What is the new, highly fertile alluvial soil called in India?
a) Bhangar
b) Khadar
c) Regur
d) Terai
Answer: b) Khadar
Explanation
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Khadar: The new and younger alluvial soil deposited annually by river floods in low-lying floodplain areas.
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Key Characteristics:
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High fertility due to continuous replenishment of fine silt and clay by seasonal floodwaters.
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Extremely suitable for intensive agriculture, particularly crops like rice, wheat, sugarcane, and jute.
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Lacks the coarse calcareous deposits found in older alluvial zones.
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Overview of Other Options
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a) Bhangar: The older alluvial soil situated in higher terraces above the floodplains. It is less fertile, contains calcareous deposits called kankar, and has a higher clay content.
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c) Regur: The local term for Black Soil, derived from basaltic lava flows and ideal for growing cotton.
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d) Terai: A marshy, damp, and forested belt located south of the Bhabar region at the foothills of the Himalayas, created by re-emerging underground streams.
Quick Comparison: Khadar vs. Bhangar
| Feature | Khadar Soil | Bhangar Soil |
| Age | New / Younger Alluvium | Old / Older Alluvium |
| Location | Lower floodplains (replenished annually) | High-lying river terraces above flood levels |
| Texture | Fine silt, clay, and sandy loam | Coarse texture containing kankar nodules |
| Fertility | Extremely high | Relatively lower than Khadar |
