam Slightly

alkaline

0.086

21. Khutwa

(Kta)

Sedentary The series a deep soil is characterised by yellowish brown to

dark grey, moderately well drained loamy sand underlain by

sandy loam as sub soil and loam as substratum. It occupies

upland and medium upland position is strongly acidic in nature.

Loamy

sand

Strongly

alkaline

0.04

22. Kolhua

(kha)

Sedentary The series a deep, soil is characterised by light olive brown to

dark yellowish brown, some what poorly drained sandy loam

underlain by sandy loam

Sandy

loam

Slightly

Acidic

0.05

23. Lowania

(La)

Sedentary The series a moderately deep soil is characterised by greyish

brown to very dark greyish brown moderately well drained to

well drained loamy sand underlain by sandyloam. It occupies

upland and medium upland positions in undulating landscapes

and is slightly acidic the acidity decreses downward to

naturally

Loamy

sand

Slightly

Acidic

0.06

24. Mairwa

(Ma)

New Alluvium The series a moderately deep soil is characterised by grey well

drained sandy silt underlain by sandy silt. It occupies on river

alluvial fan and is slightly alkaline in nature.

Silt loam

Sanydy

loam

Slightly

Acidic

18.32

Page | 80

Calcium

carbona

-te %

Irriga

b-ility

Class

Land

use

capabil

ity

class

Organic

carbon

%

Nitro

gen

level

C/N

ratio

Available

Phosphor

us (in

parts of

million)

Present Land

use cultivated

Proposed Land Use Special Problems

encountered and

Corrective Measures Without

Irrigation

With

Irrigation

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

2-814 II IIIs 0.3-6 .06-

.04

9-10 10-17 Paddy, wheat,

gram, khesari

Paddy, khesar,

kulthi,

Paddy,

wheat, gram,

khesari

Heavy soil addition of

organic matter will

help as the corrective

measure of the soil

structure

0.72-

1.05

III IIIc .23-.87 .024-

.099

9-10 6-72 Paddy, kulthi,

arhar

Wheat, maize,

castor, arhar,

parwal

Wheat, gram,

maize etc

Alkalinity phosphorus

deficiency is acute

addition of

phosphorus fertilizers

Traces III IIIe .316-

.516

.03-

.04

10-11 0.4 Paddy, kulthi,

arhar, kodo

Paddy, kulthi,

arhar, forest

Paddy,

wheat, gram,

khesari

Soil conservation

terracing, buding,

addition of nitrogen

and phosphatic

fertilizers

Nil II III 0.314 0.039 9-10 6.0 Paddy, kulthi,

arhar, forest

Paddy, kulthi,

arhar, forest

Wheat ---

Nil III III .213 .025 8-9 4.2 Paddy, kulthi,

arhar, barley

Paddy, kulthi,

arhar, forest

Wheat ---

5.914 –

6.898

III IVew 0.46-80 0.047-

0.086

9-10 0.8-6.7 Wheat, maize,

castor, arhar,

parwal

Wheat, maize

castor, gram,

sweet potato,

parwal

Wheat, gram,

maize etc

Flooding, Alkalinity,

leaching down of

nutrients

Page | 81

S. No Name of the

series

Nature of the

series

Distinguishing Characters Soil type

found

Soil

Reaction

Total

soluble

salts

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

25. Milki

(Mi)

New Alluvium The series a moderately deep soil is characterised by brownish

grey to olive grey loam underlain by silt loam as sub soil and fine

sand as substratum. It occupies flood plains of the river and is well

drained and slight to moderately alkaline in nature.

Loam, silt

loam

sandy silt

Slight to

moderatel

y alkaline

.126-.27

26. Missarpur

(Mr)

The series a deep soil is characterised by olive grey to olive

yellow moderately well drained loam underlain by clay loam as

sub soil and sandy loam as sub stratum. It occupies plain land

scapes and is neutral at surface and slightly alkaline in downward.

Silt-loam,

Loam

Neutral

Slightly

alkaline

.05-.44

27. Mohanpur

(Mk)

The series a deep soil is characterised by olive to light grey,

moderately well drained to somewhat poorly drained loam

underlain by clayey sub soil. It occupies medium upland and

lowland positions and is slightly acidic in nature. Sub soil contains

calcium carbonate iron concretions.

