Characterization of Alluvial Soils of Udaipur Valley

Soils of Udaipur valley have developed in alluvium derived from phyllites, biotite schists, limestones and quartzites. Alluvium depth is highly variable and is controlled by local bedrock. A weakly developed argillic horizon and a sequence of horizonation reveal moderate soil development. Texturally the soils are sandy loam to clay loam, lithological discontinuity exists and the soils are generally calcareous. A calcic horizon is also present in most of the profiles. CEC of total soil and clay content vary from 13.1 to 25.5 m.e./100 g and 14.8 to 38.5%, respectively. Silica sesquioxide ratios, CEC of soils, K2O content of clays and X-ray diffraction data show predominance of illitic and montmorillonitic day minerals.