Morphology, Genesis and Classification of Two Soil Profiles from the Dhauladhar Range of Middle Siwaliks

Two soil profiles from Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh were characterised in detail with respect to profile morphology, physical, chemical and physicochemical properties. These soils, experiencing high rainfall and low temperature are rich in organic matter, silt loam to silly clay loam in texture, acidic in pH, medium in N, P and K fertility status, low in soluble salts and free of CaCO₃. Basic oxide content is less than 3.3% and CEC varies from 10 to 22 m.e./100g soil, with Ca⁺⁺ as the dominating exchangeable cation. Total content of CaO is less than that of MgO. The profiles show characteristic eluviation of clay, sesquioxides and to some extent humus and have surface layers more siliceous than the lower horizons. Both the profiles have a well developed argillic sub-surface diagnostic horizon underlying an ochric epipedon. The pedons have been classified as Typic Hapludalf according to soil taxonomy.