Characterization, Classification and Landscape Relationships of Inceptisols in North-West India

Morphological, physical, chemical and mineralogical characteristics of Inceptisols occurring on five dominant landscape positions viz. footslopes, toeslopes, interdunal areas, alluvial plain and microdepressions in the Punjab state in north-west India have been studied. In udic region the soils developed on footslopes are non-calcareous and those on toeslopes are calcareous. These soils are classified as Dystric Eutrochrepts and Typic Eutrochrepts. In ustic moisture region (less hot zone) the soils of Siwaliks are calcareous and are classified as Fluventic Ustochrepts and adjoining to this in piedmont plain soils are classified as Typic Ustochrepts. In the ustic region (more hot zone), the soils developed in interdunal areas show weakly developed cambic horizon and are classified as Typic Ustochrepts. The soils developed on alluvial plains have variable calcium carbonate content and relatively well developed cambic horizon. These soils are classified as Typic Ustochrepts. Some of the soils developed on slightly lower topographic positions are alkaline in nature (ESP> 40%) and are classified as Natric Ustochrepts. Fine textured soils developed on alluvial plains in the old floodplain areas show the development of strong angular blocky structure with pressure faces and slickensides. These are classified as Vertic Ustochrepts. All the soils have mixed mineralogy and hyperthermic temperature regime. The morphological, physical and chemical properties and land use limitations of these soils are discussed.