Sandy

loam

Siltloam

Slightly

acidic

.119-.38

28. Motichak

(MK)

New Alluvium The series a very deep soil is characterised by pale yellow to olive

grey moderately well drained to well drained. Silty sand underlain

by sandy silt. It occupies flood plain and is slightly alkaline in

nature.

Sandy silt,

Sandy silt

Slightly

alkaline

.04-.32

29. Narayanpur

(Nr)

New Alluvium The series a moderately deep soil is characterised by olive to light

grey, well drained to excessively drained sandy silt underlain by

sand as sub soil. It occupies flood plain and is slightly alkaline in

nature.

Silty sand

Sandy silt

Slightly

alkaline

.32-.52

30. Paharpur

(Pr)

New Alluvium The series a deep soil is characterised by olive to olive grey,

moderately well drained to well drained clay loam under lain by

silty clay loam as sub soil. It occurs in backwater areas and is

slightly alkaline in nature.

Clay loam Slightly

alkaline

1.4

31. Paperwa

(Pa)

New Alluvium The series a deep soil, is characterised by yellowish brown to

brown poorly drained to somewhat poorly drained loam, underlain

by loam. It occurs flat to undulating land scapes and is moderately

acidic in reaction.

Sandy

loam,

Loam

Moderatel

y acidic

.07-.208

Page | 82

Calcium

carbona

-te %

Irriga

b-ility

Class

Land

use

capabil

ity

class

Organic

carbon

%

Nitro

gen

level

C/N

ratio

Available

Phosphor

us (in

parts of

million)

Present Land

use cultivated

Proposed Land Use Special Problems

encountered and

Corrective Measures Without

Irrigation

With

Irrigation

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

1-4.0 III IVw .5-1.0 .05-

.08

10. 2.8-12 Wheat, maize,

gram

Wheat,

arhar,maize

Wheat,

maize, castor,

arhar, parwal

Flood, alkalinity, deep

ploughing should be

avoided sufficient

amount of organic

manure should be

added phosphate

deficiency

.07-7 I II 0.6-0.7 05-0.1 9-10 4.0

Paddy, khesari,

gram, linseed

Paddy, khesari Paddy,

khesari,

gram, linseed

.332 II IIs .2-.6 .04-

.07

8-9 2.0 Paddy,

khesari,gram

Paddy, khesari,

gram

Wheat, arhar,

chillies,

maize, gram

Heavy subsoil, Deep

ploughing and

addition of organic

manure to improve the

soil structure.

4-4.5 IV IVew .012-.37 .02-

.04

8-9 4-5.8 Paddy,

khesari,gram,p

eas

Maize, wheat,

peas

Wheat,

maize, castor,

arhar, parwal

Flood, Alkalinity as in

Kamla kund

6.93-

7.238

III IIIew .043-

.057

10-11 2.4-8.0 Wheat, arhar,

chillies, maize,

gram

Wheat, arhar,

chillies, maize,

gram

Wheat, arhar,

chillies,

maize, gram

Alkalinity, flood as in

kamla kund

2.4-2.7 II IIIw 6-7 .05-

.06

10-11 9.8 Arhar, wheat,

gram

Arhar,gram,

wheat

Paddy, gram,

barley, arhar

Flooding, Alkalinity,

Addition of green

structure improvement

Nil III IIIs .304-

0.77

.035-

.056

9-10 5.4 Paddy, maize,

kulthi, arhar,

Paddy, gram,

barley, arhar

Paddy,

khesari,gram,

peas

Gully erosion,

Acidity, soil

conservation method

Page | 83

S. No Name of the

series

Nature of the

series

Distinguishing Characters Soil type

found

Soil

Reaction

Total

soluble

salts

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

32. Parsadih

(Ph)

New Alluvium The series a deep soil is characterised by grey to olive grey

moderately well drained sandy loam underlain by silt loam. It

occurs on plain landscapes and is slightly alkaline in reaction.

Sandysilt,

silt loam,

sandy

loam

Slightly

alkaline

1.0-70

33. Parasbana

(Pba)

The series a deep soils is characterised by brown imperfectly

drained sandy loam underlain by loam. It occurs on plain terraced

and slightly acidic in reaction.

