REPORT ON SOIL RESOURCE MAP OF JAMTARA DISTRICT, JHARKHAND STATE 

Submitted To

Ranchi, Jharkhand Department of Information Technology, Govt of Jharkhand 

Jharkhand Space Applications Centre The Director 

 

Prepared By 

1 

Acknowledgements

At the out set, on behalf of ADCC Infocad Private Limited, with deep sense of gratitude I thank Dr. A.T. Jayaseelan Director Jharkhand Space Applications Centre Ranchi Jharkhand then Ex Directors Dr. Sanjay Srivastava, Dr. A.P. Subuddhi for empanelling and awarded us the “Project on soil resource mapping using Satellite image, Remote Sensing and creation of soil database in the area of Santhal Paragana” province constituting 06 districts viz Pakur, Sahibganj, Godda, Dumka, Jamtara, and Deoghar districts of Jharkhand State.

Our special thanks are due to Project Coordinator Mr. Ravish Kumar, Scientist JSAC,

then Mr. Sunil Londhe, Scientist Ex-JSAC, for providing required base material, scientific and project advice and timely help during the execution of the project.

ADCC Infocad is highly thankful to team of Scientist for guidance during soil correlation activity which includes Dr. M. Kudrat– RRSSC-Deharadun, Dr.D.Dutta-RRSSC-Kharagpur, Dr.S.N.Das RRSSC-Nagpur, Dr. Aloke Kumar Barman Soil survey officer- Soil and land survey of India Kolkata, Dr. S.P.Singh Asso, S& LUSI, and Mr.M.A.Fyzee-NRSA Hyderabad, Mr.Vinod Kumar Scientist JSAC

We are highly thankful to our team of soil scientist which includes Dr. A.R.Kalbande Ex-

NBSS & LUP-Nagpur, Dr.S.Deshpande, Mr. T.B.Raut–NBSS & LUP Nagpur, and Mr.Y.D.Khare–Scientist Ex-MRSAC–Nagpur for valuable guidance during tenure of the Soil mapping project for Santhal Paragana province.

My wholehearted thanks to Nikhil Dakshindas, Anand Pradhan-Project Manager, Umesh

Chaudhary, and Anis Khan for carrying out field and office activity and the entire execution team for their untiring efforts to make it a success to ADCC Infocad.

Nevertheless to mention the efforts made by Projects Management, Marketing, Software

Development, HRD, Administration and Accounts team of ADCC Infocad, which lead to the successful completion of this work. Place: Nagpur Amit Somani Date: 24-11-2009 (Commercial Director)

2 

Executive-Summary

Government of Jharkhand along with Jharkhand Space Applications Centre, Department

of Information Technology, conceptualized a project for statewide implementation of “Soil

Resource mapping using Satellite Remote Sensing and Soil database creation for State

of Jharkhand”. In accordance with the objectives of the project Santhal Paragana province of

Jharkhand has been identified for preparation of Soil mapping and creation of soil database.

ADCC Infocad was empanelled as a consultant to execute the project and the present report is

on Jamtara district, which is one of those 06 districts from Santhal Paragana province of

Jharkhand State.

The Jamtara district is present on the North-East part of the Jharkhand state. District

experience average rainfall of 1300 mm and covering area of 1809 Sq.Km. Rivers like Beri,

Rajyoga, Siddeshwari, flowing from North to South part of the district boundary. Jamtara has

one major sub-division as Jamtara. This division is administratively divided in to 04 blocks.

Agriculture is the main occupation of the district with paddy is grown as major crop.

Physiographical terrain shows maximum contour height as 400 Mtr and minimum 20 Mtrs near

the NW side of district.

In Jamtara district base rock is Gneissic rock. Most of the area of the district is covered

by Gneisses. Gneisses rocks are overlaid by Rajmahal traps which are again overlaid by

alluvium on the top. This alluvium consists of sand and clay. In the alluvium area agriculture

development is good because of the rich available water resource but on the North and NW part

of the district soil is not much developed and therefore agriculture is mainly on the rainfed type.

The soil mapping carried out for Jamtara district indicates that in all 21 soil series have been

mapped with 12 associations. Out of which 08 mapping units and 14 series have presence on

Gneisses. 03 mapping units and 5 series fall on Gondwanas sedimentary formation and 1

mapping units and 02 series fall on Rajmahal Traps. 01 mapping unit falls on Gullied land.

Degraded status of the Jamtara district is studied where it is found that steep

sloping hills are very near to the North an NW corner of the district. Because of high

slope there are more likely chances that fertile soil will get eroded.

3 

i.exe

Such area is confined to about 0.96% of the district geographical area. This erosion needs

to be protected by soil conservation practices. Soil pH is also on the acidic type throughout the

district. Out of 21series 20 series are found to be acidic and 01 series is alkaline.

In all district 03 land capability classes are identified depending on the physical

characteristics. Soils in 87.70 % of the geographical area of district are classified in class II

indicating good state of soil condition. But other 0.97% of the area is under forest land use with

steep slope. Therefore forest conservation practices in this area are urgently needed.

In district 02 types of land irrigability classes could be identified viz 2, and 6, out of which

91.08% of the area is under Class 2 showing moderately suitable aerable lands. Class 6 is with

only 5.71 % area. Other 3.21% of the area is under unclassified categories.

Jamtara district is having monocrop culture of cropping pattern however the land

irrigability class II shows 91.08 % of the geographical area indicating good potential of area to

develop double cropping. District also have potential for horticulture cultivation in addition to this

other sectors such as prawns farming, aquaculture is also recommended using inland water

system.

Finally socioeconomic condition of the district is poor since literacy rate is low which

creates health hazards.

Water harvesting in form of bunds, gulley plugs are recommended in western part of the

district.

4 

Main Frame of Report

1 Introduction 7

2 Geographical Setting

2.1 Location and Extent 9 2.2 Physiography and relief 9 2.3 Drainage 9 2.4 Climate 9 2.5 Geology 11 2.6 Natural Vegetation 12

3 Agriculture Present Land use and Socio-economic features

3.1 Land use of Jharkhand 14 3.2 Crops of Jamtara 15 3.3 Socio-economic features 17

4 Methodology

4.1 Collection of base line data 19 4.2 Interpretation of Satellite image data 22 4.3 Plan for field survey 25 4.4 Collection of soil sample 25 4.4.1 Profile study 25

4.4.2 Chemical & mechanical analysis 25

4.5 Digitization of various features 25 4.6 Compilation of database 26 4.7 Preparation of final soil map 28

5 The Soils 5.1 Generalities 31 5.2 Soil Landform relationship 31

5.3 Soil distribution and classification 32

6 Soil Degradation Status

         6.1 Eroded Soils 36 6.2 Water Logging soils 37 6.3 Acidic Soils 37

5 

6.4 Gullied lands 37 6.5 Deforestation 37

7 Interpretation of soils for Land Resources Management

7.1 Land Capability Classification 38 7.2 Land and Soil Irrigability classification 42 7.2.1 Land Irrigability Classification 42 7.3 Soil Suitability grouping for sustainable agriculture 43

a. Under rainfed agriculture 44 b. Irrigated Agriculture 44 7.4 Cropping system and recommended crops 45 7.5 Horticulture Development 47 7.6 Forest, Forage and grassland development 47 7.7 Hydrological grouping of soils, water Harvesting, its storage and management. 48 7.7.1 Hydrological Soil Groups 48 7.7.2 Water Harvesting its storage and management 50

8 Reference

8.1 Soil series Description and Chemical data 52 8.2 Reference Consulted 97

List of Tables 98 List of figures 99 List of plates 99 List of Annexure 100

6 

Chapter-1 INTRODUCTION

Soil resource mapping for any state is very important activity since it is directly related to the

overall development of the state. Jharkhand Space Application Centre, Ranchi, Department of

Information technology Jharkhand invited tender for the preparation of the soil map with the help

of satellite image interpretation and field surveys. These thematic maps are prepared for use in

planning agriculture production and soil conservation. The basic use of this thematic mapping is

to understand the spatial distribution of different type of soil, also to identify soil related

problems in area which would be useful for addressing these problems for future needs.

Soil conservation has become a necessary step to preserve the fertile soil, which otherwise gets

eroded with time. Land provides food, fuel, fodder and shelter to the mankind besides

supporting secondary and other economic life supporting system. Due to over utilization of this

resource over long period cause degradation of soil quality which needs to be restored by

adopting appropriate conservation practices. Nature takes almost 600-1000 years to build 2.5

cm of topsoil but this very topsoil get displaced in a year due to unplanned activities or non

conservation.

The generation of information on types, extents, distribution and characteristics of soil of an

area as well as their potential and problems are vital for appropriate decision on their rational

use for sustainable agriculture production without any risk of soil degradation.

The demographic pressure is rapidly mounting on the natural resources. The present population

of India is 1050 million which is estimated to become 1.4 billion by 2025 and 1.7 billion by 2050

AD needing annually about 380 MT and 480 MT food grains respectively. Under the situation

heavy biotic pressure on land is expected, which may cause land degradation in terms of

productivity. The situation therefore calls for judicious soil management practices and thus

systematic soil mapping is indispensible.

Soil is called to be non-elastic, non renewable asset. The per capita availability of land that

decreased from 0.5 ha in 1950-51 to 0.15 ha in 1999-2000 and it is likely to decrease further to

0.08 ha in 2020 due to rise in population in geometric proportion. As a result land holding

capacity will decrease further which would result in low production of food grains. In order to

achieve the food security in situation of increasing population it is necessary to manage the soil

7 

resources on sustainable basis through adoption of modern technological inputs. The

management of land resources is possible with the help of soil inventory prepared in these

project activities. This soil data will definitely help in production and steps to be taken for the

conservation of this non renewable asset

Realising the importance of soil resource the Jharkhand Space Applications Centre

conceptualized a project for preparation of soil map on 1:50000 scale using IRS satellite

images. In view of this a project of soil mapping for six districts covering Santhal Paragana

province has been awarded to ADCC Infocad Nagpur. Accordingly ADCC Infocad Nagpur has

prepared soil maps as per the methodology designed by the Jharkhand Space Applications

Centre.

The present project on the soil mapping of Jamtara district of Jharkhand has been aimed

towards the following

Preparation of soil map on 1:50000 scale

Interpretation and evaluation of database on soils.

Identification of potential soil and there related problems.

Suggestive strategy and approaches for optimum utilization of soil and waste land area.

8 

Chapter-2 GEOGRAPHICAL SETTING

2.1 Location and Extent

Jamtara district is spread out in an area of 1809.62 Sq.km in the SE part of Jharkhand state.

The district lies between 23010’ to North to 240 83’ North Latitude and between 860 30’ to 870 15’

East Longitude. District is surrounded by district of Dumka on North-East direction, West-

Bengal state boundary on South-East, and Dhanbad on South-West direction and Deoghar on

North. The population of the district is 652354 as per 2001 Census.

2.2 Physiography and Relief

Jamtara district is predominantly a hilly district with certain pockets of plain land. The hilly part

covers an area of 17.48 Sq.Km area. The district is located in Rajmahal highland. It consists of

rolling open land surface with long ridges and intervening depressions. Average elevation of the

district ranges between 150 to 300 metres. Geologically the area is comprised with basaltic trap

and sedimentary beds. Quartz and gneiss are found at some places.

2.3 Drainage

The main drainages of the district are Ajay Nadi present at the centre of the district and flowing

from North to South.

Name of Drainage Location on District Flowing from

Beri Nadi West North to West

Ajay River Centre North to South

Rajyoga Nadi SW North to South

Bansjuria Nadi SE North to South

Siddeshwari Nadi NE NW-SE

Kuruli Nadi SE NW-SE

9 

2.4 Climate

Jharkhand has a different climate from that of Bihar and other neighboring state. Monsoon

winds come from two different areas. One section comes from Bay of Bengal and other section

from Arabian Sea. Wind from the Bay of Bengal contains more moisture as Jharkhand state is

more near to the former part. The temperature of the state is also on the lower side because of

its height from sea level. About 1/3rd of the area has elevation of 400 mt and rest 2/3rd has

height of only 300 mt from MSL. As a result the temperature of Jharkhand is 60 F less than the

Ganges plain. The elevation also affects the pressure of wind.

Jharkhand has three main seasons.

Summer Season March to May

Rainy Season June to October

Winter Season November to February

The summer season:

The period of this season is from 16th March to 15th June. The higher elevation and the forest

cover is responsible for reduction of temperature in some areas. During summer many parts of

the state also experience dust storm, thunderstorm and showers. The average rainfall during

summer varies from 50mm to 850 mm. Santhal Paragana province receives 152 mm of rain

The rainy season:

The period of this season is from June to October but monsoon reaches Jharkhand by middle of

June. This state gets relatively more rain than Ganga plains. Average rainfall of the state is

1200 mm but the heaviest rainfall is recorded in Pat region because of higher elevation. SW-

Part also receives higher rainfall because of greater forest cover. According to one observation

the North-Koel basin receives rainfall between 1200mm to 1250 mm but the SW portion of state

gets 1350mm to 1450 mm.

Actual Rainfall (mm) Av. Rainfall

Sr.No District 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

1 Jamtara 971.1 1476.6 1060.1 1067.6 1305.7 1381.3

Table 2.1 Rainfall details for Jamtara district*(Source Directorate of Agri.)Ranchi

10 

The winter Season

This winter season extends between November and February. In winter season state has, clear

and charming weather with blue sky. The day is warm but the night is cold. December and

January are coldest months with temperature comes to 50 C to 70 C. Jharkhand state also gets

rainfall in winter. The average rainfall is 50mm but northwest part receives more than 80mm

rainfall.

Jharkhand state is divided in to 07 climatic zones by A. Prasad.

a. North and North Western Zone

b. Central Zone

c. East Santhal Paragana Zone

d. Ocean affected zone

e. South West zone

f. Ranchi Hazaribagh zone

g. Pat Zone

Jamtara district comes under East Santhal Paragana zone. This zone includes the

highlands of Rajmahal. The Rajmahal ranges work as a barrier between warm westerly

winds and moist-later winds of the Bay of Bengal. The proximity of Bay of Bengal provides a

rainfall between 1400mm to 1500 mm.

2.5 Geology

The Jamtara district is equally divided in to two parts of geological formation of Rajmahal traps

belonging to lower cretaceous with intertrapian beds and Gneisses rocks. The traps are overlain

by alluvium covering North-Western part of the district. The Rajmahal traps composed of

basaltic lava flows with massive and vesicular units’ basalt and forms multilayer system.

Rajmahal traps are inter-bedded with intertrapian beds composed of calcareous sediments. The

alluvium composed of clay and sand. Very few about 1.6 % of the area is covered by

11 

Gondwanas rocks and 0.04% by Gneisses rocks. Jamtara is famous for Rajmahal coal field at

Lalmatia which is one of the biggest open cast mines in Asia.

Water Body 

Gneisses 

Formation 

Gondwana 

Rocks 

 

Geological formation in Jamtara district.

2.6 Natural Vegetation

Forest is a renewable source and contributes substantially to the economic

development. About 29.61% of the state area is under forest. The forest of the state are mainly

located in Santhal Paragana, Chatra, Hazaribagh, Garhwa, and Palamu districts. This Jamtara

district is with good area covered under the Forest. Forest is mostly present on the south part of

the district. Because of the human intervention forest has not been spared even on hills. There

are a few reserve forest situated in Jamtara district. The vegetations generally traced in Jamtara

district are timber species like Shisham, teak, Gamhar. The natural vegetation found in

Jharkhand state is as below.

Local Name Botanical Name

Ain        Terminalia tomentosa Bans        Dendrocalamus Strictus Gurari        Cleistanthus Collins Kusum        Schleichera oleosa 

12 

Sagon        Tectona grandis Semal        Salmalia malabarica Tendu        Diospyros malabarica Aonla         Diospyros malanoxylon Palas        Butea frondosa Salai        Bswellia serrata Anjan        Hardwickia binata Neem        Azadirachta indica Ber        Zizyphus jijuba Shisham      Dalbergia sissoo Amllas        Cerssia fistula 

  Following shrubs and grasses are occurs in Jharkhand State.

Local Names

Banatulasi

Kans

Sitaphal

Dub

Lampa

Botanical Names

Eranthemum pulochellum

Saccharum spontaneum

Anona Squamosa

Cynodon dactylon

Heteropogon contortus

Common Trees in Jamtara district

Mango – Mangifera indica, Neem – Azadirachta indica, Tamarind – Tamarindus indica

13 

Chapter 3. AGRICULTURE, PRESENT LANDUSE AND SOCIOECONOMIC FEATURES

3.1 Land use of Jharkhand

Jamtara district is primarily an agricultural district. Out of the total population of 6.52 Lakhs, the

rural population is 5.97 Lakhs and urban population is 0.55 Lakhs. In this way nearly 91.5 % of

the people reside in rural areas. Ref Fig 2.1.Most of them is dependent on agriculture. The total

agricultural land of the Jharkhand state is 29.74 Lakh hectors out of the total area of 79714

Sq.Km. The state needs 46 lakh metric tones but only half of this produced in the state.

Looking at the land use pattern the net sown area of the state is 22.68%. Forest accounts for

29.61%, Uncultivable waste land is 7.19%, Non Agricultural use is 9.89%, Orchards is 1.38%,

pasture 1.10%, and Cultivable waste land is 3.48% and fallow land is 25.01%

14  

Landuse Pattern For Jharkhand State

Fig 2.1: Land use pattern for Jharkhand State

Harvesting Season

There are three main crop seasons namely Khariff, Rabi and summer. Major Khariff crops are

maize, bajara, vegetable, til etc. Harvesting season of these crops is September-October. Like

Khariff crops Aghani crops are also grown in state. They are sown in beginning of monsoon just

like Khariff crops but the harvesting season is January-February.

3.2 Crops of Jamtara

Paddy is the main crop of Jharkhand as well as Jamtara. It is grown as Aghani, Bhadai and

Garma crop. The Aghani paddy occupies moderate harvest 63.31%. Following is the table

showing production of Crops in Jamtara district.

(Below given production in thousand metric tones) Table No 3.1

Sr.No District Paddy Wheat Maize Barley Gram Sugarc

ane

1 Jamtara 169.5 4.8 22.4 0.0 0.2 1.5

15 

Fig-3.1 Details of Production of crops in thousand MT

Wheat is much grown in Jamtara district because of the good drainage system and double crop

pattern.

Pulses like Mung (Kidney Bean) Khesari, Masoor (lentils), and Arhar are grown in the Jamtara

district.

 

Fig 3.2 –Photo from Jamtara District showing Mango Orchard

Many area of Jharkhand are beneficial for cultivation of vegetable. It has now been proved

beyond doubt that soil and climate of the region are ideal for production of vegetables like

potato, tomato, cauliflower, cabbage, capsicum. Vegetables are grown in 2.23 Lakh hectors

which produces 33 lakh tones of different vegetables.

