Geography

Soil Types in India and Where They Are Found

India has several major soil groups. Alluvial soil is the most widespread and fertile, black soil (regur) is best for cotton, red soil forms on crystalline rocks, and laterite soil forms in heavy-rainfall regions through leaching.

Last reviewed 2026-10-15

Major soil types

Alluvial: Indo-Gangetic plains and coastal plains. New alluvium is khadar and old alluvium is bhangar. Suited to wheat, rice and sugarcane.
Black (regur): Deccan lava region of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. Clayey, retains moisture and is ideal for cotton.
Red: formed from crystalline rocks, red because of iron oxide. Poor in nitrogen, phosphorus and humus.
Laterite: heavy rainfall and alternating wet and dry seasons cause leaching. Found in Kerala, Karnataka, and hilly areas. Suited to cashew and tea.
Arid and desert: Rajasthan, low in humus and high in salts.
Saline and alkaline (also called usar or reh): found in dry regions and areas of poor drainage.
Peaty and marshy: found in Kerala (Kottayam and Alappuzha, called kari), and parts of Odisha and West Bengal.

Frequently asked questions

Which soil is best for cotton?

Black soil, also called regur.

Which is the most widespread soil in India?

Alluvial soil.

Why is red soil red?

Because of the presence of iron oxide.