Sandy

loam,

loam, silt

loam

Slightly

Acidic

0.123

34. Patwa

(pta)

The series a moderately deep soil is characterised by olive to light

grey, well drained to excessively drained sandy silt underlain by

sand as sub soil. It occupies flood plain and is slightly alkaline in

nature.

Sandy

loam

Moderatel

y Acidic

0.208

35. Raipura

(Ra)

The series a very deep soil is characterised by light olive brown to

yellow, somewhat poorly drained to poorly drained, loam

underlain by clay loam. It occupies plain land the acidity decreases

downward to neutrally iron and calcium concretions of are to be

found in lower horizons.

Loam-silt

loam

Slightly

alkaline

1.14

36. Ratanpur

(Ra)

New Alluvium The series deep soil is characterised by olive grey to light grey,

moderatley well drained, silt loam, underlain by silt loam as sub

soil. It occupies plain land and in reaction it is neutral.

Silt loam-

sandy silt

Neutral .11

37. Sakrawan

(Sn)

Alluvium The series a deep soil is characterised by grey to lightly yellow,

poorly drained clay loam, underlain by clay loam. It occupies plain

medium upland and undulating physiography. In reaction the soil

is alkaline and mottled.

Loam, silt-

loam, silty

clay loam

Slightly

alkaline

.28-.33

Page | 84

Calcium

carbona

-te %

Irriga

b-ility

Class

Land

use

capabil

ity

class

Organic

carbon

%

Nitro

gen

level

C/N

ratio

Available

Phosphor

us (in

parts of

million)

Present Land

use cultivated

Proposed Land Use Special Problems

encountered and

Corrective Measures Without

Irrigation

With

Irrigation

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

.2-814 III III .39-76 .04-

.07

9-10 2.4-6.2 Wheat, maize,

gram

Wheat, maize,

gram

Wheat,

maize, gram

0.1-0.4 I II .337 10 10 20.4 Paddy, khesari,

gram, linseed

Paddy, khesari,

gram, linseed

Paddy,

khesari,

gram, linseed

Flooding

Traces I II .305 9 9 14.8 Wheat, maize,

gram

Wheat, maize,

gram

Wheat,

maize, gram

Acidic pH, Liming the

soil

1.2 III II .4-6 8-10 8-10 8.0 Paddy, khesari,

gram, linseed

Paddy, khesari,

gram, linseed

Paddy,

khesari,

gram, linseed

1.2-3.0 III IIIu 04-1.6 10-12 10-12 0.8 Wheat, maize,

gram

Wheat, maize,

gram

Wheat,

maize, gram

As in Milki Saris

.18-3.0 III III 49-50 9-10 9-10 10.19 Paddy, khesari,

gram, linseed

Paddy, khesari,

gram, linseed

Paddy,

khesari,

gram, linseed

Inundation Alkalinity

Addition of Fertilizers

protective Bund.

Page | 85

SOIL SERIES OF MUNGER, JAMUI & LAKHISARAI DISTRICTS

1. Baljora Series:

This series is characterized by well drained to moderately well drained soils situated on the

upland to medium upland physiography on a slope of 1 to 5 %, colours of surface varies

from yellowish brown to dark brown and sub-soil is also the same having neutral pH and

surface texture varies from loamy sand to gravelly loamy sand underlain by sandy loam

texture.

Horizons Depth(cm) Morphological features

A 00-12 Pale olive(D5Y6/4), loamy sand, medium weak angular blocky,

slightly hard when dry, very sticky and non-plastic, pH-6.8, no

effv. With dil. HCL, few mustard size hard iron concretions,

common and distinct yellowish brown mottles, clear and smooth

lower boundary.

B1 12-30 Yellow(D2.5Y7/6), course sandy loam, med. Weak angular blocky,

hard, very sticky and non-plastic, no efferv. With Hcl, pH-7.2, pea

size iron nodules, common medium faint yellowish mottles,

gradual and smooth lower boundary.

B2 30-68 Olive yellow(D2.5Y6/8), course sandy loam, med.nmoderate ang.