The vegetable production in Jharkhand is better. The per capita requirement of vegetable per

day is 280 gms. The state provides 246 gms per capita per day and national production is 230

gms per capita. It is apparent that Jharkhand meets eighty percent of its requirement from its

own vegetable production leaving the gap of only twenty percent.

16 

Fruits

Different kind of fruits production occurs in Jharkhand. Given table shows fruit plantation and

there production.

Sr.No Crop Area in Ha. Production (M.T.) 1 Mango 7153 85836 2 Banana 2580 51600 3 Guava 5030 60360 4 Litchi 1377 16524 5 Citrus 5377 53770 6 Other Fruits 11386 113860 7 Vegetables 223595 3394888 8 Coconut 789 7890

Table 3.2 Fruit production details in Jharkhand

3.3 Socio-Economic Features

Jamtara is the administrative headquarter of the district. The total area of the district is 1809.62

Sq.Km. Ref table no 3.3. Administratively district comprises of one sub-division and eight

blocks. Important statistics of the district are as below.

Sr.No Details Figure Unit 1 Area 1809.62 Sq.Km 2 Population 652354 No 3 Rural Population 597059 No 4 Urban Population 55295 No 5 Male Population 333072 No 6 Female Population 319282 No 7 Total Workers 260908 No 8 Male Workers 173470 No 9 Female Workers 87438 No 10 Cultivators 112532 No 11 Agricultural Labors 91844 No 12 Household Industry Workers 11322 No 13 Other workers 45410 No

Table 3.3 Jamtara district at a glance.

Block wise population of the district is as below

17 

Sr.No Sub-division Block Population Percentage of population

1 Jamtara Kundahit 112811 17.28 2 Nala 153763 23.58 3 Jamtara 228618 35.04 4 Narayanpur 157155 24.10

Table 3.4 Block wise details of Jamtara district

Ajay, Beri, Rajyoga, Siddeshwari Rivers are flowing through the Jamtara district, therefore

agriculture especially paddy cultivation is the main crop. 91% of the population is staying in rural

part of the district with agriculture as a major occupation.

Socio-economic Problems in Jamtara

Female literacy rate in the Jamtara district is low in the state (32.68%) Because of which the

other members of the family are not interested in study and therefore the social development of

the family is halted. Primary schools in the district are low as (1093) and middle schools are only

195 numbers.

Because of the less literacy in the state the health standard of the Jamtara district is seen to be

poor. As per the details from Health organizations, only 25% of the womenfolk in rural Jamtara

are coming out for immunization programme. Superstitions are keeping them away from the

health programme. It is very serious issue that 80% of the pregnant woman is suffering from

anemia. This shows a very low profile for the socio-economic condition of the Jamtara district.

Transportation network is low in Jamtara district.

 

 

 

 

 

18 

 

 

Fig3.3 Population density map for Jharkhand State

Fig 3.3 Population map of Jharkhand

Chapter 4, METHODOLOGY

Soil survey is commonly used for identification of the soil series, various parameters related to

soil and its conservation. Methods of soil survey are different depending on the requirement of

the project activity. However the end results of the soil survey is generation of soil map and

study of various parameters of the soil. Soil survey results help to obtain description

comprehensively of the research area.

In the earlier period the soil survey used to be carried out by grid pattern and collection of soil

samples in the grid. However the technological advancement in Remote Sensing and

Geographical Information System have been a boom for recent soil survey methods.

Soil survey essentially covers following steps.

Collection of base line data

Interpretation of satellite image

Plan for field survey

Collection of soil samples

Chemical & Mechanical analysis of soil samples

Digitization of various features

Compilation of database

19 

Preperation of final soil maps

4.1 Collection of Base line data:

The collection of baseline data in connection of soil mapping project involves collection of

toposheet, satellite images, information related to agriculture and its production, available

geological as well as soil map of the area and other collateral information such as data on

rainfall, temperature etc. Accordingly the toposheet pertaining to study area on 1:50000 were

obtained from survey of India, Ranchi (ref fig No 4.2) and the restricted toposheet which were

not available from Survey of India were referred at Jharkhand Space Applications Centre,

Ranchi. Soil map of study area on 1:500000 scale was obtained from National Bureau of Soil

Survey and Land use Planning, Nagpur. Similarly Geological map of the study area was

obtained from Geological survey of India , as well as from JSAC on 1:250 scale. In additional to

that Hydrogeological map available with JSAC under Rajiv Gandhi

20 

Geocoded Standard FCC 

Satellite Images 

SOI Toposheet for Study 

Area Geological / 

Geomorphological 

Literature

Soil site and morphological 

properties 

Soil Classification

Preperation of soil legend 

and soil map units 

Chemical & Mechanical 

Properties of soil sample QAS‐Check ‐I 

Other District Information 

Boundary and Legend 

Finalization 

Attribute attachment for 

Chemical and Mechanical 

database 

QAS‐Check ‐II 

Ground truth survey and 

soil profiling data collection 

Pre‐field interpretation 

database 

Preperation of Base Map 

Fig No 4.1 Process Flow Diagram for Soil Mapping Activity

21 

 

Fig No- 4.2 Toposheet Data Reference

National Drinking water mission were also referred. Data on Land use and cropping pattern

was obtained from concerned district authority. The rainfall data of study area was procured

from District collector office Jamtara

Sr.No Precision Geocoded IRS P6,LISS III data Date of Pass

1 72 L/8 08th April 2005

2 73 I /5  08th April 2005

3 72 L/12  13th April 2005

4 72 I /9  13th April 2005

5 72 L/16  13th April 2005

6 72 I /13  13th April 2005

7 72 P/4  08th April 2005

8 72 M/1  13th April 2005

9 72 P/8 13th April 2005

10 73 M/5 13th April 2005

Table No 4.1 - Details of Satellite Image data used for Interpretation

Satellite image data of IRS P6, Liss III (Geocoded Standard FCC) on 1: 50000 scales on hard

as well as soft copy formats were provided by Jharkhand Space Applications centre-Ranchi.

22 

4.2 Interpretation of Satellite image

The soil is a product of parent material, slope, climate i.e. temperature and rainfall. The rainfall

and temperature does not vary to the great extent in a district and thus uniform over a district

area. However there is a variation in geological setup and slope across the district area. Thus

Physiography is a major controlling factor in the formation of soil. The physiographical as well as

slope characters are well reflected in satellite images through image character such as tone

texture, pattern, vegetation and association of features and therefore satellite data of the study

area was visually interpreted based on image character for delineation of different physiographic

units.

Initially standard legend for soil mapping unit was prepared which indicates parent material,

physiographic units and land use following ridge to valley pattern. For example unit the standard

legend of the study area is given in table (Ref table no 4.2). A unique numeric code is given to

geology as well as physiographic units and land use. Thus each mapping unit is represented in

three digits. The first digit indicates the parent material i.e. Geology, Second digit indicates

Physiography and third digit indicates land use.

Standard legend table is prepared for the area of Santhal Paragana province and therefore

geological formation covered in the study area are taken for preparing the standard legend. The

standard legend table is as below in Table No 4.2

GNEISS

S.N UNIT LANDFORM SLOPE %

description EROSION LAND USE DRAINAGE 1 111 HILLS AND RIDGES AND >33% Severe Forest Excessive HILL RANGES WITH VERY STEEP SLOPE 2 112 HILL RANGES WITH 10-15% Severe Forest/Grassland Excessive RESIDUAL HILLOCKS

MODERATELY STEEP

SLOPING

3 121 PEDIMENT STRONGLY 5-10% Moderate- Forest Well drained

TO MODERATELY SLOPING Severe 4 122 UPPPER PEDIPLAIN WITH 1-3% Moderate Forest Well drained GENTLY TO MODERATELY Open scrub SLOPING Open Forest

23 

5 123 UPPER PEDIPLANE WITH 1-3% Moderate Cultivated Well drained GENTLY TO MODERATELY SLOPING 6 124 UPPER PEDIPLANE WITH 1-3% Moderate Cultivated Well drained GENTLY TO MODERATELY SLOPING 7 125 LOWER PEDIPLANE WITH 0-1% Moderate Cultivated Well drained GENTLY SLOPING 8 126 LOWER PEDIPLANE WITH 0-1% Moderate Cultivated Well drained GENTLY SLOPING 9 131 VALLEY / ALLUVIAL PLAIN 0-1% Slight Cultivated Well drained VERY GENTLY TO GENTLY SLOPING

10 132 GULLIED LAND WITH 3-5% Severe Waste land Well drained MODERATELY SLOPING

GONDWANA S.N UNIT LANDFORM SLOPE % EROSION LAND USE DRAINAGE

1 211 PEDIMENT WITH 5-10% Moderate Mixed Forest Well drained MODERATELY TO STRONGLY SLOPING 2 212 UPPPER PEDIPLAIN WITH 1-3% Moderate Cultivated Well drained GENTLY SLOPING 3 213 LOWER PEDIPLAIN WITH 0-1% Slight Cultivated Well drained VERY GENTLY TO GENTLY SLOPING 4 214 GULLIED LAND WITH 3-5% Severe Waste land Well drained MODERATELY SLOPING

RAJ MAHAL TRAP S.N UNIT LANDFORM SLOPE % EROSION LAND USE DRAINAGE

1 311 DENUDATIONAL HILL WITH >33% Severe Forest Rapidly drained

VERY STEEP SLOPE

24 

2 312 DENUDATIONAL HILL 15-25% Severe Degraded Rapidly DEGRADED WITH STEEP TO Forest Drained VERY STEEP SLOPE 3 313 UPPER PLEATUE WITH 3-5% Moderate- Barren Well drained GENTLY TO MODERATELY Severe SLOPING 4 314 UPPER PLATEAU (ON THE HILL) 5 315 UPPER PLEATUE WITH 1-3% Moderate Cultivated Well drained GENTLY TO MODERATELY SLOPING 6 316 LOWER PLEATUE WITH 0-1% Slight Cultivated Well drained VERY GENTLY TO GENTLY SLOPING 7 317 VALLEY / ALLUVIAL PLAIN 0-1% Slight Cultivated Well drained VERY GENTLY TO GENTLY SLOPING 8 318 OLDER ALLUVIAL PLAIN WITH 0-1% Slight Cultivated Well drained VERY GENTLY TO GENTLY SLOPING

9 319 RECENT ALLUVIAL PLAIN

WITH 0-1% Slight Cultivated Well drained VERY GENTLY TO GENTLY SLOPING

10 320 OLDER FLOOD PLAIN WITH 0-1% Slight Orchard (Mango) Well drained VERY GENTLY TO GENTLY Cultivated SLOPING

11 321 RECENT FLOOD PLAIN WITH 0-1% Slight Cultivated Well drained VERY GENTLY TO GENTLY SLOPING

12 322 UPPER PLATEAU (LATERITE) 1-3% Moderate Cultivated Well drained

The first level interpretation was followed by QS check carried out by expert team of JSAC. The

interpreted boundaries were then finalized incorporating corrections suggested by QS teams.

25 

4.3 Plan for field Survey

A detailed field plan for studying soil profiles of the interpreted mapping units was prepared in

which initially sheet wise units were listed and planning was done in such a manner that

adequate profiles representing all the delineated units were covered. The standard prescribed

by JSAC i.e. 20 profiles / sheet was followed. The soil profiling was done in month of April-to

June 2007. Each profile was dug to standard size and up a depth of parent material. The size of

profile pit is taken as 90cm in width and 120 cm in length

4.4 Collection of Soil sample

4.4.1 Profile study

The profiles so excavated were studied for soil characters for which a standard form was used.

The different soil layers were demarcated based on consistency and texture. The standard

format is given in annexture-1. This was followed by correlation of profile within the studied

profiles. Thus at the end each unit had 8-10 samples. It was observed that each polygon shows

representation of more than one soil series in which one series is dominant while remaining

series are semi-dominant. Based on this soil association was finalized. The first series represent

dominant soil series while second series represent semi-dominant. The series and association

is given in table no 4.4

4.4.2 Chemical & Mechanical Analysis

The representative samples of each series were then chemically as well as mechanically

analyzed and the observations are given in soil series data. This was followed by field QS check

by JSAC expert committee. This committee scrutinizes each and every sheet thoroughly

particularly for delineation of boundary. The QS committee has also check soil series analytical

data for its chemical and mechanical analysis. The unit boundaries were then finalized duly

incorporating the observation of QS checks.

4.5 Digitization of various features

As per the terms of references of the project the soil maps so interpreted were then digitized in

AutoCAD Map / ARC GIS and attribute table as prescribed by JSAC were prepared for soil unit

polygon was prepared. The matching of boundary with the adjacent sheet was maintained.

26 

4.6 Compilation of database

The digitization of the soil map was followed by correlation of series with other vendors and

standardization of output data. The expert committee of JSAC convened a meeting of all

vendors at JSAC in August 2008 in which all the vendors presented soil series data which was

then correlated for standardization of series as well as mapping units. The initial units at

interpretation level were then changed to standard units as prescribed by JSAC expert

committee. Similarly attribute table for each series was then prepared using standard 16 code

digit which indicates series hierarchy and soil characteristics. A standard table of mapping units

and series association with 16 digit code is given below table no 4.3

Gneisses

UNIT LANDFORM SLOPE

% EROSION LAND USE DRAINAGE IMAGE

CHARECTERSTICS

1 HILLS AND RIDGES AND >33% Severe Forest Excessive Highly Vegetative HILL RANGES WITH Red Tone VERY STEEP SLOPE 2 HILL RANGES WITH 10-15% Severe Forest/Grassland Excessive Bright signature with RESIDUAL HILLOCKS thin soil cover

MODERATELY STEEP

SLOPING 3 PEDIMENT STRONGLY 5-10% Moderate- Forest Well drain Bright signature TO MODERATELY SLOPING Severe occurring at foot hill 4 UPPPER PEDIPLAIN WITH 1-3% Moderate Forest Well drain Bright signature GENTLY TO MODERATELY Open scrub Thin Vegetation SLOPING Open Forest

5 UPPER PEDIPLANE WITH 1-3% Moderate Cultivated Well drain Brightish Pink

Signature GENTLY TO MODERATELY Agricultural land SLOPING Mottled Texture 6 UPPER PEDIPLANE WITH 1-3% Moderate Cultivated Well drain Green signature GENTLY TO MODERATELY Smooth Texture SLOPING 7 LOWER PEDIPLANE WITH 0-1% Moderate Cultivated Well drain Pink Tone GENTLY SLOPING Coarse Texture 9 VALLEY / ALLUVIAL PLAIN 0-1% Low Cultivated Well drain Bright signature VERY GENTLY TO GENTLY Mottled Texture SLOPING Cultivated

27 

25 GULLIED LAND WITH 3-5% Severe Waste land Well drain Bright signature MODERATELY SLOPING Mottled Texture

Waste land

Gondwana

UNIT LANDFORM SLOPE

% EROSION LAND USE DRAINAGE IMAGE

CHARECTERSTICS

10 PEDIMENT WITH 5-10% Moderate Mixed Forest Well drian Bright signature MODERATELY TO Devoid of Vegetation STRONGLY SLOPING Smooth Texture

11 UPPPER PEDIPLAIN WITH 1-3% Moderate Cultivated Well drian Bright signature GENTLY SLOPING Mottled Texture

12 LOWER PEDIPLANE WITH 0-1% Low Cultivated Well drian Pinkish Tone

VERY GENTLY TO GENTLY Predominantly

Agriculture SLOPING Rough Texture

25 GULLIED LAND WITH 3-5% Severe Waste land Well drain MODERATELY SLOPING

Rajmahal Traps

UNIT LANDFORM SLOPE

% EROSION LAND USE DRAINAGE IMAGE

CHARECTERSTICS

14 DENUDATIONAL HILL 15-25% Severe Degraded Rapidly drain Barren

DEGRADED WITH STEEP TO Forest Dark Grey Tone VERY STEEP SLOPE Coarse Texture

27 Water Body

29 Marshy Land

30 Sand

A unique soil code is a 16 digit code AA-BB-CC-DD-EE-FF-GG-HH where AA is the order, BB-is

the sub-order, CC-is the grade group, DD-is the sub-group. The actual codes were referred from

the NRIS Node design standard document.EE-is the textural pattern, FF-is the mineral

28 

classification of soil and GG is the code given for different soil temperature. Final HH code is

given for benchmark / local series number in chronological order from (01-99).

Area assessment of different mapping unit was then carried out after finalization of digital

database. The area of each mapping unit is given in below table No- 4.4

Soil Series Association, District Jamtara, Jharkhand

SMUCODE Series Association Area in Sq.Km Area in

percentage 001 Bagnal-Sagar-Amra 14.60 0.81 002 Amra-Dharampur 2.78 0.15 003 Khoripania-Chandana-Sikarpur 67.46 3.73 004 Dumka-Sikarpur 18.44 1.02 005 Baran-Dumkaladak-Khoripania 223.35 12.34 006 Dumkaladak-Baran-Patharia 168.27 9.30 007 Patharia-Barara 684.21 37.81 009 Sarwan-Patharia-Bansidharpur 462.29 25.55 010 Sarjori-Murabari-Chitra 29.79 1.65 011 Murabari-Chitra-Dhababad 31.33 1.73 012 Dhababad-Asabani 48.90 2.70 014 Govindpur-Baramasia 0.10 0.01 025 Gullied Land 16.22 0.90 027 Water Body 38.40 2.12 029 Marshy Land 1.94 0.11

030 Sand 1.53 0.08

1809.62 100

4.7 Preparations of final soil maps

The soil layers were then integrated with base features i.e. road, major drainages,

administrative boundaries, settlements etc. and final cover was prepared in hard as well as soft

copies. The final cover indicates mapping units as per the specification given by JSAC expert

committee. Along with standardize attribute table. The soft copies are available for each sheet

separately as well as for district global cover.

29 

Plate- 1

                 On Rajmahal Trap Denudational Hill                              on Rajmahal Traps – Lower Plateau                  Baramasia Series          Sonajori Series       

           

 

          On Rajmahal Traps Upper Plateau Laterite                     on Gneisses (Lower Pediplain)            Barren Land. (Sahargaon Series).              (Dum Kaladak series)

30 

                           Plate‐2                                                                          On Gneisses – Valley alluvial plain                                      On Gondwanas – On pediment             Sarwan series                                                                          Sarjori Series                                                                          

   

          On Gondwanas – Lower Pediplain,                                   On Rajmahal Traps – Older flood plain‐            Dhababad Series                                    Chandpur Series

31 

 

CHAPTER 5 THE SOILS

5.1 Soil Generalities

The soil mapping carried out for Jamtara district indicates that in all 21 soil series have been

mapped with 12 associations. Out of which 08 mapping units and 14 series have presence on

Gneisses. 03 mapping units and 5 series fall on Gondwanas sedimentary formation and 1

mapping units and 02 series fall on Rajmahal Traps. 01 mapping unit falls on Gullied land.

