Desert Soil

The desert soils occur in western Rajasthan, Saurashtra, Kutchchh, western Haryana and southern Punjab. The occurence of these soils is related to desert and semi-desertic conditions and is defined by the absence of water availability for six months.

The soil is sandy to gravelly with poor organic matter, low humus contents, infrequent rainfall, low moisture and long drought season. The soils exhibit poorly developed horizons. Plants are widely spaced.

Chemical weathering is limited. The colour of the soil is either red or light brown. Generally, these soils lack the basic requirements for agriculture, but when water is available, variety of crops like cotton, rice, wheat, etc. can be grown with proper dose of fertilizers.