Blocky, slight sticky and slight plastic, no efferv. With dil. HCL,

pH-7.2, pea size iron nodules, common medium faint yellowish

mottles, abrupt and smooth lower boundary.

C 68-97 Yellowish brown(10YR5/4), gravelly sandy loam, weak structure,

hard, slightly sticky and non-plastic, no efferv. With dil. HCL,

2. Bhagwatpur Series: This series is characterized by medium textured soils and medium to

heavy textured sub soils, underlain by heavy soils. It chiefly occurs on medium upland

Physiography and at places on medium, low land areas, too, on a slope of 0-1%. This series is

generally somewhat poorly drained to poorly drained and slope varies from A (0-1) to B (1-3) %.

The colour of the series is pale olive to olive grey and the soil is neutral in reaction. Common

ferruginous concretion are found within the profile and are mostly concentrated in the idle

portion. Few calcium carbonate concretion have also been observed in the lower depths of the

profile.

The textured of the surface soil is sandy loam to loam with a silty touch. The surface soil

is of an average thickness of 15 to 20 cms with neutral pH ranges from 6.6 to 7.4. The soil colour

varies form pale olive to olive grey.

The underlying soils become gradually heavier and grade from loam to clay loam and

clay. The pH of the sub soils are neutral to slightly alkaline (ranges from 6.8 to 7.6) and the

colour varies from dark grey brown (D 10YR 4/2) to very dark grey brown (D 2.5Y 3/2).

The morphological description of a typical profile is given below:

Page | 86

Horizon Depth in cms Description

Ap 0-15 Gray (D 10YR 7/1); sandy loam; medium weak angular blocky

structure; slightly hard when dry; sticky and slightly plastic when

wet; no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH 6.4; common

medium distinct yellow mottles; clear and smooth lower boundary.

B1 15-56 Dark grey brown (D 2.5Y 4/2); loam; medium moderate and weak

platy breaking into angular blocky structure; hard when dry; sticky

and plastic when wet; no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid;

pH 6.8; common fine and medium faint yellowish brown mottles;

gradual and smooth lower boundary.

B2 56-114 Dark grey brown (D 2.5Y 4/2); clay loam; medium moderate platy;

breaking into angular blocky structure; hard when dry; very sticky

and plastic when wet; no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid;

pH 7.2; few hard mustard size ferruginous concretion; many fine

distinct yellowish brown mottles, clear and smooth lower boundary.

B3 114-140 + Very dark grey brown (D 2.5Y 3/2); silty clay loam; medium

mo9derate platy; very hard when dry; very sticky and very plastic

when wet; no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH 7.4;

few hard mustard and pea size ferruginous concretions; many fine

distinct yellowish brown mottles.

3. Dhanwe Series: This series is characterized by well drained to moderately well drained soils

occupying mostly upland topography with A to B class slope (0-3%) soils of this series are

neutral in reaction, pH ranging between 6.6 to 7.0.

The texture of the surface soil is gravelly loamy sand to sandy loam with an average

thickness of 20-30 cms. The colour varies from brown to yellowish brown. The sub-soils are

coarse sandy loam to gravelly sandy loam. They are slightly acidic to neutral in reaction, pH

ranging from 6.0 to 6.8.

Most of the soils of this series are under cultivation and Maize, Arhar, Marua, Kulthi are

the main cops grown. At places the cultivation of Sugarcane has also been taken up.

The typical profile of this series is detailed below:

Horizon Depth in cms Description

Ap 0-23 Strong brown (D 7.5Y 5/6); coarse sandy loam; fine weak blocky

structure; slightly hard when dry; slightly sticky and slightly plastic

when wet; no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH 6.6;

gradual and smooth lower boundary.

C1 23-71 Light yellow brown (D 10YR 4/4); coarse sandy loam; fine weak

blocky structure; slightly sticky and slightly plastic when wet; no

effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH 6.6; gradual smooth

lower boundary.

C2 71-90 Strong brown (D 7.5YR 5/6); gravelly sandy loam; fine weak blocky

structure; slightly hard when dry; slightly sticky and slightly plastic

when wet; no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH 6.8.