The soil map of the total area of Jamtara district indicates that 41.87 Sq. km is covered by

townships, water bodies, mines, Gullied land etc. A major area of 1641.41 Sq.Km of the district

is covered by metamorphic soils while the very small area of the district i.e. 0.10 sq.km is

covered by Rajmahal trappean soils. An area of 110.03 Sq.km is covered by Gondwanas soils.

The metamorphic soils cover area lying in all part of the district except few patches on NE side.

Similarly the Gondwanas soils are exposed in central and NE part of district. Some sporadic

patches are also occurs on SW part of the district. The trappean soils coves a small area in

central part of district..

5.2 Soil –landform relationship

The soil units have good correlation with physiographical units. The mapping unit number 1, 2,

and 14 lie on hills and ridges covering an area of 17.48 Sq.km. These soils are severely eroded

since the slope is > 15%. These soils are mostly covered by forest cover and are well drained.

While mapping unit 4, 5, 6, and 11 lie on upper Pediplain covering an area of 441.40 Sq.km.

These soils are moderately eroded with slopes less than 3%. The land use on the soil is forest

and open scrubs.

Soil units with an area on upper plateau and lower plateau are not available in Jamtara district.

32 

9  Valley Fills  462.29 

  Alluvium   

7,12  Lower Pediplain  733.11 

  Upper Plateau   

  Lower Plateau   

     

Units / Soil Codes  Landforms  Area in Sq.Km 

1, 2, 14  Hills  17.48 

4,5,6, 11  Upper Pediplain  441.40 

3, 10  Pediment  97.25 

     

Table No 5.1 Soil-Land Form relationship

Similarly mapping units 9, lie on valley fills covering an area of 462.29 sq. km. These soils have

very narrow valley fill area with slope less than 1% with low erosion and are also well drained.

5.3 Soil distribution and classification

Soil data collected from the field through interpretation, profiling and then chemical / mechanical

analysis were placed as per the standards of soil series formation and integrated in to Arc GIS

format to form the soil map of the district. Soil map of district Jamtara shows that hills occupy

North, and NW part. Pediment occupies very small part in the centre of district. Upper Pediplain

occupies Central part of the district. Lower Pediplain occupies small part on Western and NW

side. Upper plateau occupies Central, Southern and N-E part of district. Lower plateau on

Northern and , Central part. Valley fills on Northern, Central and Western and southern part with

alluvium.

The soil distribution with reference to physiographic units is shown in plate nos

33 

                                              Plate‐3 

         

     

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

                                                                 Hills                                                  

               

   

   

   

   

   

   

 

   

                  Pediment                

  

 

Upper Pediplain 

34 

                               Plate‐4 

   

   

   

   

   

     

   

   

   

     

                                                                         Pediment                 

   

 

 

 

   

   

 

   

   

 

 

            Lower Pediplain 

   

35 

                         Plate‐5 

   

   

     

     

   

   

   

   

   

     

   

    Valley Fills 

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

            

Water Bodies 

36 

CHAPTER-6 SOIL DEGRADATION STATUS

The soil degradation means loosing the original potential of soil due to various reasons such as

natural causes, increasing biotic pressure due to rise in population, human interference i.e.

unplanned excessive use, loss of top soil cover due to erosion and flooding. The generation of

soil requires very long period may be hundreds of years however the same can be degraded in

a very short time if remained unattended. Thus soil is very important natural resource which is

being exploited by human for various purpose mainly agriculture, forest vegetation, pasture

development etc. The soil is subject to degradation due to natural process as well human

influence. The soil erosion, inundation due to floods etc are the natural causes while excessive

irrigation, intensive farming, heavy use of fertilizers and deforestation are the results of human

influence. Jamtara district is one of the backward districts and hence there are no evidences of

land degradation due to human interference because most of the cultivable area is under single

crop and thus lacks intensive farming. The socio-economic situation does not permit excess use

of fertilizers. The area under irrigation is also very low and therefore there are no chances of

land degradation due to excessive irrigation. However the natural causes of soil degradation

such as erosion, and acidic soils have been observed in the district.

6.1 Eroded Soils

The physiographic situation of the district is such that steep sloping hills are lying on the NW

and NE part of the district and sloping towards south and SW direction. Therefore drainages are

flowing from North-west to South East. Lower Pediplain is mostly found on the South direction of

the district. These soils are subject to erosion due to high velocity of water running across the

hills. Therefore the soils on the hills and foothill region are subject to erosion. The soil series

namely Bagnal, Sagar Amra, Baramasia, and Govindpur, shows severe to moderate erosion.

The total area under these soils is 17.48 Sq.km i.e. 0.96 % of the geographical area of the

district.

Similarly the district lies in heavy rainfall zone under the situation leaching of bases is expected

which results in formation of acidic soils. The soils in the district are in general acidic in which

the pH ranges from 4.3 to 8.24

37 

6.2 Water Logging soils

Maithon reservoir is present on the South direction of project. Marshy land is present near to the

reservoir. About 1.94 Sq.Km area is present near to the reservoir as Marshy land.

6.3 Acidic Soils

The physiographic and rainfall situation of the district favors heavy leaching of the bases from

the top soil causing formation of acidic soils and as a result the soils of the district are in general

acidic as well as alkaline where the pH ranges from 4.3 to 8.24. Out of the 21 series in the

district 20 series are acidic in nature and 01 series is alkaline.

6.4 Gullied lands

Area of 16.22 Sq.Km in isolated locations along the banks of streams is observed to be gullied

lands. However the extent is less.

6.5 Deforestation

The total forest area in the district is 17.48 Sq.Km confining to hills covering North, NW, of the

district however the forest is surrounded by open forest. This area shows degraded forest cover

at many locations is present as a result of rampant deforestation activity. The series Govindpur

Baramasia, forest are major soil series. The soils are also prone to erosion due to steep slopes.

38 

Chapter-7 Interpretation of Soils for Land Resources Management

The soil map should be interpreted in a way which will be meaningful to the ultimate users. Soil

maps can be interpreted by the individual kinds of soils and by the grouping of soils. Such

interpretations provide the user with all the information that can be obtained from a map. The

kind of soil grouped and the variation permitted within each group differ according to the use to

be made of the grouping.

7.1 Land Capability Classification

The land capability classification is one of such important interpretative groupings. The

capability classification of land also begins with the individual soil mapping units. In this

classification the aerable soils are grouped according to their potentialities and limitations for

sustained production of commonly cultivated crops and the non-aerable soils (Soils unsuited for

longtime sustained use of cultivated crops) are grouped according to their potential and

limitations for the production of permanent vegetation.

Land Capability Classes

The land capability classification places all the soils in eight capability classes. The risk of soil

damage or limitation in use, become progressively greater from class I to Class VIII. Soils in the

first four classes under good management are capable of producing adapted plants such as

forest trees and common cultivated field crops and pastures. Soils in class V, VI and VII are

suited to use of adapted native plants. Some soils in classes V and VI are also capable of

producing specific crops such as certain fruits and ornamental plants with soils and water

conservation measures. The basic characteristics of capability classes are given below. Class

VIII soils and land forms have limitations that preclude their use for aerable and non-aerable

crops.

(a) Land suited to cultivation and other users.

Class-I Soils have few limitations that restrict their use.

Class-II Soils have some limitations that reduce the choices of plants or require moderate

conservation practices.

39 

Class-III Soils have severe limitations that reduce the choice of plats or require special

conservation practices.

Class IV Soils have very severe limitations that restrict the choice of plants or require very

careful management or both.

(b) Land limited in use-generally not suited to cultivation

Class V Soils have little or no erosion hazard but have other limitations impractical to

remove limiting use to pasture woodland or wildlife food and cover.

Class VI Soils have severe limitations making them unsuited to cultivation and limit their

use largely to pasture woodland or wild life food and cover.

Class VII Soils have severe limitations making them unsuited to cultivation and restrict their

use to grazing, woodland or wild life.

Class VIII Soils and landforms have limitations that preclude their use for arable or non-

arable crops and restrict their use to recreation, wild life or water supply or to

aesthetic purposes.

Land Capability classes of soil association

The soil series in the study area on the basis of physical characters are classified in land

capability classes, II, VI, and VII, of which land capability class II covers major part of the study

area i.e. 87.70 % while land capability class VI covers 8.12 % of the Jamtara district. Land

capability class VII covers 0.97% of the study area. The rest of the area 3.21 % is unclassified

as covered by settlement, water bodies, rivers, mines etc. The details of the each land capability

class are given below.

Land Capability Class-II

The land capability class II covers soil mapping unit number 5,6,7,9, and 12. The dominant

series along with series association and area of each mapping unit is given in table (Ref Table

No 7.1)

Land Characteristics

The land capability class II is associated with soil occurring on alluvial plain, lower plateau and

lower Pediplain. The slope ranging from very gentle to gentle. Occasionally these soils are

40 

associated with moderately sloping soils with eroded phase. The soils are prominently under

paddy cultivation however vegetables and fruits are also grown at places.

Soil Characteristics

These soils are deep to very deep with fine loamy texture mostly non-calcareous. Most of the

soils have aquic moisture legend as can be judged from the mottles in the horizon. These soils

belongs to Baran (Typic Haplustepts), Dumkaladak (Typic Haplustalfs), Patharia (Fluentic

Haplustepts), Sarwan (Aquic Haplustepts), Dhababad (Typic Haplustepts), Banshidharpur,

(Vertic Haplustepts), These soils are susceptible to slight erosion and therefore needs soil

conservation practices to protect the fertile soil cover. The soils are very fertile and thus can

sustain intensive cropping pattern.

The soil association showing Land capability classes under category II

Map Symbols Soil Association Class Area

005 Baran-Dum Kaladek-Khoripania II 223.35

006 Dum Kaladek-Baran-Patharia II 168.27

007 Patharia-Barara II 684.21

009 Sarwan-Patharia-Banshidharpur II 462.29

012 Dhababad-Asabani II 48.90

1587.03

Table-7.1 Details of Land capability in Class-II in Jamtara district

Land Capability Class-VI

Land Characteristics

The land capability class VI covers soil mapping unit number 3, 4, 10 and 11. The dominant

series along with series association and area of each mapping unit is given in table (Ref Table

No 7.2)

Soil Characteristics

These soils are moderately deep and falling on Gneisses as well as Gondwana terrain with

coarse loamy to fine loamy texture mostly non-calcareous. Most of the soils have typic horizon

in the profile and belong to entisols and alfisols. These soils belong to Khoripania (Oxic

Haplustepts) Dumka (Typic Ustorthents), Sarjori (Typic Haplustepts), and Murabari (Typic

Ustorthents). These soils are well drained with moderate erosion and therefore needs soil

41 

conservation practices such as contour bunding or farm bunding to protect the soil cover. The

dominant land use is rainfed paddy. These soils can be exploited for dry land horticultural crops

or for agro-forestry practices.

The soil association showing capability class under category VI in Table 7.2

Map Symbols Soil Association Class Area in Sq.Km

003 Khoripania-Chandana-Sikarpur VI 67.46 004 Dumka-Sikarpur VI 18.44 010 Sarjori-Murabari-Chitra VI 29.79 011 Murabari-Chitra-Dhababad VI 31.33

147.02 Table 7.2 Details of Land capability class VI in Jamtara district

Land Capability Class-VII

Land Characteristics

The land capability class VII covers soil mapping unit numbers 1, 2 and 14. The dominant series

along with series association and area of each mapping unit is given in table (Ref Table No 7.3)

Soil Characteristics

These soils are shallow to moderately deep and falling on pediment and foot hill slopes, with

loamy skeletal to coarse loamy. These are well drained and severely eroded. These soils have

Lithic and Typic horizon in the profile and belong to entisols and inceptisols. These soils belong

to Bagnal (Typic Ustorthents) Amra (Lithic Ustorthents) and Govindpur (Lithic Haplustepts).

These soils are well drained with severe erosion and non-aerable soils and therefore major land

use is forest. It is essential to adopt forest conservation measures. The dominant land use is

forest.

The soil association showing capability classes under category VII

Map Symbols Soil Association Class Area

001 Bagnal-Sagar-Amra VII 14.60

002 Amra-Dharampur VII 2.78

014 Govindpur-Baramasia VII 16.22

Table 7.3 Details of Land capability class VII in Jamtara district

42 

Unclassified units

Rivers, water bodies, major settlement, gullied land; mine have not been classified and hence

shown separately by SMU-codes from 25, 26, 27, 28, and 30. These together cover an area of

58.09 Sq.km i.e. 3.21% of the study area.

7.2 Land and Soil Irrigability Classification

7.2.1 Land Irrigability Classification

The soils in the study area are classified under different land Irrigability classes based on

limitations of physical and land properties with due consideration to USBR soil Irrigability

classes. These are considered in the three basic headings viz soils (s), topography (t) and

drainage (d). These can be used for denoting sub-classes using the lower case letters s, t, and

d. singly or in combination such as st, sd etc. In all there are 06 land suitability classes as given

in below table

Table No 7.4 Land Irrigability and Hydrological Grouping of soils.

Class Suitability / Unsuitability 1 Highly suitable (aerable lands) 2 Moderately suitable (Aerable lands) 3 Marginally suitable (Aerable) lands 4 Suitable for special use or restricted range of crops 5 Unsuitable (non-arable) lands 6 Unsuitable (non-arable) lands

Increasing Productive Capacity 

In all three Irrigability classes have been observed which are 2, and 6 of which land Irrigability

class 2 is aerable while class 6 is non aerable. The characteristics and series association of

each Irrigability classes observed in the study area are given below.

Land Irrigability class 2

The soil association under land irrigability class II has a moderate suitability for sustained use

under irrigation. These are aerable land. All the units represent sloppy to gently sloping alluvial

plain and lower plateau and Pediplain. The soils associated are moderate to very deep, well

drained and slightly eroded. Clay loams and clays but have a few soil related and topographic

limitation like flooding. Dominant soil unit associated with these are Baran, Dumkaladak,

Patharia, Sarwan, Dhababad, These units cover nearly 91.08% of the study area. These soils

are under paddy cultivation as well as orchards and vegetables and horticultural crops, paddy

43 

wheat and gram under rainfed agriculture. These area can be cultivated for various irrigated

crops like sugarcane, fruit crops etc.

Land Irrigability Class 6

The soil association under land Irrigability class VI is non aerable due to limitations of

topography and soil depth. These soils are occurring on hills, foot hills, ridges and plateau top

therefore are shallow in depth and are also severely eroded thus not suitable for sustained use.

These lands are under forest vegetation and the forest is dense to open. The soils associated

are Bagnal, Amra, Khoripania, Dumka, Baramasia and Govindpur, covers 5.71% of the

geographical area.

Table No 7.5 Land Irrigability of soils

Map Symbol

Soil Association Land Irrigability

Classification

Soil Irrigability Class

Area (in Sq.Km)

Area (Percentage of total area)

Irrigability Class-II

005 Baran-Dum Kaladek-Khoripania

2d A 223.35 12.34

006 Dum Kaladek-Baran-Patharia 2d A 168.27 9.30 007 Patharia-Barara 2d A 684.21 37.81 009 Sarwan-Patharia-

Banshidharpur 2d A 462.29 25.55

010 Sarjori-Murabari-Chitra 2d A 29.79 1.65 011 Murabari-Chitra-Dhababad 2d A 31.33 1.73 012 Dhababad-Asabani 2d A 48.90 2.70

Irrigability Class-VI

001 Bagnal-Sagar-Amra 6ts A 14.60 0.81 003 Khoripania-Chandana-

Sikarpur 6ts A 67.46 3.73

002 Amra-Dharampur 6st D 2.78 0.15

004 Dumka-Sikarpur 6st D 18.44 1.02

014 Govindpur-Baramasia 6St A 0.10 0.01

Table 7.5 Details of Land Irrigability in classes in Jamtara district

7.3 Soil Suitability grouping for sustainable agriculture

The productivity of the soil is linked to inherent characteristics of soil, agro-litho logical setting

and land management. In order to achieve the sustainable development the understanding of

44 

local features, potential and problems of soils is very essential, which facilitate appropriate

planning for optimum utilization of aerable as well as non aerable area. Due to rise in

population in geometrical proportion the biotic pressure on land is also increasing as a result the

per capita availability of land is decreasing. The situation calls for judicious soil management

practices to achieve food security of the district. In view of this considering the soil

characteristics of the district following recommendations are made.

Present Scenario of Jamtara District

The Jamtara district is basically mono crop growing district and paddy is the most dominant crop

in the area. Along with paddy other Khariff crops are also grown like pigeon pea, chick pea. In

addition to these Khariff crops such as wheat, soya bean, maize, Barley, and sorgam are also

grown in the district. The cropping intensity of the district is very low as very small percentage

agriculture land is under double crop. The irrigation potential of the district is just 3%. Thus

rainfed agricultural practices are followed in the district. However district does have potential of

raising double crops as area under land capability II is 87.70% of the geographical area.

Similarly soils of the area are suitable for raising horticultural crops. Based on these following

recommendations are given.

7.3. (a) Under Rainfed Agriculture

A large diversity of cropping system exist under rainfed and dry land agriculture over an over

riding practice of intercropping to cover of risk of single crop failure. Currently under rainfed

conditions only paddy is grown in the district and the land remain fallow during remaining period

of the year. The soils retains considerable amount of moisture after the harvest of wet season

which through proper management can be used for second crop. The best suitable crop rotation

considering the soil potential is recommended as under.

1. Rice – Rice

2. Rice-Wheat

3. Rice-Gram

4. Rice-Maize

7.3. (b) Under Irrigated Agriculture

45 

The soils in the district are suitable for irrigation thus in order to increase agricultural

production it is essential to follow irrigation practices. The best possible use of irrigation can

be made by making available limited essential water for protective irrigation and using soil

moisture in combination with irrigation. The irrigation practices along with modern inputs

such as improved seed varieties, fertilizer the yield is expected to be higher i.e. 2.5 times

than the rainfed agricultural practices. Productive soils adequate water, rich natural

biodiversity and agro diversity is expected to enhance food production on unit piece of land.

Two main resources of water are surface water and ground water which needs to be tapped

to increase the agricultural production.

Mostly class II soils in the district can be brought under irrigation system where intensive

farming can be adopted under these programme. The area is suitable for raising cash crop

like sugar cane, vegetable crops, horticulture particularly mango sweet lime etc.

