Pedogenic Development and Lithological Discontinuities in the Landtypes of the Ghaggar River Basin of Haryana and Punjab

Using the technique of remote sensing, major landtypes occurring in the area of Ghaggar river flowing through the states of Punjab and Haryana were delineated. The entire basin was divided into the upper, middle and lower reaches. From the study of morphological characteristics, physicochemical properties and of various parameters, pedogenic development was In the order: recent channel courses < levees and bars < relict channels < plains undifferentiated < old basins. Channels, levees and bars occurring near the present river lacked in pedogenic activity due to recent sedimental deposition, alternate mixed layers and more lithological breaks. Pedons in the relict channels and plains revealed the differentiation of cambic horizon, suggesting the inception of pedogenic activity. Micromorphological examination showed weak argillans only in the old basins. Ca/K and silt/sand ratios indicated the lithological breaks in all the land-types.