Page | 87

4. Nainipathal Series: The series is characterized by coarse loamy sand to gravelly loamy sand

soils observed mostly on upland hilly areas of the region. The soils are slightly acidic to neutral

in reaction. Surface soils are loamy sand or sandy loam in texture and are underlain by decayed

rocks containing mostly pebbles of quartz and feldspar. Soils in this series are well drained and

are observed on 1-5% slopes in hilly upland undulating topography. The soil colour varies from

yellowish red to reddish brown. The Nainipathal soils are very shallow to shallow, depth varying

from 10 to 30 cms. At places where erosion is very severe the soil depth has been reduced to

about 5 cms.

Rock outcrops are usual feature at many places in this series. Water holding capacity is

low to very low because of their shallow depth. Soils are low in natural fertility.

About 60% of Nainipathal soils are moderately to severely eroded with stony and rocky

phase having quartz and feldspar and other stone lying on the surface which renders it unsuitable

for cultivation. Tillage is difficult to perform due to presence of bed-rock very near the surface.

The land is only suitable for forestry. Rest 40% of the area is gravelly loamy sand to loamy sand

and are under cultivation. Under dry farming Maize, Mung, Arhar are the principal crops.

Frequent light irrigation will be needed because of low water holding capacity. Land

leveling is also difficult because of shallow soil depth.

The morphological character of a typical soil profile under this series is given below:

Horizon Depth in cms Description

Ap 0-7.5 Yellowish red (D 5YR 6/6);coarse loamy sand; fine weak granular

structure; loose when dry; non-sticky and non-plastic when wet; no

effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH 6.2; abrupt and

smooth lower boundary.

B 7.5-20.5 Reddish brown (D 2.5YR 4/4);coarse sandy loam; moderate weak

and angular blocky structure; slightly hard when dry; slightly sticky

and slightly plastic when wet; no effervescence with dilute

hydrochloric acid; pH 6.2; gradual and smooth lower boundary.

C 20.5-76+ Reddish brown (D 2.5YR 4/4);quartz gravels mixed with sandy

loam; structure less; very hard when dry; slightly sticky and non-

plastic when wet; no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH

6.4.

5. Darima Series: This series is characterized by medium textured soil and heavy textured

subsoil underlain by light textured soils. It occurs on upland to medium upland topography on 0-

3% slopes. The soils are moderately well drained to somewhat poorly drained. The soil colour

varies from brownish yellow to dark brown having neutral to slightly alkaline reaction, pH

ranging from 7.0 to 7.6.

The Darima soils occur on medium upland to upland topography on 1-3% slopes in

patches and in association with Nainipathal and Karma series. Darima soils are mostly cultivated

Page | 88

with Maize, Arhar, Sugarcane and Paddy. The soils are low to medium in fertility. These soils

are used only for dry land farming with low to moderate yields.

A typical profile of the series is as detailed below:

Horizon Depth in cms Description

Ap 0-20.5 Pale olive (D 5Y 5/3); sandy loam; weak angular blocky structure;

slightly had when dry; slightly sticky and slightly plastic when wet;

no effervescence with hydrochloric acid; pH 7.0; common mustard

size hard iron concretion; few fine faint yellowish brown mottles;

clear and smooth lower boundary.

Bt 20.5-34 Brownish yellow (D 10YR 6/6); silty clay loam; medium moderate

angular blocky; very hard when dry; very plastic and sticky when

wet; no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH 7.2; few fine

faint yellowish brown mottles diffused and smooth lower boundary.

C1 34-86.5 Brownish yellow (D 10YR 6/6); sandy loam; fine, weak angular

blocky; slightly hard when dry; slightly sticky and slightly plastic

when wet; slight effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH 7.4;

clear and smooth lower boundary.

C12 86.5- 99 Brownish yellow (D 10YR 6/8); coarse loamy sand; single grained;

loose when dry; non plastic and slightly sticky when wet; slight

effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH 7.4; clear and

smooth lower boundary.

IIC 99-183 Light olive brown (D 2.5Y 5/4); silty clay loam; medium moderate

blocky; plastic ad very sticky when wet; very hard when dry;

vigorous effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH 7.6;

common hard pea size calcium carbonate concretions; common

medium district olive yellow mottles.