7.4 Cropping system and recommended crops

Currently the predominant crop which is grown in Jamtara district is paddy; however other

Khariff crops like maize, pigeon pea, pulses are also gown. Like Khariff crop Aghani crops

are also sown at the time of Khariff crops but the harvesting season is January-February for

Aghani crops. The system demands intensification of crops in space and time dimension.

The length of growing period is the base that decides the make up of cropping system. In

Khariff season the rainfall in terms of quantity and distribution decides the effective cropping

system.

The area mainly belongs to paddy cropping which is permanently rainfed. The land on

succession of ridges and valleys are bunded with 0.5 to 1 mtrs high bunds depending upon

the type of soil and slope. As a result individual fields are small ranging between0.25 to 0.50

ha. Only small area is under irrigation where paddy is grown after Khariff paddy. The

rotation of crop system is not usually followed.

The area experiences rainfall till late November thus residual moisture after paddy

harvesting and utilized for growing pulses like gram, mug, millets, maize, in rabi season.

Good residual moisture is expected in soils developed over Gangetic plain. The area is

suitable for growing wheat. The Rabi crops invariably should be supported with productive

irrigation through bore wells, lift irrigation through rivers, or canal water to increase the

agriculture production.

46 

There is a good scope to utilize inland water resources to produce fresh water prawns to

ensure demand throughout the state and overseas. The state government should undertake

step for development of aquaculture under employment guarantee scheme. It should be an

integral part of developmental programme rather than cropping programme prevailing at

present.

Table No 7.6 Efficient cropping system for different rain dependent regions

Intercropping System Double Cropping System Water availability

Period (days) Base Crop Intercrop Rainy Season

Crop Post Rainy

Season Crop Up to 110 Pearl millet/

Cluster bean Cowpea / Green gram / Black gram

-- --

Ground nut / Pearl millet

-- --

110-150 Pearl millet/Sorghum/ Cluster bean

Green gram/ Pigeon pea

Cow pea/ black gram/ soybean

Safflower/ Chick pea / Mustard

Green gram / pearl millet

Mustard/Chick pea / Barley

150-175 Pearl millet / chick pea

Pigeon pea / moth bean / Barley/ Linseed / Mustard / Safflower

Green gram Sorghum

175-200 Ground nut / Pearl millet / Sorghum

Pigeon pea Green gram Sorghum

Cow Pea Sorghum Chick Pea Safflower Black gram Barley/Mustard Barley Mustard Pearl Millet Chick pea Maize Wheat / Chick

pea /Mustard -- -- Rice -- -- -- Sesame -- -- -- Chick pea -- 200-250 Sorghum / Pearl

millet / Maize Pigeon pea Sorghum /

Ground nut / maize

Chick pea/ safflower

soybean Pigeon-pea soybean Wheat Soybean

+maize Safflower / Chick Pea

Chick pea Mustard -- -- > 250 Rice / Finger millet

/ Soybean / Maize Pigeon pea Rice / maize /

Finger millet / ground nut

Wheat / Chick pea/ Linseed / Lentil / Horse gram / Barley

47 

Wheat / Barley Chick pea / Mustard

Soybean Finger millet

Chick pea Mustard Pearl Millet Wheat

7.5 Horticulture Development

The Jamtara district is almost neglected under fruit and vegetable crop cultivation. Reason for

this may be because soils from land capability IV are not available. Most of the area (87.7%) is

covered by soils from Land capability class-II. Encouragement should be given for product

diversification, and value addition. Vegetable farming needs to develop on commercial scale

through the distribution of improved seeds, planting material and infrastructural facility such

market, transport, storage wear house etc. New varieties should be developed in state which

can sustain in above type of soils.

The major fruit crops which could be profitably cultivated in the district as Mango, Guava,

Jackfruit, Custard apple, Sweet lime, tapioca etc. Thought should be given to organically grown

fruit cultivation. Efforts should also be made to establish vermin-compost unit in each orchard

and readily available biomass such as rice husk, green grass and glarrioda should be used for

composting.

The area is suitable for Vegetable crops like potato, ginger, beans, brinjal, peas, etc. and should

be considered for profitable cultivation.

Lime treatment

The soils of Jamtara district are acidic in nature which needs immediate attention for increasing

production and improving soil structure therefore lime treatment should be invariably given to

the fertile soil of the area. The recommended dose for supply is 1 ton/ Ha for soils where pH

ranges from 4.9 to 6.5 however the lime dose may vary depending upon soil texture.

7.6 Forest forage and grassland development

The soils of land capability VI, and VII cover area 164.50 sq.km. Most of the soils occur on hill

slopes, thus unsuitable for agricultural practices. However these soils can be productively

utilized for increasing vegetation cover to maintain much needed forest environment. These

48 

areas are suitable for plantation of forest species. This would ensure protection of soil cover

which may deteriorate due to erosion. The plantation activity should be covered with grass

vegetation to ensure fodder for the milk animals in the district.

Following pasture development activity are recommended in Jamtara area.

Pasture Species Minimum

Rainfall Soil Type

Seed rate

Kg/Ha

Dry Forage t/

ha

Grass

Blue panic (Panicum

antidotale) 500

Medium to heavy 4-5 2.5

Marvel (Dicanthium

annulatum) 375

Mixed red and black 7-8 2.5

Sum (Sehima nervosum) 300 Versatile 8-9 3.0

Bufel ( Lenchrus ciliaris) 300 Versatile 8-10 3.0

Bahia (Paspalum notadum) 450 Versatile 2-4 3.0

Dinanath (Pennisetm

pedicellatum) 400

Light 11-17 3.5

Legume

Stylo (Stylosanthes hamata) 450 Light to medium 4-6 2.5

Sirato(Macroptilium

atropurpureum) 500

Light to medium 7-8 2.8

Aparajit (Clitoria ternatea) 300 Light to medium 15-20 3.0

Table No 7.7 Suitable pasture species

7.7 Hydrological grouping of soils, Water Harvesting, its storage and management.

7.7.1Hydrological soil groups

The hydrological soil groups indicate suitability of soils for sustained irrigation practice for

agriculture product. The grouping is based on soil limitations due to drainage, slope, erosion,

and depth. Soils with none to slight limitations due to erosion and drainage are classified in

group 1. Soils with moderate limitations are classified in group 2. The soils of group 3 have

severe limitations and thus unsuitable for irrigation practices. Soils with group 4 are non aerable

49 

and have severe limitation for sustained irrigation. Group 5 soils also have severe limitations for

irrigation due to slope and shallow soil thickness and therefore non aerable.

On the basis of soil characteristics of the soil series of the study area have been classified

under 05 hydrological groups. Those are as under Ref table No-

Hydrological Grouping Definitions 1 None to slight limitations for sustained use under irrigation 2 Moderate soil limitations for sustained use under irrigation 3 Severe soil limitation for sustained use under irrigation 4 Very severe soil limitation for sustained use under irrigation 5 Not suited for irrigation

Table No 7.8 Hydrological Grouping table

Hydrological group 1

Hydrological soil group 1 is represented by soil mapping units, 9, and 12. These soils have very

slight limitations and thus are suitable for land irrigation practices. These soils are suitable for

intensive cropping pattern. The soil series namely Sarwan, Dhababad, Patharia, Bansidharpur,

Asabani are associated with this hydrological soil group. These together cover 28.24 % of the

study area. Ref (Table No 7.9)

Hydrological group 2

Hydrological soil group 2 is represented by soil mapping units, 5, 6, 7, 10 and 11. These soils

have some limitations and thus are suitable for limited land irrigation practices. These soils are

suitable for growing double crops or irrigated horticultural practices.. The soil series namely

Baran, Dumkaladak, Patharia, Sarjori and Murabari are associated with this hydrological soil

group. These together cover 62.82 % of the study area. Ref (Table No 7.9)

Hydrological group 3

Hydrological soil group 3 is represented by soil mapping units, 3. These soils have severe

limitations in terms of erosion, depth and thus are not suitable for land irrigation practices.

These soils are suitable for growing dryland horticultural crops. The soil series namely

Khoripania, are associated with this hydrological soil group. These together cover 3.73% of the

study area. Ref (Table No 7.9)

50 

Following is the hydrological soil grouping table for Jamtara district.(Table 7.9)

Map Symbol

Soil Association

Area (Ha)

Area (Percentage of

total area) Hydrological Soil Group – I

009 Sarwan-Patharia-Bansidharpur 462.29 25.55 012 Dhababad-Asabani 48.90 2.70

Hydrological Soil Group – II

005 Baran-Dum Kaladek-Khoripania 223.35 12.34 006 Dum Kaladek-Baran-Patharia 168.27 9.30 007 Patharia-Barara 684.21 37.81 010 Sarjori-Murabari-Chitra 29.79 1.65 011 Murabari-Chitra-Dhababad 31.33 1.73

Hydrological Soil Group – III

003 Khoripania-Chandana-Sikarpur 67.46 3.73

Hydrological Soil Group – IV

001 Bagnal-Sagar-Amra 14.60 0.81 002 Amra-Dharampur 2.78 0.15 004 Dumka-Sikarpur 18.44 1.02 014 Govindpur-Baramasia 0.10 0.01

Hydrological group 4

Hydrological soil group 4 is represented by soil mapping units, 1, 2, 4 and 14. These soils have

very severe limitations in terms of erosion, depth and thus are not suitable for land irrigation

practices. These soils are non aerable lands and thus do not support agricultural practices

however suitable for forest vegetation. The soil series namely, Bagnal, Amra, Dumka, and

Govindpur are associated with this hydrological soil group. These together cover 1.98% of the

study area. Ref (Table No 7.9)

7.7.2 Water Harvesting its storage and management

The Jamtara district has a typical physiographical setup as nearly 0.96% of the total

geographical area is covered by hills and steep slopes where as 40.51 % of area is covered by

51 

lower Pediplain. This peculiar situation is very suitable for implementation of earthen check dam

with insitu soil moisture and water conservation measures. The small first order streams

emerging from high hill slopes is suitable for construction of gully plugs. Series of gulley plugs

should be taken to check the velocity of running water. The foot hill areas are suitable for

construction of earthen check dams. The alluvial plains are suitable for rain water harvesting

through farm ponds. The farm ponds are not only water harvesting structure but also useful for

protective irrigation under prolonged dry spells during rainy seasons. Contour bunding is

recommended on hill slopes to protect soil from erosion.

The density of irrigation wells in the district is very low. Under the situation currently there is no

need for implementation of artificial recharge projects.

52 

CHAPTER 8 REFERENCES – Soil Series Description and Chemical Analysis Data

BAGNAL  SERIES:‐ 

Bagnal Series  is a member of  coarse  loamy, mixed, hyperthermic, Typic Ustorthents.  It  is moderately 

deep  coarse  loamy  with  reddish  brown  to  dark  reddish  brown,  medium  acidic  developed  over 

weathered material of Gneissic origin. These are found to occur on hills and ridges. These are severely 

eroded  excessively  drained  with  moderate  permeability.  These  are  unbunded  soils  under  open 

moderately dense mixed deciduous forest vegetation. 

 

These soils are medium in acid on surface while becoming strong acidic in sub soil layers although these 

are high in Organic carbon and available potassium but low in available phosphorus and zinc. These soils 

have poor moisture holding capacity due to high run off. These have high organic carbon due to good 

forest cover. These are low in available phosphorus and zinc but moderate to high in potassium.  

 

These  are  not  fit  for  agriculture  due  to  its  topography.  It  should  be  protected  from  grazing  and 

deforestation  by  contour  trenching,  fencing  and  afforestation.  Bagnal  soils  occur  in  association with 

Sagar  Series  and  Amra  Series.  Proper  soil  and  water  conservation  measures  are  highly  essential 

protecting by being denudation and maintained its fertility and valuable vegetative cover. 

Typifying Pedon: 

 Genetic                        Depth                            Morphological Description         Horizon                       (cm)   A11                         0 ‐15 cm                 Reddish brown (5YR 3/4 D); loam; fine week      sub angular 

blocky; slightly hard; friable; slightly sticky; common many 

fine roots; medium acid (pH 5.6); clear smooth boundary. 

 

A12                      15‐50 cm               Reddish brown (5YR 3/4 D); sandy loam; massive; 

hard;  friable;  few  weathered  rock  fragments 

spread  throughout;  common  thick  tree  roots; 

strong acid (pH 5.4); clear wavy boundary. 

     

        C                                 50‐60 cm +               Weathered material. 

 

53 

Range in Characteristics:‐ 

Solum depth ranges from 24 to 50 cm with colour dominated by 5 YR and values 3 to 4. these are soils 

having  upper  horizons  as  angular  blocky  structure while  sub  surface  is  encountered  as  sandy  loam 

texture with massive structure. 

 Distribution and Extent: Bagnal series covers an area of 8.76 Sq.Km in Jamtara District, Jharkhand 

Type Location:   24° 09' 08" N and 87° 20' 50" E, Profile no 40, Sheet no 72 P/8 

Series Proposed/Status 

 Interpretation Grouping: 

i)   Land capability sub class  : VII 

ii)  Irrigability sub class          : 6ts 

Soil Analytical Data of Bagnal Series 

Horizon

Depth

cm

Sand

%

Silt

%

Clay

%

Gravel

(>2mm)%

Bulk Density

(M gm-3) Moisture (m3 m3x100) at pH

EC

(ds m-1)

OC

%

CaCO3

(g kg-1)

33kPa 1500kPa

A11 0-15 51.2 30.5 18.3 NIL 1.5 33.13 20.74 5.6 0.06 1.26 NIL

A12 15-50 86.6 3.2 10.2 NIL 1.7 15.01 8.26 5.4 0.04 0.63 NIL

                         

 

 

Extractable cations [ cmol(p+)kg-1] Available(mg kg-1) Micro nutrients (mg litres-1)

Ca++ Mg++ Na+ K+

CEC [cmol(p+)kg-1]

BS P2O5 K2O Zn++ Mn++ Cu++ Fe++

4.2 3.1 0.2 0.3 9.8 79.5 3 192 3.73 20.4 2.9 24.8

3.1 2 0.2 0.2 6.5 71.4 3 136 2.07 23.3 0.9 23.4

 

 

54 

SAGAR  SERIES:‐ 

Sagar Series  is a member of Coarse  loamy, mixed, hyperthermic,  Lithic Haplustepts and  is associated 

with Bagnal Series and Amra Series.  It comprises deep,  coarse  loamy  soil having  reddish yellow, very 

strongly acidic. A horizon  is reddish yellow, very strongly acidic to slightly acidic. Sub soil horizon with 

loam to sandy clay loam texture underlain by lateritic material with gneissic origin. These soils are found 

to occur on hills and  ridges  convex upland. These are  severely eroded, excessively drained with high 

runoff. They have low moisture content.  

 

Its has  low organic carbon and available phosphorus while available potassium  is moderate  in content. 

Micronutrients  like  zinc  are  sufficient, while manganese  irons  are  in  excess.  These  are  occasionally 

covered with dense mixed deciduous forest vegetation. They are not suitable for cultivation. 

Typifying Pedon: 

 Genetic             Depth                             Morphological Description         Horizon            (cm) 

 

A1             0‐6 cm             Reddish  yellow  (5YR  6/6  D);  gravely  loamy  sand;  dry  loose, 

friable;  common  fine  roots;  very  strong  acid  (pH  5.0);  clear 

smooth boundary. 

 

B1w             6‐27 cm            Reddish  yellow  (  5YR  6/6  D);  loam;  fine  week  sub‐angular 

blocky;  dry  loose,  friable,  slightly  sticky;  few  fine  roots;  very 

strong acid (pH 4.9); clear smooth boundary. 

 

B2w              27‐49 cm          Reddish  yellow  ( 5YR 6/6 D);  sandy  clay  loam;  fine week  sub‐

angular blocky; dry hard,  slightly  firm,  sticky, plastic;  very  few 

fine roots; slightly acid (pH 6.4); clear abrupt boundary.  

 

                    C                 49‐60 cm+         Lateritic  weathered material. 

  

 

 

55 

Range in Characteristics:‐ 

Solum  thickness  is up  to 50 cm. The A horizon  is 6‐8 cm. with colours of hues of 5 YR and 6/6 values 

chromas  respectively. The  texture of surface horizons  is mainly gravelly  loamy sand while sub surface 

ranges  from  loam  to  sandy  clay  loam.  The  structure  grades  from  fine  weak  sub  angular  blocky 

throughout. 

 Distribution and Extent: Sagar series covers an area of 4.38 Sq.Km in Jamtara District, Jharkhand 

Type Location :‐   24° 40' 46" N and 87° 22' 59" E, Profile no 60, Sheet no 72 P/6 

Series Proposed/Status 

 Interpretation Grouping:‐ 

i)   Land capability sub class   :‐ VII 

ii)  Irrigability sub class          :‐  6ts 

Soil Analytical Data of Sagar Series 

Horizon

Depth

cm

Sand

%

Silt

%

Clay

%

Gravel

(>2mm)%

Bulk Density

(M gm-3) Moisture (m3 m3x100)

at pH

EC

(ds m-1)

OC

%

CaCO3

(g kg-1)

33kPa 1500kPa

A1 0-6 87.3 5.2 7.5 1.9 1.7 16.2 7.5 5 0.02 0.34 NIL

B1w 6 27 53.5 28.5 18 NIL 1.6 26.2 12.2 4.9 _ 0.32 NIL

B2w 27-49 61.9 17.1 21 NIL 1.6 28.8 14.9 6.4 _ 0.18 NIL

 

Extractable cations [ cmol(p+)kg-1] Available(mg kg-1) Micro nutrients (mg litres-1)

Ca++ Mg++ Na+ K+

CEC [cmol(p+)kg-1]

BS P2O5 K2O Zn++ Mn++ Cu++ Fe++

3 2.4 0.3 0.2 7.7 75.3 3 124 1.22 26.8 1.1 18.9

3.2 2.3 0.3 Traces 7.2 80.5 4 50 0.84 28.6 1 20.8

4 2.8 0.4 0.2 9 82.2 3 66 0.67 32.3 0.9 18.3

 

56 

DHARAMPUR  SERIES:‐ 

Dharampur  Series  is  a member  of  Coarse  loamy, mixed,  hyperthermic,  Typic  Ustorthents  and  is  in 

association with Amra Series.  It  comprises of very  shallow,  coarse  loamy  soils having brown, gravelly 

loamy sand. A horizons underlain by Gneissic weathered parent material. These soils are found to occur 

on moderately sloping to strongly sloping hill ranges with residual hillocks. These are severely eroded, 

excessively drained with very rapid permeability yielding high runoff. 

 

They  have  low  available  moisture  content,  strongly  acidic  in  reaction,  low  in  organic  matter  and 

available  phosphorus,  but  high  in  available  potassium.  These  soils  are  covered  with  dense  mixed 

deciduous forest vegetation, and not under cultivation of agricultural crops.  

