Pedogenesis in relation to physiography in semiarid and arid tracts of Punjab, India

Morphological, physical, and chemical characteristics of soils developed in different physiographic units in the Punjab state (northwest India) revealed three distinct stages of pedogenic development: A‐C, A‐(Bw)‐C, and A‐Bt‐C profiles. The young and stratified soils from unstable landforms (sandbars, rivulets, floodplains, and foothills) representing newer alluvium are classified as Typic Ustipsamments or Typic Ustifluvents. The severely eroded and shallow soils of foothills are classified as Typic Ustorthents. The soils developed on relatively stable landforms (alluvial terraces, old channel fill, and interdunal areas) show development of cambic or structural B horizon and are classified as Ustochreptic Camborthids, Typic Ustochrepts, and Aquic Ustochrepts, depending on the prevailing climatic and drainage conditions. Contrary to the above, the soils formed on old alluvial terraces show the development of argillic (Bt) horizons. These soils are classified as Typic Haplustalfs. Genesis of these soils is attributed mainly to the influences of climate, as conditioned by relief over a period of time. This study established a well‐defined relationship between physiography and development of soils.