6. Fadid: This series is characterized by heavy textured soil and subsoil. It occurs on medium

lowland to lowland topography on 0-1% slope. The drainage of the series is poor. The soil colour

varies from olive grey to dark grey and the pH is neutral to moderately alkaline. Presence of

calcium carbonate concretions are observed at places. Cracking of surface soil is predominant.

This soil is mainly used for Paddy and secondly for Sugarcane cultivation. Paira crops like

Gram, Peas, Lentils and Barley are grown wherever moisture content favorable for their growth.

The texture of surface soil is heavy varying from clay loam to silty clay loam and clay.

The colour is olive grey (D 5Y 4/2) and the pH varies from 6.8 to 7.2. The average depth of the

surface layer varies from 25 to 35 cms.

The underlying soils (Horizon B) is heavy textured and the colour varies from very dark

grey (M 5Y 3/1) to black (M 5Y 2/2) and the pH is mildly alkaline to moderately alkaline,

ranging from 7.5 to 7.8. Moderately thick clay skins are observed both inside and outside the

peds in the subsoil.

A typical soil profile of the series is described herewith:

Page | 89

Horizon Depth in cms Description

Ap 0 - 23 Olive grey olive (D 5Y 4/2); clay loam; medium moderate angular

blocky structure; very hard when dry; very sticky and very plastic

when wet; no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH 7.0;

polygonal cracks of 2 to 8 cm. width appear on surface on drying;

clear and smooth lower boundary.

B1 23-51 Very dark grey olive (M 5Y 3/1); clay loam to clay; medium strong

angular blocky structure; very hard when dry; very plastic and very

sticky when wet; no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH

7.4; common hard and few hard mustard size iron and calcium

carbonate concretions, moderately thick clay skins are observed both

on ped surfaces and enterior of the peds; common medium fine olive

mottles; thin polygonal cracks extends to nearby half of this horizon;

diffused and smooth lower boundary.

B21 51-91 Very dark grey olive (M 5Y 3/1); clay; very strong angular blocky

structure; very hard when dry; very sticky and very plastic when wet;

slight effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH 7.4; common

hard; mustard size iron and a few calcium carbonate concretion;

moderately thick and continuous clay skins on ped surfaces; common

fine faint olive mottles; diffused and smooth lower boundary.

B22 91-173 Black olive (M 5Y 2/2); clay; moderately strong angular blocky

structure; very hard when dry; very plastic and very sticky; slight

effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid and calcium carbonate

concretions; moderately thick and continuous clay skins present on

ped surfaces; common fine faint olive mottles.

7. Gobindpur: This series is characterized by moderately well drained to somewhat poorly

drained soils occupying mostly upland undulating topography on a slope of 0-3%. The surface

soil is light textured having medium to heavy textured sub soils underlain by heavy textured

substrata. The soil colour varies from grey to live brown and the reaction is natural. In places

(mostly in hilly region) the soil depth varies between 40 to 60 cms. due to erosion.

This series is also found mostly in hilly region and with moderate depth. The soils have

been terraced in patches and used for Paddy cultivation.

The description of a typical profiles is given below:

Horizon Depth in cms Description

Ap 0-18 Light gray (D 5YR 7/2); sandy loam; medium moderate granular

structure; slightly hard when dry; slightly sticky and slightly plastic

when wet; no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH 7.0;

common medium distinct strong brown mottles; clear and smooth

lower boundary.

B1 18-50 Olive grey (D 5YR 6/6); loam; medium moderate angular blocky

structure; very hard when dry; sticky and very plastic when wet; no

Page | 90

effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH 7.4; prominent and

hard iron concretions; common fine distinct brown mottles; pH 7.2;

abrupt and wavy lower boundary.

B2 50-110 Olive (D 5YR 5/6); silty clay loam; medium moderate angular

blocky; very hard when dry; sticky and very plastic when wet; no

effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; common hard iron

concretion; common fine distinct brown mottles; pH 7.2; abrupt and

wavy lower boundary.

C 110-163 Olive grey (D 5YR 6/6); morrum (quartz gravels) mixed with clay

loam; extremely hard when dry; slightly sticky and slightly plastic

when wet; no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; common

and hard iron concretions; pH 7.2.