Typifying Pedon: 

 Genetic           Depth                     Morphological Description         Horizon           (cm) 

 

        A             0‐7 cm           Brown ( 10YR 5/3 D); gravely  loamy sand; massive; dry  loose, friable; 

many  fine  roots; weathered material  in matrix;  strong acid  (pH 5.4); 

clear smooth boundary. 

 

        C                 7‐75 cm +         Weathered material. 

Range in Characteristics:‐ 

Solum depth up to 10 cm. Texture of surface horizon ranges from gravelly loamy sand to gravelly sandy 

loam. Soil colour is brown throughout, 10 YR 5/3. Soil structure is massive. The coarse fragments of 

gravelly nature commonly found. 

 Distribution and Extent: Dharampur series covers an area of 1.11 Sq.Km in Jamtara district, Jharkhand 

 

Type Location  :‐   24° 14' 20'' N and 86° 56' 42'' E, Profile no 139, Sheet no 72 L/16 

Series Proposed/Status 

Interpretation Grouping:‐ 

i)   Land capability sub class   :‐ VII 

ii)  Irrigability sub class          :‐  6ts 

57 

 

Soil Analytical Data of Dharampur Series 

Horizon

Depth

cm

Sand

%

Silt

%

Clay

%

Gravel

(>2mm)%

Bulk Density

(M gm-3) Moisture (m3 m3x100)

at pH

EC

(ds m-1)

OC

%

CaCO3

(g kg-1)

33kPa 1500kPa

A 0-7 87.2 6.3 6.5 15 1.7 12.1 4.3 5.4 0.05 0.68 NIL

 

 

Extractable cations [ cmol(p+)kg-1] Available(mg kg-1) Micro nutrients (mg litres-1)

Ca++ Mg++ Na+ K+

CEC [cmol(p+)kg-1]

BS P2O5 K2O Zn++ Mn++ Cu++ Fe++

2.2 0.7 0.3 Traces 4.5 71.1 3 190 1.7 10.7 0.8 16

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

58 

KHORIPANIA  SERIES:‐ 

Khoripania Series is a member of fine loamy, mixed, hyperthermic, Oxic Haplustepts in association with 

Chandana Series and Sikarpur Series. These are moderately deep, loamy soil having light brown colour, 

strong acid,  loamy sand and sandy  loam surface horizon. While B horizon  is brown gravelly clay  loam 

underlain by weathered  soft material of gneissic origin. These are  found  to occur on  strongly  sloping 

uplands.  These  are moderately  to  severely  eroded, well  drained.  These  have  low  available moisture 

content. These are strongly acidic to extremely acidic soils. 

 

Fertility status in case of Organic Carbon and available P2O5  is low throughout while potassium and zinc 

is in moderate content. These are covered under densely mixed deciduous forest vegetation. 

      

Typifying Pedon: 

 

 Genetic           Depth                   Morphological Description         Horizon           (cm) 

 

  A11                   0‐5cm               Light brown ( 7.5YR 6/4 D); loamy sand; massive; dry loose, friable;     many fine roots; strong acid (pH 5.1); clear wavy boundary.  

   A12              5‐15cm        Brown  (  7.5YR  5/4 D);  sandy  loam; massive;  dry  loose,  friable;  few 

fine roots; extremely acid (pH 3.7); smooth gradual boundary. 

 

   Bw1              15‐40cm           Brown ( 7.5YR 5/4 D); gravely clay loam; fine weak sub angular blocky; 

dry  hard,  slightly  firm,  sticky,  plastic;  few medium  roots;  extremely 

acid (pH 4.3); smooth gradual boundary. 

      C                    40‐65cm +         Weathered material(soft). 

 

    

 

 

59 

Range in Characteristics:‐ 

Solum  thickness  ranges  from  35‐40  cm.  these  are  light brown  to brown  in  7.5  YR hues while  5‐6  as 

values  and  chroma  is  4  throughout.  The  texture  of  surface  horizon  is  loamy  sand.  Thickness  of  sub 

surface  horizons  is  20‐25  cm.  the  lowest  horizon  is  predominantly  gravelly  clay  loam.  The  structure 

grades from massive to fine weak sub angular blocky.  

Distribution and Extent: Khoripania series covers an area of 62.80 Sq.Km in Jamtara District, Jharkhand.              

  Type Location: ‐   24° 32' 36'' N and 86° 33' 05'' E, Profile no 97, Sheet no 72 L/10 

Series Proposed/Status 

Interpretation Grouping:‐ 

i)   Land capability sub class   :‐ VI 

ii)  Irrigability sub class          :‐  6ts 

Soil Analytical Data of Khoripania Series 

Horizon

Depth

cm

Sand

%

Silt

%

Clay

%

Gravel

(>2mm)%

Bulk Density

(M gm-3) Moisture (m3 m3x100)

at pH

EC

(ds m-1)

OC

%

CaCO3

(g kg-1)

33kPa 1500kPa

A11 0-5 84.5 5 10.5 NIL 1.7 16 7.1 5.1 0.02 0.27 NIL

A12 5 15 82.5 5.5 12 NIL 1.6 17.9 8.8 3.7 _ 0.18 NIL

Bw1 15-40 52.9 18.1 29 16 1.6 34.2 17.9 4.3 _ 0.47 NIL

 

Extractable cations [ cmol(p+)kg-1] Available(mg kg-1) Micro nutrients (mg litres-1)

Ca++ Mg++ Na+ K+

CEC [cmol(p+)kg-1]

BS P2O5 K2O Zn++ Mn++ Cu++ Fe++

2.1 0.6 0.4 Traces 4.7 65.9 9 154 1.22 13 1 18.9

2.2 0.8 0.3 Traces 5.3 62.2 3 0.82 0.82 14.9 1.1 26.3

3.2 2.7 0.4 0.3 10.6 62.3 3 0.46 0.46 18.6 0.9 20.3

 

60 

PATHARIA  SERIES:‐ 

Patharia  Series  is  a  member  of  fine  loamy,  mixed,  hyperthermic,  Fluentic  Haplustepts  and  is  in 

association with Dum kaladek, Baran, Barara, Sarwan, Banshidharpur Series.  It comprises of very deep 

sandy  loam having  strongly acidic  to  slightly acidic with B horizons  clay  to  clay  loam  to  sandy    loam. 

These  are  found  to occur on  very  gently  to  gently  sloping with moderate  erosion, well drained with 

moderate permeability. These are bunded paddy lands.  

They  have  good  available  moisture  content,  low  in  Organic  Carbon  and  available  phosphorus  and 

potassium. Micro nutrients status is moderate.  

Typifying Pedon: 

 Genetic            Depth                   Morphological Description         Horizon            (cm) 

 

        Ap            0‐12 cm            Dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/4 D); sandy loam; weak sub‐angular 

blocky; dry loose, friable; many fine roots; strongly acid (pH 5.4); 

diffuse boundary 

       Bw1          12‐32 cm         Brown (10YR 5/3 D); clay; weak medium sub‐angular blocky; dry hard, 

friable, non‐sticky, non‐plastic; few fine roots; medium acid  (pH 6.0); 

diffuse boundary 

.       Bw2          32‐55 cm         Brown(  10YR  5/3  D);  clay  loam; medium  sub‐angular      blocky;  dry 

hard; firm; sticky; plastic; slightly acid (pH 6.1); diffused boundary 

   .    Bw3          55‐110 cm +       Yellowish brown( 10YR 5/6 D); sand loam; massive; dry loose, friable, 

non‐sticky, non‐plastic; slightly acid (pH 6.4). 

                                                    

 Range in Characteristics:‐ 

Solum thickness ranges from 110‐130 cm. Soil colour varies from 10 YR in hues while 4‐5 in values and 3‐

6  in chroma. Surface texture horizons sandy  loam to  loam. Sub surface texture varies from clay to clay 

loam. Structure ranges from weak sub angular blocky to medium sub angular blocky. 

 Distribution and Extent: Patharia series covers an area of 566.03 Sq.Km in Jamtara District, Jharkhand.                                  

Type Location:‐   24° 16' 47'' N and 86° 34' 48'' E, Profile no 107, Sheet no 72 L/11 

Series Proposed/Status 

 Interpretation Grouping:‐ 

61 

i)   Land capability sub class   : ‐ II ii)  Irrigability sub class          : ‐ 2d   

Soil Analytical Data of Patharia Series 

Horizon

Depth cm

Sand %

Silt %

Clay %

Gravel (>2mm

)%

Bulk Density

(M gm-3) Moisture (m3 m3x100)

at pH

EC (ds

m-1) OC %

CaCO3 (g kg-1)

33kPa 1500kPa

Ap 0-12 78.9 3.6 17.5 NIL 1.7 19.1 11.2 5.4 0.04 0.53 NIL

Bw1 12 32 43.4 16.5 40.1 NIL 1.5 43.7 24.9 6 _ 0.13 NIL

Bw2 32-55 50.8 16.7 32.5 NIL 1.6 40.9 25.1 6.1 _ 0.18 NIL

Bw3 55-110 79.5 3.2 17.3 NIL 1.7 20.5 9.5 6.4 0.02 0.13 NIL

 

Extractable cations [ cmol(p+)kg-1]

Available(mg kg-1) Micro nutrients (mg litres-1)

Ca++ Mg++ Na+ K+

CEC [cmol(p+)kg-1]

BS

P2O5 K2O Zn++ Mn++ Cu++ Fe++ 3.8 1.4 0.3 0.3 7.9 73.4 3 58 1.32 20.7 3.4 37.7 6.8 3.2 0.4 0.6 16 68.7 3 40 0.61 25.7 3 23.6 5.6 3.3 0.4 0.4 13.8 70.2 3 50 0.3 10.1 1.1 9.1 3.7 1.6 0.3 0.2 7.9 73.4 3 48 0.17 5.9 0.5 5.8

                       

 

62 

SARWAN  SERIES:‐ 

Sarwan Series is a member of fine loamy, mixed, hyperthermic, Aquic Haplustepts and is in association 

with Patharia and Banshidharpur Series.  It comprises of dark grayish brown to dark brown, deep, well 

drained, clayey soil. They are developed over very gently sloping alluvial plains. They are having good 

water holding capacity. Medium to neutral in acidic reaction.  

These are high in organic matter on surface while deficient in available phosphorus. However these are 

sufficient  in available potassium. These are mainly used under paddy, maize, wheat, bangal gram and 

vegetables like potatoes. 

Typifying Pedon: 

 Genetic            Depth                     Morphological Description         Horizon            (cm) 

  

     Ap               0‐15cm          Dark grayish brown ( 10YR 4/2 D); clay; medium moderate sub‐angular 

blocky;  dry  very  hard,  very  firm,  very  sticky,  plastic; many  fine  roots; 

medium  acid  (pH  6.0);  gradual  smooth  boundary;  3cm  wide  crack 

developed upto50cm depth.  

 Bw1                 15‐40 cm     Very  dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2 D); silty clay; medium moderate 

sub angular blocky; dry very hard, very firm, very sticky, non plastic; 

many fine roots; neutral (pH 6.9); clear smooth boundary. 

     Bw2               40‐65 cm          Dark brown (10YR 3/3 D); clay loam; medium moderate sub‐angular 

blocky; dry very hard, firm, sticky, plastic; many fine roots; neutral (pH 

6.9). 

      C                    65+ cm            Weathered material                                

 

Range in Characteristics:‐ 

Solum thickness varies from 65 to 80 cm. the Ap horizon  is 12‐15 cm. thick with colour 10 YR and 4 as 

value and 2 as chroma. Sub soil colour varies from very dark grayish brown to dark brown. The thickness 

of sub surface horizon ranges from 40‐50 cm. the structure grades from medium moderate sub angular 

blocky to loose alluvial material of massive nature.  

 

63 

 Distribution and Extent: Sarwan series covers an area of 277.3 Sq.Km in Jamtara District, Jharkhand. 

 Type Location  :‐   24° 22' 24'' N and 86° 46' 45'' E, Profile no 144, Sheet no 72 L/15 

Series Proposed/Status 

 Interpretation Grouping:‐ 

i)   Land capability sub class   : ‐ II 

ii)  Irrigability sub class          : ‐ 2d 

Soil Analytical Data of Sarwan Series 

Horizon

Depth

cm

Sand

%

Silt

%

Clay

%

Gravel

(>2mm)%

Bulk Density

(M gm-3) Moisture (m3 m3x100)

at pH

EC

(ds m-1)

OC

%

CaCO3

(g kg-1)

33kPa 1500kPa

Ap 0-15 40.5 18.2 41.3 NIL 1.5 45.1 21.5 6 0.12 1.19 NIL

Bw1 15-40 16.5 43 40.5 NIL 1.5 44 20.5 6.9 0.25 0.27 NIL

Bw2 40-65+ 53.4 18.4 28.2 NIL 1.6 31.5 18.5 6.9 0.15 0.27 NIL

 

 

Extractable cations [ cmol(p+)kg-1]

Available(mg kg-1)

Micro nutrients (mg litres-1)

Ca++ Mg++ Na+ K+

CEC [ [cmol(p+)kg-1]

BS

P2O5 K2O Zn++ Mn++ Cu++ Fe++

8.8 2.5 0.8 0.5 19.5 64.6 4 150 2.46 28.4 6.3 29.5

8 4.7 0.8 0.5 18.4 76 3 72 0.23 9.8 1.6 5.3

4.8 3.9 0.3 0.3 12.9 72 4 64 0.56 10.6 1.2 5.4

 

64 

65 

DHABABAD  SERIES:‐ 

 

Dhababad Series is a member of fine, mixed, hyperthermic, Typic Haplustepts and is in association with 

Murabari, Chitra and Asabani Series. It comprises of deep to very deep soil, sandy clay loam, extremely 

acidic. Plough horizon is yellowish brown 5 YR, clay loam, medium acidic to slightly acidic, It is found to 

occur on gently sloping  lower Pedeplain on Sandstone as parent material. They are well drained with 

moderate permeability. 

The good available moisture content,  low  in organic matter and available phosphorus, and medium  in 

available potassium  in  surface while at  lower depth available potassium  is becoming deficient. Zinc  is 

deficient while  iron and manganese sufficient and  lowering down to sub soil. These are bunded paddy 

lands suitable to cultivation of paddy under rain fed conditions. 

 

Typifying Pedon: 

 Genetic            Depth                     Morphological Description         Horizon            (cm) 

  

     Ap            0‐10 cm        Brown ( 10 YR 5/3 D); sandy clay loam; fine weak sub angular blocky; 

dry hard, firm, slightly sticky, non‐plastic; many fine roots; extremely 

acid (pH 4.5); clear smooth boundary. 

     Bt1            10‐23 cm          Yellowish  brown  (  10  YR  5/4  D);  clay  loam;  fine weak  sub  angular 

blocky; dry hard, firm, sticky, plastic; thin discontinuous argillians; few 

fine roots; medium acid (pH 5.8); clear smooth boundary. 

     Bw1         23‐43 cm         Brown ( 10 YR 5/3 D); gravelly silt loam; fine weak sub angular blocky; 

dry  slightly  hard,  firm,  slightly  sticky,  plastic;  many  continuous 

argillians  few  fine  roots;  few  Fe‐Mn  concretions; medium  acid  (pH 

5.7); clear smooth boundary. 

      Bt2         43‐65 cm +           Yellowish brown ( 10 YR 5/4 D); silty clay; medium moderate sub 

angular blocky; few clay cracks, dry very hard, firm, sticky, plastic; 

thick patchy argillians; slightly acid (pH 6. 

 

 

 

66 

 

Range in Characteristics:‐ 

Solum depth ranges to 65‐90 cm. Texture of surface horizon ranges from sandy clay  loam to clay  loam 

and clay loam to silty clay in sub soil horizon. Soil colour of surface horizon varies from brown 10 YR 5/3 

to yellowish brown 10 YR 5/4 with a variation  in chroma ranging from 3‐4. The sub surface soil colour 

varies from yellowish brown to brown 10 YR 5/4 and 10 YR 5/3 excepting in the change in chroma. Soil 

structure varies from fine weak sub angular blocky to moderate medium sub angular blocky. 

 

 Distribution and Extent: Dhababad series covers an area of 32.47 Sq.Km in Jamtara district, Jharkhand                                

  

Type Location: ‐ 24° 09' 53'' N and 86° 49' 48'' E, Profile no 132, Sheet no 72 L/16 

Series Proposed/Status 

 Interpretation Grouping:‐ 

i)   Land capability sub class   : ‐ II ii)  Irrigability sub class          : ‐ 2d 

 

Soil Analytical Data of Dhababad Series 

Horizon Depth

cm Sand

% Silt %

Clay %

Gravel (>2mm)

%

Bulk Density

(M gm-3) Moisture (m3 m3x100)

at pH EC

(ds m-1) OC %

CaCO3 (g kg-1)

33kPa 1500kPa

Ap 0-10 63.5 15.3 21.2 NIL 1.6 28 15.2 4.5 _ 0.45 NIL

Bt1 10 23 55.5 14.5 30 NIL 1.6 34.1 18.5 5.8 _ 0.13 NIL

Bw1 23-43 36.4 38.6 25 NIL 1.5 31.2 15.7 5.7 _ 0.1 NIL

Bt2 43-65+ 24.5 40 35.5 NIL 1.5 39.2 18.9 6.5 _ 0.1 NIL

 

Extractable cations [ cmol(p+)kg-1]

Available(mg kg-1)

Micro nutrients (mg litres-1)

Ca++ Mg++ Na+ K+

CEC

[cmol(p+)kg-1]

BS

P2O5 K2O Zn++ Mn++ Cu++ Fe++

4.2 1.8 0.3 0.3 9.5 69.4 3 74 0.77 32.2 3.1 24.2

6.1 1.9 0.4 0.4 12.5 70.4 3 48 0.48 23.6 1.4 20.2

5.1 2 0.5 0.4 11.1 72 4 46 0.12 10.6 1.1 7.1

7 2.8 0.6 0.6 13 84.6 3 52 0.18 8.4 0.7 7

 

67 

ASABANI SERIES:‐ 

 

Asabani Series  is member of Fine, mixed, hyperthermic, Oxy‐aquic Haplustalfs. It consists of shallow to 

moderately deep, silty clay to clay with grayish brown to dark yellowish brown, very strong to medium 

acid developed over weathered Sandstone material. These Soils are found occurring on nearly  leveled 

lower Pediplain. 

These are low in erosion, well drained with moderate permeability. These are under rice (rain feed) with 

Bamboo, Mango and Tad as surrounding vegetation. 

 

These soils are deficient in available P2O5 and K2O and also deficient in Organic carbon and zinc. Asabani 

Series occurs in association with Dhababad Soil Series. 