8. Karma: This series is characterized by well drained to moderately well drained soil

occupying upland and medium upland Physiography with 1-8% slopes. The surface texture is

sandy loam and the colour varies from reddish yellow to yellowish red. The pH is slightly acidic

to neutral and ranges from 6.0 to 6.8.

In field, Karma soils has been observed on medium upland Physiography on B class

slopes and sandy loam to 10 am as surface texture. Paddy is mostly grown on this soil by

terracing the slopes and on unterraced slope Maize and Arhar are the main crops.

A typical profile of this series is described below:

Horizon Depth in cms Description

Ap 0-20 Light yellowish brown (D 10YR 6/4); sandy loam; fine weak

granular; loose when dry; non-sticky and slightly plastic when wet;

no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH 6.2; clear and

smooth lower boundary.

B1 20-46 Yellowish red (D 5YR 5/6); coarse sandy loam; medium moderate

granular structure; slightly hard when dry; slightly sticky and slightly

plastic when wet; no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH

6.4; few hard iron concretions; common medium distinct; yellow

mottles; gradual and smooth lower boundary.

B2 46-79 Yellowish red (D 5YR 5/6); coarse loam; medium moderate angular

blocky structure; very hard when dry; sticky and plastic; no

effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH 6.4; common hard

iron concretions; gradual and smooth lower boundary.

C 79-107+ Yellowish red (D 5YR 5/6); quartz gravels mixed with clay loam;

very hard when dry; sticky and plastic; no effervescence; with dilute

hydrochloric acid; pH 6.4; common iron hard concretions.

9. Kurhwa Series (Kw)

This series is characterized by well drained to moderately well drained deep soils

occupying mostly uplands on slopes A to B (0-3%) and also on levelled medium upland

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topography. The soils are neutral to slightly alkaline in reaction and the pH increase down the

profile. Quartz gravels and coarse sand are also found on the surface soils at places.

The texture of the surface soil is predominantly sandy loam and the average thick vary

from 8 to 15 cms. Loamy sand as top soil has also been observed on slopes. The soil is neutral in

reaction the pH varies from 6.6 to 7.0. The soil colour varies from pale yellow (D 2.5Y 7/4) to

light yellowish brown (D 2.5Y 6/6).

The underlying soils are loam to clay loam with neutral to slightly alkaline reaction 7.0 to

7.4. The colour varies from light yellowish brown (D 2.5Y 6/6) to brown. The soil has

predominantly developed on mica schist or quartz-mica schist. The weathered rock are observed

at a depth of 100 to 125 cms.

A typical profile of this series is given below:

Horizon Depth in cms Description

Ap 0-18 Pale yellow (D 2.5Y 7/4); sandy loam; ploughed; slightly hard when

dry; slightly sticky and slightly plastic when wet; no effervescence

with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH 7.0; few fine faint yellowish brown

mottles; diffused and smooth lower boundary.

B1 18-43 Light yellowish brown (D 2.5Y 6/4); loam; medium weak blocky

structure; hard when dry; sticky and plastic when wet; no

effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH 7.0; few, fine, faint

yellowish brown mottles; diffused and smooth lower boundary.

B21 43-76 Light yellowish brown (D 2.5Y 6/6); loam; medium weak blocky

structure; hard when dry; slightly sticky and plastic when wet; slight

effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH 7.2; common hard

pea sized iron concretion; common medium distinct yellow mottles;

diffused and smooth lower boundary.

B22 76-107 Light yellowish brown (D 2.5Y 6/6); clay loam; medium moderate

blocky structure; very hard when dry; plastic and very sticky when

wet; no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH 7.2; common

friable iron concretion; many medium and coarse distinct yellowish

brown mottles; diffused and smooth lower boundary.

C 107-183 Light yellowish brown (D 2.5Y 6/6); loamy sand; singled grained

structure; loose when dry; very slightly plastic and very slightly

sticky when wet; no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH

7.4; common friable pea size iron concretion. (This layer actually

represents the weathered mica schist).

10. Muzaffarganj Series (Mn)

This series is characterized by a light textured surface soil and medium textured sub soils.

It occurs on upland to medium upland Physiography on normal relief. Mostly it is observed near

the banks of stream and in below Kurhwa soils in association. The soil is generally well drained

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to moderately well drained and the pH is neutral. The soil colour is pale olive. In the lower

portions of the profiles quartz gravels are also observed.