 

Typifying Pedon: 

 Genetic           Depth                   Morphological Description         Horizon           (cm) 

  

      Ap                  0‐14 cm            Grayish brown ( 10 YR 5/2 D); silty clay; fine weak sub‐angular blocky; 

dry hard, firm, sticky, plastic; many fine roots; very strong acid (pH 

5.0); clear smooth boundary. 

 

      Bt1           14‐26 cm         Dark  yellowish  brown  (  10  YR  4/4  D);  clay; medium moderate  sub 

angular blocky; dry  very hard,  firm,  very  sticky, plastic; patchy  thick 

argillians  many  fine  roots;  medium  acid  (pH  5.9);  abrupt  smooth 

boundary. 

       C                   26‐70 cm +       weathered sandstone. 

 

             

 

68 

    

Range in Characteristics:‐ 

The  Solum  thickness  is 26  cm. The Ap horizon  is 14  cm  thick with hues of 10YR and 5/2  to 4/2.  the 

texture surface horizon  is mainly silty clay  to clay. The  thickness of sub surface horizon  is 12 cm with 

colour with same hues as of surface horizons but values of 4 to 5 and cromas of 2‐4. the soil texture is 

predominantly clay. The structure grades from fine weak to medium moderate sub angular blocky. 

 

 Distribution and Extent: Asabani series covers an area of 19.56 Sq.Km in Jamtara district, Jharkhand                         

 

 Type Location:   24° 06' 43'' N and 86° 49' 07'' E, Profile no 134, Sheet no 72 L/16 

Series Proposed/Status: 

Interpretation Grouping: 

i)   Land capability sub class   :  II ii)  Irrigability sub class          :  2sd 

 

 Soil Analytical Data of Asabani Series 

 

Horizon Depth

cm Sand

% Silt %

Clay %

Gravel (>2mm)%

Bulk Density

(M gm-3) Moisture (m3 m3x100) at pH

EC (ds m-1)

OC %

CaCO3 (g kg-1)

33kPa 1500kPa

Ap 0-14 21.2 52.5 26.3 NIL 1.6 30.9 17 5 _ 0.36 NIL

Bt1 14-26 30.3 22.4 47.3 NIL 1.5 46.9 26 5.9 0.03 0.18 NIL

                         

 

Extractable cations [ cmol(p+)kg-1]

Available(mg kg-1)

Micro nutrients (mg litres-1)

Ca++ Mg++ Na+ K+

CEC

[cmol(p+)kg-1]

BS

P2O5 K2O Zn++ Mn++ Cu++ Fe++

3.8 2.2 0.5 0.5 10.6 56.6 4 48 0.59 32.5 2.8 37.3

10.9 3 0.7 0.8 19.7 78.1 3 44 0.39 28.2 1.1 15.6

 

69 

BARAMASIA  SERIES:‐ 

 

Baramasia Series is a member of fine loamy, mixed, hyperthermic, Lithic Ustorthents with association of 

Brindavan  forest  soil  series  and  Govindpur  soil  series.  These  soils  comprises  of  brown  to  yellowish 

brown, very shallow, excessively drained, severely eroded. These are developed over weathered Basalt 

on denudation hill. These are unbundled soils under open moderately deep densely mixed deciduous 

forest vegetation. 

These are strongly acid soils with poor moisture holding capacity. These soils have  low organic carbon, 

phosphorus and zinc however these are moderate to high  in available potassium. These are not fit for 

agriculture  due  to  topography.  It  should  be  protected  from  grazing  and  deforestation  by  adopting 

contour trenching, fencing and afforestation.  

Typifying Pedon: 

 Genetic            Depth                     Morphological Description         Horizon            (cm) 

  

      A                    0‐6.0 cm            Brown ( 10 YR 5/3 D); gravelly sandy clay loam;                                                             Fine weak sub angular blocky; dry loose; firm;                                                        Slightly sticky; non plastic; many fine roots; strongly                                                          acid (pH 5.4); clear smooth boundary.                                                           C                  6.0‐40 cm +        weathered basalt mixed with soil matrix. 

 

Range in Characteristics:‐ 

 

Solum depth ranges from 6 to 7.5 cm with dominant colours in hues of 10 YR and values 5/3. These soils 

have  no  diagnostic  horizon.  A  horizon  is  brown  underlain  by weathered  Basalt.  Although  texturally 

gravelly sandy clay loam but weak sub angular blocky structure.  

 

 Distribution and Extent: Baramasia series covers an area of 0.03 Sq.Km in Jamtara District.                                      

.              

70 

  

 

 Type Location: ‐   24° 51' 22'' N and 87° 39' 55'' E, Profile no 19, Sheet no 72 P/9 

Series Proposed/Status 

  

Interpretation Grouping:‐ 

i)   Land capability sub class   :  VIII ii)  Irrigability sub class           :   6ts 

 

Soil Analytical Data of Baramasia Series 

Horizon Depth

cm Sand

% Silt %

Clay %

Gravel (>2mm)%

Bulk Density

(M gm-3) Moisture (m3 m3x100) at pH

EC (ds m-1)

OC %

CaCO3 (g kg-1)

33kPa 1500kPa

A 0-6 54.6 14.3 31.1 15.3 1.5 33.7 18 5.4 _ 0.26 Nil

                         

 

Extractable cations [ cmol(p+)kg-1]

Available(mg kg-1)

Micro nutrients (mg litres-1)

Ca++ Mg++ Na+ K+

CEC

[cmol(p+)kg-1]

BS

P2O5 K2O Zn++ Mn++ Cu++ Fe++

5.6 1.7 0.7 0.6 12.7 67.7 3 170 0.88 15.3 1.2 12.4

                       

 

71 

GOVINDPUR  SERIES:‐ 

Govindpur Series is a member of fine, mixed, hyperthermic, Lithic Haplustepts and is in association with 

Baramasia and Sahargaon Series. These are having reddish yellow to strong brown, medium acidic, clay 

to silty clay texture, The B horizon underlain by  lateritic material of Basaltic origin. These are severely 

eroded, excessively drained. They have moderate water holding capacity, medium acidic,    

These are  low  in organic matter and available phosphorus. While high  in available potassium. They are 

mostly  under  denudation  hill with moderately  steep  to  steep  sloping  land with  degraded  forest,  no 

cultivation patches occur in this area.  

Typifying Pedon: 

 Genetic            Depth                   Morphological Description         Horizon            (cm) 

  

      A1                   0‐9 cm              Reddish yellow ( 7.5 YR 6/6 D); clay; fine weak sub                                                         angular blocky; dry slightly hard, firm, sticky, plastic;                                                                            ex. fine roots; medium acid (pH 5.9); clear smooth                                                         boundary.  

    Bw1                  9‐20 cm            Strong brown (7.5 YR 5/8 D); silty clay; medium moderate  subangular blocky; dry hard, firm, sticky, slightly plastic; medium acid (pH 5.9); clear wavy boundary. 

 

      C                  20‐58 cm           Laterite (Basalt). 

 

Range in Characteristics:‐ 

Solum  thickness  ranges  from  15‐20  cm.  Surface  soil  is  reddish  yellow  becoming  strong  brown  in 

subsurface soil. Although hue is 7.5 YR, values varies from 5‐6 6‐8 in chroma. Surface texture varies from 

clay  loam to clay while sub soil texture varies from clay to silty clay. Surface structure confines to fine 

weak sub angular blocky becoming moderate medium sub angular blocky. 

 

Distribution and Extent: Govindpur series covers an area of 0.05 Sq.Km in Jamtara district, Jharkhand 

                                              

72 

   

 

 Type Location: ‐   24° 41' 09'' N and 87° 44' 08'' E, Profile no 11, Sheet no 72 P/10 

Series Proposed/Status 

Interpretation Grouping:‐ 

i)   Land capability sub class   : ‐ VII ii)  Irrigability sub class          : ‐ 6ts  

Soil Analytical Data of Govindpur Series 

 

Horizon Depth

cm Sand

% Silt %

Clay %

Gravel (>2mm)

%

Bulk Density

(M gm-3) Moisture (m3 m3x100)

at pH EC

(ds m-1) OC %

CaCO3 (g kg-1)

33kPa 1500kPa

A1 0-9 39.5 20.1 40.4 NIL 1.5 42.9 24.9 5.9 0.04 0.62 NIL

Bw1 9 20 16.4 41.3 42.3 NIL 1.5 44.5 24.9 5.9 _ 0.4 NIL

 

Extractable cations [ cmol(p+)kg-1]

Available(mg kg-1)

Micro nutrients (mg litres-1)

Ca++ Mg++ Na+ K+

CEC

[cmol(p+)kg-1]

BS

P2O5 K2O Zn++ Mn++ Cu++ Fe++

8.9 3.4 0.7 0.6 17.4 75.8 3 274 1.27 20.8 1 22.8

8.8 3.2 0.7 0.6 16.9 78.1 3 84 0.2 3.8 0.6 4.8

73 

CHANDANA  SERIES:‐ 

Chandana Series is a member of fine loamy, mixed, hyperthermic, Typic Haplustepts. It is in association 

with Khoripania series and Sikarpur series. It consists of very shallow to shallow , gravelly  loamy sandy 

surface soil with high brown to brown, extremely acid to strongly acid. Solum is developed over gneissic 

rock these are found to occur on strongly to moderately sloping on Pediment. These are moderately to 

strongly  eroded, well  drained. moderate  to  rapid  permeability.  These  are  unbunded  under  densely 

mixed deciduous forest vegetation. 

 

The series has low organic carbon, small phosphorus, low zinc, while high in available potassium. Due to 

restriction  in  solum  depth    these  soils  cannot  be  brought  under  cultivation,  however  it  should  be 

protected from grazing and deforestation 

 

Typifying Pedon: 

 Genetic           Depth                   Morphological Description         Horizon           (cm) 

 

    A1                   0‐9 cm            Light  brown(  7.5YR  6/4 D);  gravely  loamy  sand; massive;  dry  loose, 

friable,  common  fine  roots;  extremely  acid  (pH  4.3);  clear  smooth 

boundary. 

 

     Bw1                9‐26 cm           Brown( 7.5YR 5/4 D); clay loam; medium weak sub angular blocky; dry 

hard, firm, sticky, plastic; few fine roots; strongly acid (pH 5.4); 

gradual smooth boundary.  

 

      C                   26‐58 cm +        Weathered material.                            

  

                           

 

    

74 

 

Range in Characteristics:‐ 

Solum thickness is restricted to 20‐26 cm. Surface horizon is 9 cm thick with 7.5YR 6/4, while subsurface 

is found brown  in colour 7.5YR 5/4. Surface texture  is gravelly  loamy sand with sub soil texture as clay 

loam  underlain  by Gneissic weathered material.  Structure  grades  from massive  to weak  sub  angular 

blocky. 

 Distribution and Extent: Chandana series covers an area of 20.23 Sq.Km in Jamtara District, Jharkhand. 

                                              

 Type Location  :‐   24° 43' 07'' N and 87° 22' 01'' E, Profile no 61, Sheet no 72 P/6 

Series Proposed/Status 

Interpretation Grouping:‐ 

i)   Land capability sub class   :‐ VI ii)  Irrigability sub class          :‐  6ts  Soil Analytical Data of Chandana Series 

Horizon

Depth

cm

Sand

%

Silt

%

Clay

%

Gravel

(>2mm)%

Bulk Density

(M gm-3) Moisture (m3 m3x100) at pH

EC

(ds m-1)

OC

%

CaCO3

(g kg-1)

33kPa 1500kPa

A1 0-9 68.7 20.4 10.9 18.5 1.7 16.5 6.4 4.3 0.04 0.59 NIL

Bw1 9 26 43.2 15 28.2 NIL 1.6 32 16.5 5.4 _ 0.1 NIL

                         

 

Extractable cations [ cmol(p+)kg-1] Available(mg kg-1) Micro nutrients (mg litres-1)

Ca++ Mg++ Na+ K+

CEC [cmol(p+)kg-1]

BS P2O5 K2O Zn++ Mn++ Cu++ Fe++

2.3 0.6 0.2 Traces 5.1 60.7 3 136 1.17 31 1.2 21.3

5.4 3.7 0.4 0.3 11.8 83 3 124 0.87 24.2 0.7 16.9

                       

 

75 

SIKARPUR  SERIES:‐ 

Sikarpur Series is a member of fine loamy, mixed, hyperthermic, Typic Ustorthents and is in association 

with Khoripania, Chandana and Dumka Series. These are shallow, loamy soils having light reddish brown 

colour, slightly acidic. A horizon underlain by weathered material of gneissic origin. These soils are found 

to occur on gently to moderately sloping uplands on Pediplain. They are moderately to severely eroded, 

well drained, slightly acidic in reaction. 

They are poor in available moisture content, moderate in organic carbon and available potassium, while 

deficient in available phosphorus and zinc. These are occasionally covered with open forest but normally 

they are under open shrubs.  

Typifying Pedon: 

 Genetic            Depth                   Morphological Description         Horizon            (cm) 

 

         A                   0‐12cm           Light reddish brown( 5YR 6/4 D); loam; massive; dry loose, friable, 

non‐sticky, non plastic, many fine roots; slightly acid (pH 6.1); clear 

smooth boundary. 

         C                  12‐63cm +       Weathered material. 

 

Range in Characteristics:‐ 

Solum  thickness  is not more  than 12‐20  cm. A horizon 12‐15  cm.  thick, with  colours  in hues as  light 

reddish brown of 5 YR and 6/4 with values and chromas. Texture of surface horizon varies from loam to 

sandy loam. Structure is almost massive throughout. 

 

 Distribution and Extent: Sikarpur series covers an area of 14.12 Sq.Km in Jamtara District, Jharkhand 

Type Location  :‐   24° 07' 14'' N and 87° 09' 06'' E, Profile no 75, Sheet no 72 P/4 

Series Proposed/Status 

Interpretation Grouping:‐ 

i)   Land capability sub class   :‐ VI ii)  Irrigability sub class          :‐  6ts 

 

76 

 

Soil Analytical Data of Sikarpur Series 

 

Horizon

Depth

cm

Sand

%

Silt

%

Clay

%

Gravel

(>2mm)%

Bulk Density

(M gm-3) Moisture (m3 m3x100)

at pH

EC

(ds m-1)

OC

%

CaCO3

(g kg-1)

33kPa 1500kPa

A 0-12 49.7 30.3 20 NIL 1.5 27.9 15.2 6.1 _ 0.63 NIL

 

 

Extractable cations [ cmol(p+)kg-1] Available(mg kg-1) Micro nutrients (mg litres-1)

Ca++ Mg++ Na+ K+

CEC [ [cmol(p+)kg-1]

BS P2O5 K2O Zn++ Mn++ Cu++ Fe++

5.4 1.7 0.2 0.3 8.6 88 3 124 0.45 20.3 0.3 9.7

 

77 

BARAN  SERIES:‐ 

Baran Series is a member of fine loamy, mixed, hyperthermic, Typic Haplustepts. This series is associated 

with Dumkaladak series and Khoripania series. It comprises of  very pale brown to brown and yellowish 

brown, very deep  ,moderately well drained, non calcareous, moderate erosion. Clay  loam  to silty clay 

developed over Gneissic material on very gentle slope confining to upper Pediplain. 

These  are  extremely  acidic  to  strong  acidic  throughout  the  solum.  They  are  deficient  in  available 

phosphorus and zinc while medium in organic carbon and available potassium. They are paddy lands on 

nearly level to gently sloping and are mostly used for rainfed rice. 

Typifying Pedon: 

 Genetic            Depth                   Morphological Description         Horizon            (cm) 

 

        Ap          0‐10 cm         Very  pale  brown(10YR  7/4  D);clay  loam; massive;  dry  slightly  hard, 

friable, slightly sticky, non plastic; many fine roots; extremely acid (pH 

3.9); clear smooth boundary. 

      A21             10‐32 cm          Light yellowish brown( 10YR 6/4 D);clay  loam;  fine weak sub angular 

blocky;  dry  hard,  friable,  sticky,  plastic;  few  fine  roots;  few  iron 

concretions; extremely acid (pH 3.7); gradual smooth boundary. 

       Bw1              32‐48 cm           Brown( 10YR 5/3 D);clay loam; weak medium sub‐angular blocky; dry 

hard, friable, sticky, plastic; strongly acid (pH 5.1); clear smooth 

boundary. 

       Bw2             48‐85+ cm           Yellowish brown( 10YR 5/4 D); silty clay; weak                                                                    medium sub angular blocky; dry very hard, firm,                                                                 sticky, plastic; strong acid (pH 5.1).  

  Range in Characteristics:‐ 

They are very pale brown to brown to yellowish brown with colours dominantly in the hues of 10 YR and 

values and cromas 7‐6 and 4‐3 respectively. Solum thickness is more than 85 cm. the texture of surface 

horizon  is mainly clay  loam  to  silty  clay  loam. Structure grades  from  fine weak  sub angular blocky  to 

weak medium sub angular blocky.  

 Distribution and Extent: Baran series covers an area of 184.49 Sq.Km in Jamtara District, Jharkhand 

                                                

 Type Location  :‐   24° 59' 20'' N and 87° 10' 33'' E, Profile no 59, Sheet no 72 P/1 

78 

Series Proposed/Status 

Interpretation Grouping:‐ 

i)   Land capability sub class   :‐ II ii)  Irrigability sub class          :‐  2d iii) Productivity potential 

 

Soil Analytical Data of Baran Series 

Horizon

Depth

cm

Sand

%

Silt

%

Clay

%

Gravel

(>2mm)%

Bulk Density

(M gm-3) Moisture (m3 m3x100) at pH

EC

(ds m-1)

OC

%

CaCO3

(g kg-1)

33kPa 1500kPa

Ap 0-10 53.3 18.8 27.9 NIL 1.7 33.4 16.5 3.9 0.02 0.63 NIL

A21 10 32 51.9 19.6 28.5 NIL 1.7 33.9 16.1 3.7 _ 0.1 NIL

BW1 32-48 51.7 29 19.3 NIL 1.7 28.4 16.2 5.1 _ 0.1 NIL

BW2 48-65 15.4 41.9 42.7 NIL 1.5 45.9 26.4 5.7 0.09 0.1 NIL

                         

 

Extractable cations [ cmol(p+)kg-1] Available(mg kg-1) Micro nutrients (mg litres-1)

Ca++ Mg++ Na+ K+

CEC [cmol(p+)kg-1]

BS P2O5 K2O Zn++ Mn++ Cu++ Fe++

5.7 2.7 0.4 0.4 14.2 64.8 3 68 0.51 7.4 2.4 31.9

5.1 2.1 0.2 0.2 12.4 61.3 4 42 0.04 28.2 1.3 20.8

4.4 2.6 0.1 0.2 8.3 78.4 4 44 0.55 19.8 1.7 14.15

9.3 5.1 0.5 0.6 12.5 79.4 3 50 0.45 19.6 0.9 25.5

                       

 

79 

DUM‐KALADEK  SERIES:‐ 

Dum  Kaladek  Series  is  a  member  of  fine  loamy,  mixed,  hyperthermic,  Typic  Haplustalfs  and  is  in 

association with Baran, Patharia, Khoripania, Bathantoli Series. These are deep to very deep, clayey soil 

having brownish yellow, strongly acidic. B horizons are silty loam to gravelly clay loam, medium acidic to 

slightly acidic at  lower depth. These sols are  found  to occur on very gently  to gently sloping on  lower 

Pediplain  developed  over Gneissic  parent material.  These  are moderately  eroded, well  drained with 

standing water column at a depth of 90 cm. 

They have good water holding capacity. Up to the depth of 77 cm. iron and Manganese concretions are 

impregnated  in a consecutive to horizon from Ap  layer. These are  low  in organic matter and available 

phosphorus but moderate in available potassium. they are mostly under paddy cultivation.  

Typifying Pedon: 

 Genetic           Depth                   Morphological Description         Horizon            (cm) 

 

    Ap                  0‐18 cm                Brownish yellow( 10YR 6/6 D); clay; massive; dry hard;       firm, sticky, plastic; many fine roots; few Fe‐Mn concretions; strongly acid(pH 4.8); clear smooth     

                                                        boundary; 2.5cm wide cracks.        

   Bw1               18‐43 cm               Yellowish   brown ( 10YR 5/6 D); silt loam; fine weak                                                                    sub angular blocky; dry slightly hard, friable, slightly                                                             sticky, non‐plastic; few fine roots; few Fe‐Mn                                                                 concretions; medium acid(pH 6.0); clear smooth                                                                 boundary.        

Bw2              43‐77 cm                 Strong brown ( 7.5YR 6/6 D); gravelly clay loam;                                                               medium moderate sub‐angular blocky; dry hard, firm,                                                               sticky, plastic; many Fe‐Mn concretions slightly acid                                                            (pH 6.5); clear wavy  boundary       

    BW3              77‐90 cm +            Brown ( 7.5YR 5/4 D); sandy clay loam;  medium weak                                                               Sub‐angular blocky; dry hard, firm, sticky,                                                                plastic; neutral (pH 6.6).                                                     Standing water at depth of 90cm  

                                        

 

80 

Range in Characteristics:‐ 

Solum depth  varies  from 70‐90  cm. Texture of  surface  soil  is  clay  to  silty  clay  loam. The  sub  surface 

horizons  varies  from  silt  loam  to  gravelly  clay  loam  to  sandy  loam with  colour  variation  as  yellowish 

brown 10 YR 5/6, 7.5 YR 6/6 and 7.5 YR 5/4 hues of surface soil horizons remains the same while valus 

ranges from 5/6, chroma remains 6 as concurrent. The sub surface colour variation hues in 10 YR while 

Changes  to  7.5  YR with  a  variation of  values  ranging  from  5‐6  and  chroma  varies  from  4‐6.  The  soil 

structure varies from massive to fine weak sub angular blocky. 

 

Distribution and Extent: Dum kaladek series covers an area of 167.9 Sq.Km in Jamtara District, 

Jharkhand. 

 Type Location: ‐   24° 24' 47'' N and 87° 17' 55'' E, Profile no 30, Sheet no 72 P/7 

Series Proposed/Status 

 Interpretation Grouping:‐ 

i)   Land capability sub class   :‐ II ii)  Irrigability sub class          :‐  2d 

 

Soil Analytical Data of Dum kaladek Series 

Horizon

Depth

cm

Sand

%

Silt

%

Clay

%

Gravel

(>2mm)%

Bulk Density

(M gm-3) Moisture (m3 m3x100)

at pH

EC

(ds m-1)

OC

%

CaCO3

(g kg-1)

33kPa 1500kPa

Ap 0-18 44.7 14.2 41.1 NIL 1.6 44.2 24.1 4.8 0.02 0.22 NIL

Bw1 18-43 47.4 32.4 20.2 NIL 1.6 28.1 15.5 6 _ 0.22 NIL

Bw2 43-77 51.6 18.2 30.2 15.4 1.6 38.2 19.5 6.5 _ 0.13 NIL

Bw3 77-90+ 57.2 7.8 35 NIL 1.6 41 24.2 6.6 _ 0.13 NIL

                         

 

 

 

81 

 

Extractable cations [ cmol(p+)kg-1] Available(mg kg-1) Micro nutrients (mg litres-1)

Ca++ Mg++ Na+ K+

CEC [cmol(p+)kg-1]

BS P2O5 K2O Zn++ Mn++ Cu++ Fe++

6.1 4.5 0.7 0.4 17.8 65.7 4 84 1.04 26.5 3.6 30.1

4.4 1.9 0.3 0.4 9.6 72.9 3 56 0.41 25 1.1 10.7

5.1 3.2 0.5 0.3 13.5 67.4 4 78 1.04 26.5 2.4 11.9

7.7 2.9 0.6 0.4 15.9 72.9 4 106 1.3 29.9 1.7 13.6

                       

 

82 

BARARA  SERIES:‐ 

Barara Series  is a member of fine  loamy, mixed, hyperthermic, Typic Haplustepts.  It  is associated with 

Patharia series.  It comprises of brown  to dark yellowish brown, deep, well drained,  loamy, developed 

over Gneissic lower Pediplain under gently to very gentle slope. 

They are slightly acid  throughout,  low  in organic carbon, non calcareous,  low  in available phosphorus 

and zinc but medium in available potash. These are mainly used for paddy maize and wheat in patches. 

Typifying Pedon: 

 Genetic            Depth                   Morphological Description         Horizon            (cm) 

 

        AP             0‐19 cm         Brown(  10YR  5/3  D);  loam; massive;  dry  loose,  friable; many  fine 

roots; slightly acid (pH 6.1); clear smooth boundary. 

 

    A11                19‐38 cm        Dark yellowish brown( 10YR 4/4 D);  loam; massive; dry  loose, friable; 

few fine roots; slightly acid (pH 6.1); clear smooth boundary. 

 

    A21                   38‐70cm         Dark  yellowish brown( 10YR 4/4 D);  clay  loam; massive; dry  slightly 

hard, firm, sticky, plastic; few fine roots; slightly acid (pH 6.2); abrupt 

irregular boundary. 

     C                   70‐85 cm +      Yellowish  brown(  10YR  5/8  D);  sand;  massive;  dry  loose,  friable; 

slightly acid (pH 6.3). 

Range in Characteristics:‐ 

Solum thickness is 60‐ 70 cm. Ap horizon is 10‐19 cm thick with colours in hues of 10 YR with values of 4‐

5 and cromas of 3‐4 respectively. Texture of surface horizon is mainly loam to clay loam. The thickness 

of subsurface horizon is more than 60‐70 cm. The texture is predominantly loam. 

 Distribution and Extent : Barara series covers an area of 273.6 Sq.Km in Jamtara District, Jharkhand. 

 Type Location  :‐   24° 55' 54'' N and 87° 91' 20'' E, Profile no 57, Sheet no 72 P/1 

 

 

 

83 

Series Proposed/Status 

Interpretation Grouping:‐ 

i)   Land capability sub class   :‐ II ii)  Irrigability sub class          :‐  2d 

 

Soil Analytical Data of Barara Series 

Horizon

Depth

cm

Sand

%

Silt

%

Clay

%

Gravel

(>2mm)%

Bulk Density

(M gm-3) Moisture (m3 m3x100) at pH

EC

(ds m-1)

OC

%

CaCO3

(g kg-1)

33kPa 1500kPa

Ap 0-19 44.3 28 27.7 NIL 1.6 35.4 17.2 6.1 _ 0.31 NIL

A11 19-38 41.3 29.5 29.2 NIL 1.6 35.6 16.5 6.1 0.04 0.31 NIL

A21 38-70 48.4 21.9 21.9 NIL 1.6 33.2 15.9 6.2 _ 0.18 NIL

                         

 

 

Extractable cations [ cmol(p+)kg-1] Available(mg kg-1) Micro nutrients (mg litres-1)

Ca++ Mg++ Na+ K+

CEC [cmol(p+)kg-1]

BS P2O5 K2O Zn++ Mn++ Cu++ Fe++

6.4 1.8 0.5 0.4 12.5 72.8 3 58 0.46 26.6 1.4 22.1

5.2 2 0.6 0.4 13.2 62.1 4 60 0.56 23 1.2 24.7

6.5 2.3 0.5 0.5 14.1 69.5 3 58 0.33 18.7 1 17.6

                       

 

84 

MURABARI  SERIES:‐ 

Murabari  Series  is  a  member  of  coarse  loamy.  mixed,  hyperthermic,  Typic  Ustorthents  and  is  in 

association with Sarjori, Chitra, and Dhababad Series. These are very  shallow  to  shallow, and  reddish 

yellow  in colour. Strongly acidic,  loamy soil underlain by weathered Sandstone parent material. These 

are  found  to  occur  on moderate  to  strongly  sloping  pediment.  These  are moderately  eroded,  well 

drained, rapidly permeable soil. They have poor moisture holding capacity.  

 

These  are  strongly  acidic  with  low  in  organic  matter  and  available  phosphorus  and  Zinc  but  are 

moderate  in  available potassium.  these  are mostly under mixed  forest occasionally  some patches of 

cultivated rice are found under bunding.  

Typifying Pedon: 

 Genetic            Depth               Morphological Description         Horizon            (cm) 

  

       A11               0‐6 cm          Reddish yellow ( 7.5 YR 7/6 D); loamy sand ;fine sub‐angular blocky; dry 

slightly hard; few fine roots; very strongly acid (pH 4.8); clear smooth 

boundary. 

 

      A12              6‐20 cm          Reddish yellow (7.5 YR 6/6 D); gravelly sandy clay loam; moderate medium 

sub angular blocky; dry slightly hard, firm; few fine roots; strongly acid 

(pH 5.1); clear smooth boundary. 

 

        C                20‐70 cm +      Weathered sandstone  

 

. 

 

 

 

 

85 

Range in Characteristics:‐ 

Solum depth ranges from 15‐20 cm. Texture of surface horizon ranges from  loamy sand to sandy  loam 

and  that  in subsurface  is sandy  loam  to gravelly sandy clay  loam. Colour  is reddish yellow  throughout 

with 7.5 YR as hues while values changes from 6‐7 chroma remain as 6 throughout. Structure is weakly 

developed to finely developed sub angular blocky. While subsurface structure is moderate medium sub 

angular blocky.   

 

 Distribution and Extent: Murabari series covers an area of  27.7 Sq.Km in Jamtara District,  

                                         Jharkhand.              

 Type Location  :‐   24° 07' 07 ''N and 86° 49' 59'' E, Profile no 135, Sheet no 72 L/16 

 

Series Proposed/Status 

 Interpretation Grouping:‐ 

i)   Land capability sub class   :‐ VI ii)  Irrigability sub class          :‐  2d 

 

Soil Analytical Data of Murabari Series 

 

Horizon Depth

cm Sand

% Silt %

Clay %

Gravel (>2mm)

%

Bulk Density

(M gm-3) Moisture (m3 m3x100)

at pH

EC (ds

m-1) OC %

CaCO3 (g kg-1)

33kPa 1500kPa A11 0-6 91.8 3.2 5 NIL 1.7 13 5.2 4.8 0.03 0.26 NIL A12 6 20 69.2 8.1 22.7 17 1.6 31.5 15 5.1 _ 0.18 NIL

 

 

Extractable cations [ cmol(p+)kg-1] Available(mg kg-1) Micro nutrients (mg litres-1)

Ca++ Mg++ Na+ K+

CEC [cmol(p+)kg-1]

BS

P2O5 K2O Zn++ Mn++ Cu++ Fe++ 1.1 Traces 0.1 Traces 2.2 54.5 3 72 0.56 15.8 0.3 13.3 3.9 2.1 0.3 0.5 10.3 66 3 60 0.03 27.4 0.2 14.9

 

86 

CHITRA  SERIES:‐ 

Chitra Series is a member of fine loamy, mixed hyperthermic, Typic Haplustalfs and is in association with 

Sarjori, Murabari and Dhababad Series. They are deep to very deep soils, sandy clay loam to clay loam, 

strongly  acidic.  Bt  horizons  are  comprises  of  sandy  clay  and  gravelly  sandy  clay  loam  underlain  by 

Sandstone  parent  material.  These  are  found  to  occur  on  very  gently  to  gently  sloping  on  upper 

Pediplain. They are moderately eroded, well drained, good paddy land. 

 

They  have  good  water  holding  capacity  and  are  deficient  in  organic matter  and  phosphorus  while 

sufficient in available potassium. These are mostly under rain fed paddy. 

Typifying Pedon: 

 Genetic            Depth             Morphological Description         Horizon            (cm) 

  

        Ap               0‐9 cm         Reddish yellow ( 7.5 YR 7/8 D); sandy clay loam ;massive; dry slightly hard, 

firm,  non‐sticky,  non‐plastic;  few  common  roots;  strongly  acid  (pH 

5.2); clear smooth boundary. 

   

      Bt1               9‐32 cm        Reddish yellow ( 7.5 YR 6/6 D); sandy clay loam ;massive; dry slightly hard, 

firm; few fine roots; strongly acid (pH 5.4); clear wavy boundary. 

                           

      Bt2                32‐42 cm      Light brown ( 7.5 YR 6/4 D); gravelly sandy clay loam    

                                                   ;moderate medium sub‐angular blocky ; dry hard, firm;     

                                                   thick patchy argillans few fine roots; strongly acid  

                                                   (pH 5.5); diffuse boundary. 

 

       Bt3          42‐65 cm +    Strong brown ( 7.5 YR 5/6 D); gravelly sandy clay loam; medium sub‐angular 

blocky; dry hard,  firm;  thick patchy argillians  few  fine roots; strongly 

acid (pH 5.1). 

                                    

 

87 

Range in Characteristics:‐ 

Solum depth varies from 65‐90 cm. texture of surface soil is sandy clay loam with reddish yellow, 7.5 YR 

7/8 to light brown 7.5 YR 6/4 in hues of 7.5 YR values varies 6‐7 respectively. The sub surface colour of 

Bt horizon varies from reddish yellow to strong brown with a variation  in values from 5‐6 chroma. The 

structure varies from massive to medium moderate sub angular blocky.  

 Distribution and Extent: Chitra series covers an area of 12.37 Sq.Km in Jamtara District,  

                                         Jharkhand.              

 Type Location  :‐   24° 06' 01'' N and 86° 51' 53'' E, Profile no 130, Sheet no 72 L/16 

Series Proposed/Status 

Interpretation Grouping:‐ 

i)   Land capability sub class   :‐  II ii)  Irrigability sub class          :‐  2d  

Soil Analytical Data of Chitra Series 

 

Horizon Depth

cm Sand

% Silt %

Clay %

Gravel (>2mm)%

Bulk Density

(M gm-3) Moisture (m3 m3x100) at pH

EC (ds m-1)

OC %

CaCO3 (g kg-1)

33kPa 1500kPa Ap 0-9 72.2 7.8 20 NIL 1.6 27.9 15.9 5.2 _ 0.22 NIL Bt1 9 32 65.4 6 28.6 NIL 1.6 32.1 14.5 5.4 _ 0.1 NIL Bt2 32-42 48.5 15 36.5 14.5 1.6 40.5 20.3 5.5 _ 0.1 NIL Bt3 42-65+ 44.5 20 35.5 15 1.6 40.1 19.9 5.1 _ 0.13 NIL

                         

 

 

Extractable cations [ cmol(p+)kg-1] Available(mg kg-1) Micro nutrients (mg litres-1)

Ca++ Mg++ Na+ K+

CEC [[cmol(p+)kg-1]

BS

P2O5 K2O Zn++ Mn++ Cu++ Fe++ 3.4 1.5 0.3 0.3 9.1 60.4 4 130 0.76 16.9 0.6 17.2 3.8 2 0.4 0.4 13 50.7 3 164 0.66 8.5 0.4 7.8 5.3 1.5 0.6 0.5 14.8 69 4 108 0.16 12.3 0.5 7.6 6.8 1.4 0.6 0.6 14.5 64.8 3 130 0.27 13 0.6 8.2

                       

 

88 

SARJORI  SERIES:‐ 

Sarjori Series is a member of Coarse loamy, mixed, hyperthermic, Typic Haplustepts and is in association 

with Murabari and Chitra  Series.  It  comprises brownish  yellow  to  yellowish brown and brown, deep, 

loamy  sand,  well  drained,  developed  over  weathered  Sandstone  on  moderately  to  slightly  sloping 

pediment.  

 

These  are  very  strong  acid  to  strongly  acidic  in  nature, moderate  in moisture  content,  deficient  in 

organic matter and available phosphorus, moderate in available potassium. these are mostly under the 

cover of mixed deciduous forest.  

           

Typifying Pedon: 

 Genetic              Depth               Morphological Description         Horizon              (cm) 

  

      A11             0‐13 cm         Brownish yellow ( 10YR 6/6 D); loamy sand ;single grained to sub‐angular 

blocky; dry loose, very friable; many fine roots; very strongly acid (pH 

4.7); diffuse boundary. 

 

     A12             13‐28 cm     Yellowish  brown  (  10YR  5/6 D);  sand  loam; moderate medium  sub‐

angular  blocky;  dry  loose,  friable;  common medium  roots;  strongly 

acid (pH 5.5); diffuse boundary. 

 

                              

      A2                    28‐55 cm       Brown ( 10YR 5/3 D); sand loam; moderate medium sub‐angular blocky; 

dry loose, friable; common medium roots; strongly acid (pH 5.3). 

 

      C                       55+             Weathered    material. 

 

 

                      

89 

 

Range in Characteristics:‐ 

Solum  thickness  ranges  from  50‐60  cm.  underlain  by weathered  Sandstone material. Upper  horizon 

ranges brownish yellow 10 YR 6/6  loamy sand, while subsurface horizons becomes yellowish brown 10 

YR 5/6, sandy  loam, while  last  layer confines to brown 10 YR 5/3. Structure varies from single grain on 

surface to medium weak subangular blocky. 

 Distribution and Extent: Sarjori series covers an area of  17.87 Sq.Km in Jamtara District,  

                                         Jharkhand.              