The texture of the surface soils is loamy sand to sandy loam of an average thickness of 15

to 25 cms. The pH of the soil ranges from 6.4 to 7.0. The soil colour varies from pale olive (D

5Y 6/3) to pale grey (D 5Y 6/2).

The underlying soils are medium textured such as sandy silt and loam with neutral

reaction, pH ranges from 6.8 to 7.2. The colour of the subsoil varies from brown (D 10YR 5/3) to

yellowish brown (D 10YR 5/4).

A typical profile of this series is described herewith:

Horizon Depth in cms Description

Ap 0-15 Pale olive (D 5Y 6/3); fine sandy loam; fine moderate angular

blocky; slightly hard when dry; slightly sticky and slightly plastic

when wet; no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH 6.8;

common fine distinct strong brown mottles; clear and smooth lower

boundary.

B11 15-61 Olive grey (D 5Y 6/2); sandy loam; medium weak angular blocky

structure; slightly hard when dry; slightly sticky and plastic when

wet; no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH 6.8; hard

mustard and pea size iron concretions; many fine strong brown

mottles; gradual and smooth lower boundary.

B21 61-89 Pale olive (D 5Y 6/3); sandy loam; medium moderate angular blocky

structure; slightly hard when dry; sticky and plastic when wet; no

effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH 7.0; common hard

mustard and pea size iron concretions; distinct dark yellow and

brownish yellow mottles; gradual and smooth lower boundary.

B21 89-114 Brown (D 10YR 5/3); loam; medium moderate angular blocky

structure; hard when dry; sticky and plastic when wet; no

effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH 7.0; common hard

pea and bigger sized iron concretions; common fine faint yellowish

brown mottles; clear and smooth lower boundary.

C 114-173 Yellow brown (D 10YR 5/4); sandy silt; medium moderate angular

blocky structure; slightly hard when dry; sticky and plastic when

wet; no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH 6.8; common

hard pea sized iron concretions; common medium and coarse distinct

dark yellowish brown mottles. ( This is actually a decomposition

product of mica schist)

11. Nabinagar Kakar Series (Nk)

This series is characterized by somewhat poorly drained to poorly drained soil on

medium upland physiography on A class slope. The surface texture is loam to clay loam

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underlain by clay loam and clay. The soil colour is olive grey to olive having neutral to slightly

alkaline pH. Calcium Carbonate concretion are also present.

This series has been observed both on medium upland and lowland Physiography.

Generally the pentagonal cracks with silty clay loam surface soil and calcium carbonate

concretions and high pH are the special features for the recognition of the series. Paddy is

commonly grown on this series.

The typical profile of the series is given below:

Horizon Depth in cms Description

Ap 0-15 Olive grey (D 5Y 5/2); loam; medium moderate angular blocky

structure; loose when dry; firm when moist; sticky and plastic when

wet; no effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH 6.2; common

hard mustard size iron concretion and hard mustard size calcium

concretion; few moderate fine yellowish brown mottles; polygonal

cracks of 2.5 to 5 cm. depth 30 cm to 45 cm diameter are present on

drying; clear and smooth lower boundary.

B1 15-38 Olive grey (M 5Y 4/2); loam; medium moderate angular blocky

structure; firm when moist; sticky and plastic; no effervescence with

dilute hydrochloric acid; pH 6.8; common hard mustard size iron

concretion and few hard mustard size calcium concretion; few faint

medium yellowish brown mottles; gradual and smooth lower

boundary.

B2t 38-79 Very dark grey (M 5Y 3/1); clay loam; fine weak prismatic structure;

very firm when moist; very plastic and very sticky when wet; slight

effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH 7.4; common hard

and few hard mustard size iron and calcium carbonate concretions;

clay skins present on ped surfaces; few moderate faint yellowish

brown mottles; gradual and smooth lower boundary.

B22t 79-155 Very dark grey (M 5Y 3/1); clay; fine weak prismatic structure; very

firm when moist; very sticky and very plastic when wet; slight

effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid; pH 7.4; common hard

mustard size iron and calcium concretion.

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