Type Location: ‐   24° 81' 23'' N and 86° 50' 25'' E, Profile no 136, Sheet no 72 L/16 

 

Series Proposed/Status 

Interpretation Grouping:‐ 

i)   Land capability sub class   :‐ VI ii)  Irrigability sub class          :‐  2d  

Soil Analytical Data of Sarjori Series 

 

Horizon Depth

cm Sand

% Silt %

Clay %

Gravel (>2mm)

%

Bulk Density

(M gm-3) Moisture (m3 m3x100)

at pH

EC (ds

m-1) OC %

CaCO3 (g kg-1)

33kPa 1500kPa A11 0-13 90.7 3.2 6.1 NIL 1.7 14.4 6.3 4.7 _ 0.18 NIL A12 13-28 77.5 5.3 17.2 NIL 1.6 29.1 15.5 5.5 _ 0.35 NIL

A2 28-55+ 78.4 3.4 18.2 NIL 1.7 28.9 16 5.3 _ 0.18 NIL

 

 

Extractable cations [ cmol(p+)kg-1] Available(mg kg-1) Micro nutrients (mg litres-1)

Ca++ Mg++ Na+ K+

CEC [ [cmol(p+)kg-1]

BS

P2O5 K2O Zn++ Mn++ Cu++ Fe++ 1.2 0.1 2.7 48.1 3 72 1.19 18.2 1.4 17.9 3.2 1.4 0.2 0.3 8.8 57.9 3 70 0.49 14.2 0.6 12.1 3 1.6 0.2 0.4 8.1 64.1 3 66 66 32.7 1.6 25.9

 

90 

Banshidharpur series (0604040512010502)

Banshidharpur series is a member of fine, montmorilonitic, hyperthermic family of Vertic Haplustepts. Banshidharpur series comprises brown to yellowish brown and light olive brown, very deep, moderately well drained, calcareous silty clays. They are developed over old alluvium on very gently sloping (1-3%) alluvial plains.

Typifying Pedon Banshidharpur clay

Horizon Depth (cm) Morphological description Ap 0-18 Dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/4 M); clay; strong, medium sub

angular blocky; firm, sticky and plastic; many, very fine pores; many, fine to medium calcium concretions; about 1 cm wide vertical cracks; common, fine to medium roots; slight to strong effervescence on calcium concretions; clear, smooth boundary;

B21 18-40 Light olive brown (2.5Y 5/3 M); clay; strong, medium sub angular blocky; very firm, very sticky and very plastic; many, very fine pores; common, fine to medium calcium concretions; shiny pressure faces; about 1 cm wide vertical cracks; common, fine to medium roots; slight to strong effervescence; on calcium concretions; diffuse, smooth boundary;

B22 40-65 Light olive brown (2.5 Y 5/3 M); clay; strong, coarse angular

blocky; extremely firm, very sticky and very plastic; many, very fine pores; few, fine calcium concretions; shiny pressure faces; few fine roots; slight to strong effervescence; diffuse, smooth boundary;

B23 65-105+ Light olive brown (2.5Y 5/3 M) clay; strong, coarse angular blocky; extremely firm, very sticky and very plastic; many, very fine pores; few, fine calcium concretions; shiny pressure faces and distinct slickenside; slight to strong effervescence.

Range in characteristics: The soil thickness is more than 100 cm. The Ap horizon is 12-18 cm thick with colors in hues of 10YR and 2.5Y with values of 4-5 and chromes’ of 3-4, respectively. The texture of surface horizon is mainly silty clay to clay. The thickness of

91 

subsurface horizons is more than 90 cm with colors in same hues as of the surface horizon but values of 3-5 and chromes’ of 2-4. The soil texture is predominantly clay. The structure grades from strong medium sub angular blocky to strong coarse angular blocky. Shiny pressure faces and weakly developed slicken slides appear below 12-18 cm from the surface. About 1 cm wide vertical cracks occur on surface and continue up to about 40 cm below. Calcium concretions are found spread over the surface and in the profile but soil give effervescence below 40 cm depth from the surface. Algae micro-relief is found in uncultivated soils whereas sink holes are common on cultivated soils.

 

Distribution and Extent : Banshidharpur series covers an area of  46.22  Sq.Km in Jamtara District, 

Jharkhand. 

Use and vegetation: These soils are mostly used for rainfed rice and pulses. At places they are also found under wasteland and scrub (mainly acacia sps). The natural vegetation consists of Acacia arabica, Azadirachta indica, Zizyphus jujuba, Lantana camera and Calotropis.

Location: Village: Asabani Tahsil: Baharagora

District: East Singhbhum Profile No. 909

Interpretative Groupings:

Land Capability Subclass - IIes

Soil Irrigability Class - B

Land Irrigability Subclass - 2sd

Hydrologic Soil Grouping - D

Productivity Potential - High

92 

Analytical Data

Particle size distribution

(%)

Soil reaction

(pH)

EC

(ds/m-

1)

Series

symbol

Soil series

Profile No.

Depth

Sand Silt

Clay

Texture

Bulk densi

ty

1:2 soil water suspension 

0-18 15 30 55 c 1.60 7.7 0.23

18-40 15 30 55 c 1.65 8.33 0.1

40-65 25 20 55 c 1.60 8.4 0.13

8

Banshidharpur

909

65-105 10 35 55 c 1.58 8.53 0.11

Exchangeable cat ions me/100 gm soil

Organic

Carbon %

CaCO3

% Ca Mg Na K

CEC (me/100 gm

soil) BS

Avail. P2O5

(Kg/ha)

Avail.

K2O

(Kg/ha)

1.1 - 20.4 8.6 0.6 0.6 43 70 4 620

0.4 - 24.4 10.8 0.5 0.2 45 80 5 245

0.2 3 21.2 11.2 0.4 0.3 41 81 3 340

0.2 - 11 22 0.4 0.3 41 82 2 280

93 

Amra Series (AR1-2)

Amra series is a member of loamy skeletal, shallow, mixed, hyperthermic family of Lithic Ustorthents. It

consists of very shallow to shallow loamy skeletal soils with dark brown to yellowish brown, strongly acidic

AC horizons developed over granite gneiss parent material. These soils are found to occur on strongly to

extremely sloping hill side slopes. These are severely eroded, well to excessively drained with moderately

slow to moderate permeability. These are unbunded soils under open moderately dense mixed deciduous

forest vegetation.

Amra soils have poor moisture holding capacity due to high runoff and skeletal materials. The series has

high organic carbon due to good forest cover, high K2O but low P2O5 availability. These are not fit for

agriculture due to its topography. It should be protected from grazing and deforestation by contour

trenching, fencing and afforestation.

Amra occurs in association with R.O.C., Dumka, Ichak and Baghiari soil series. Proper soil and water

conservation measures are highly essential to protect these soils from being denuded and maintain its

fertility and valuable vegetative cover.

Typifying Pedon: Amra gravelly sandy loam (Natural Forest Vegetation)

Genetic Horizon

Depth (cm)

Morphological Description

AC 0-18 Dark brown (7.5 YR 3/2 m); gravelly sandy loam; weak, fine granular; slightly sticky, non plastic and friable, abundant gravelly and stony coarse fragments; many, very fine to fine pores; abundant very fine, fine and medium roots; abrupt and smooth boundary; pH-5.50.

C 18-40 Weathered patent materials of gravelly and stony nature.

R 40-50+ Consolidated parent rock of granite gneiss origin.

Range in Characteristics: - Solum depth ranges from 18 to 24 cm. with colours dominantly in hue of 7.5

YR or 5 YR and values and chromas of 3-5 and 5-6 respectively. Soil moisture regime is ustic, AC

Horizons are 18 to 25 cm; in thickness. There soils have no diagnostic horizon other than Ochric

epipedon. Horizons are complexes of A and C and can be separated by the presence of nature, size and

amounts of coarse fragments present in the soil. AC horizons are brown to dark brown and strong brown

94 

in colour, gravelly sandy loam to gravelly loam texture and weak, fine, granular to moderate medium sub

angular blocky and massive structures.

Distribution and Extent : Amra series covers an extensive area of 3.12

Sq.Km in Jamtara District, Jharkhand). It is met with in all the 6 districts on North Chhotanagpur division. East/ West Singhbhum and Saraikel Kharsawan and Sahibganj Pukur, Godda, Devgarh Dumka and Jamtara districts of Jharkhand state.

Type location : Profile No. 11 of 72L/4 located near kasmakurha, P.S. Dungri, District Giridih, (Jharkhand).

Series Proposed Status& status : All India soil and land use survey, Regional Centre, Kolkata (1977)/ Established.

Interpretation grouping i) Land capability sub-class ii) Irrigability sub-class iii) Productivity potential

: : : :

VII -est 6st Poor

Soil Analytical data of Amra (AR2) Series [72L/4-11]

pH EC/dSm Mechanical Analysis

<2mm Soil Genetic Horizon

Soil Depth

(cm)

Gravels %

1 : 2

S :W

Org. Carbon

%

CaCO3 %

Sand

% Silt %

Clay %

Textural Class

AC 0-18 40 5.5 0.13 1.31 --- 65.0 16.0 19.0 Gravelly Sandy loam

C 18-40 --------------------------------------------- Weathered Parent Material ----------------------------------------

R 40-50+ ------------------------------------------------- Consolidated Parent Rock-------------------------------------

Available Nutrients Soil Moisture Kpa

CEC & Exch.Cations (m.e/100g) Macro

(kg/ha) Micro (p pm)

Soil Depth (cm)

C.E.C Ca++ Mg++ Na+ K+

Base Saturation

%

P2 O5

K2O Zn Fe Cu Mn S

E.S.P. B.D. g/cm3

330 1500

0-18 12.0 2.5 0.9 0.30 1.1 40 7.5 525 4.66 107 4.9 21.2 12.30 6.3 1.46 22.11 9.78

18-40 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Weathered Parent Material ------------------------------------------------------------------

40-50+

----------------------------------------------------------- Consolidated Parent Rock (Granite Gneiss) ----------------------------------------------------

95 

18. Dumka Series (D2): [Photo Plate – R-6-12] [72H/12-1] [Established]

Dumka series is a member of loamy skeletal shallow mixed, hyperthermic family of Typic Ustorthents. It

consists of shallow, loamy skeletal soils with light brown to brown, strongly acidic, gravelly loamy sand to

gravelly sandy loam. AC1 horizon and strongly acidic reddish gray to yellowish brown, gravelly sandy

loam to gravelly sandy clay loam AC2 horizon developed over granite gneiss parent material. These soils

are found to occur on gently to moderately sloping plateau plains having convex slope. These are

severely eroded, well drained with moderately rapid permeability yielding high runoff. These soils are

unbunded, mostly under forest cover and lying waste, but occasionally cultivated for small millets under

rain fed conditions and yields are poor.

Dumka soils are poor in moisture holding capacity due to high percentage of coarse fragments and its

shallow depth, high organic carbon due to good forest cover, medium K2O availability but very low

available P2O5. These soils are not fit for cultivation but can be better used for agro-forestry and pasture

development. These soils cover an extensive area through out the state.

Dumka occurs in association with Amra Laxmipur and Ichak, soil series. Dumka soils require sustainable

soil and water conservation measures like afforestation and contour trenching. Prevention of cattle

grazing will improve grass and vegetative forest covers to prevent the prevailing severe erosion.

Cultivation of these lands should not be encouraged. They are lying mostly as cultivable and non-

cultivatable waste and fallow land having good potential for agro-forestry.

Typifying Pedon: Dumka gravelly loamy sand (Native vegetation and pasture)

Genetic Horizon

Depth (cm)

Morphological Description

AC1 0-12 Light brown (7.5 YR 6/3 d) and brown (7.5 YR 5/3 m); gravelly loamy sand; weak, fine, granular to massive; non sticky non plastic, friable and loose; abundant coarse fragments; many very fine to fine pores; abundant very fine roots; clear and smooth boundary; pH-5.40.

AC2 12-23 Light reddish brown (5 YR 6/3 d) and reddish brown (5 YR 5/3 m); gravelly sandy loam; moderate, medium sub-angular blocky to massive; slightly sticky, non plastic and loose; abundant coarse fragments of gravel size; many very fine to fine pores; few fine roots; abrupt and smooth boundary; pH-5.34.

96 

Range in Characteristics: Solum depth ranges from 18 to 24 cm. Soil moisture regime is marginally

Ustic. AC horizons are 18 to 25 cms in thickness. These soils have no diagnostic horizons except ochric

epipedon. Horizons are complexes of A and C and are separated by texture, colour and amount of coarse

fragments in the pedon. Surface layers are 10-12 cm thick having the same thickness of underlying sub-

surface. Texture of the surface layer ranges from gravelly loamy sand to gravelly sandy loam with gravelly

sandy loam to gravelly sandy clay loam sub-surface layers Colour ranges from dark yellowish brown to

strong brown on the surface in hues of 7.5 YR to 5 YR with values and chromas of 4-5 and 2-4

respectively and brown to reddish brown in the sub-surface in hues of 5 YR to 7.5 YR with values and

chroma of 4-5 and 3-8 respect layers. Structure of the surface layer is single grained to sub-angular

blocky and massive in the surface and sub-surface layers respectively. Its B.I.R is moderately rapid (8.0-

cm/hr).

Distribution and Extent : Dumka Soils covers an area of 11.06 Sq.Km in Jamtara District, Jharkhand. It is met with in all the 6 districts of North Chottanagpur division; East/ West Singhbhum and Saraikela Kharsawan and Sahibganj, Pukur, Godda, Devgarh, Jamtara and Dumka from which it got the name.

Type location : Profile No. 1 of 72H/12 located near the Shiva Mandir at Jhumra Village, P.S. Jhumra, Distt. Hazaribagh, Jharkhand.

Series Proposed/status : All India Soil & Land use survey, Reg. Centre Kolkata (1977).Established.

Interpretation groupings: i) Land capability sub class ii) Irrigability sub-class iii) Productivity potential

: : :

VI -es 6 st Poor

Soil Analytical data of Dumka (D2) series] [72H/12-1]

pH EC/dSm Mechanical Analysis

<2mm Soil Genetic Horizon

Soil Depth

(cm)

Gravels %

1: 2

S W

Org. Carbon

%

CaCO3 %

Sand%

Silt %

Clay %

Textural Class

AC1 0-12 40 5.40 0.02 0.82 - 80.0 17.4 12.6 Loamy Sand

AC2 12-23 60 5.34 0.03 0.32 - 72.0 14.0 14.0 Sandy Loam

C 23+ ------------------------- Weathered Parent material of granite gneiss -----------------------

97 

Available Nutrients Soil Moisture kpa

CEC & Exch. Cations (m.e/100g)

Macro (kg/ha)

Micro (p pm)

Soil Depth (cm)

C.E.C Ca++ Mg++ Na+ K+

Base Saturation

%

P2 O5

K2O Zn Fe Cu Mn S

E.S.P. B.D. g/cm3

330 1500

0-12 7.0 3.8 0.4 0.16 0.81 64.0 10.0 315 1.75 29.2 0.9 10.8 14.4 3.6 1.49 12.12 4.79

12-23 9.6 3.9 0.3 0.16 0.92 55.0 7.5 300 - - - - - 3.0 1.48 16.48 7.71

23+ -------------------------------------------------------------- Weathered parent material of granite – gneiss--------------------------------------------------------

Dumka Series – Convex uplands on granite –gneiss landscape, cultivated, fallows and wastelands shallow, brown to light reddish brown, gravelly sandy loam, well drained soils. Loamy skeletal, shallow, mixed hyperthermic family of Typic Ustorthents.

98 

REFERENCES CONSULTED

AIS & LUS (1971) Soil Survey Manual IARI, New Delhi India

FAO (1979) Soil Survey Investigation for Irrigation. FAO Soil Bulletin N.42 FAO Rome

FAO (1979) Land Evaluation Criteria For Irrigation, World Soil Resources Report No- 50, FAO Rome.

Jackson, M.L. 1958, Soil Chemical Analysis, Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, U.S.A.

Lal, S, S.B.Deshpnde, and J. Sehagal (1994) Soil Series of India. Publication No 40, National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, Nagpur, 684 PP

Murthy, R.S. , L.R.Hirekerur, S.B. Deshpande, and B.V. Venkat Rao (eds) 1982, Benchmark Soils of India, National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land use Planning, Nagpur 374 pp

Soil Survey Division Staff (1951) Soil Survey Manual Agril. Handbook 18, USDA, Washington, D.C. U.S.A.

U.S.D.A. handbook for Soil profiling and Munsell colour chart for idea of soil colour.

Soil Survey Staff (1975) Soil Taxonomy Agril Handbook 43, USDA, Washington, D.C. U.S.A. 754 pp

Soil Survey Manual – Publication No 146 – Technical Bulletin.

Soil Survey Staff (1994) Keys to soil Taxonomy, 6th edn Soil Conservation Services USDA, Washington, D.C. U.S.A.

99 

List of Tables in Jamtara Soil Report

Table No 2.1 Rainfall data for Jamtara district 10

Table No 3.1 Production of Crops in Jamtara district 15

Table No 3.2 Fruit Production in Jamtara district 16

Table No 3.3 Jamtara district at a glance 17

Table No 3.4 Block wise Details of Jamtara 17

Table No 4.1 Details of satellite image data used for Interpretation 21

Table No 4.2 Standard legend table 22

Table No 4.3 Standard table of mapping units and series association with 16 digit code 26

Table No 4.4 Mapping Units and their soil series association 29

Table No 5.1 Soil-Land form relationship 33

Table No 7.1 Details of Land Capability class II in Jamtara district 41

Table No 7.2 Details of Land Capability class IV in Jamtara district 42

Table No 7.3 Details of Land Capability class VI in Jamtara district 43

Table No 7.4 Details of Land Capability class VII in Jamtara district 43

Table No 7.5 Details of Land Capability class VIII in Jamtara district 44

Table No 7.6 Details of Land Irrigability and hydrological grouping of soils 45

Table No 7.7 Details of Land Irrigability classes in Jamtara district 46

Table No 7.8 Efficient cropping system for different rain dependent regions 49

Table No 7.9 Suitable pasture species details in Jamtara district 51

Table No 7.10 Hydrological grouping table 52

Table No 7.11 Land hydrological grouping in Jamtara district 53

100 

List of Figures in Jamtara Soil Report

Fig No 2.1 Land use Pattern of Jamtara 14

Fig No 3.1  Production of crops in Jamtara district 15

Fig No 3.2  Mango Orchard in Jamtara district 16

Fig No 3.3 Population data for Jharkhand State 18

Fig No 4.1  Flow diagram for methodology of soil mapping project 20

Fig No 4.2  Toposheet data reference 21

List of Plates in Jamtara Soil Report

Plate No - 1 Soils of Jamtara district on Rajmahal traps 30

Plate No - 2 Soils of Jamtara district on Gneisses and Gondwanas rock types. 31

Plate No - 3 Soil distribution in Jamtara district 34

Plate No - 4 Soil distribution in Jamtara district 35

Plate No - 5 Soil distribution in Jamtara district 36

101 

Annexure-1- Soil Profile Data Sheet

 

102