Genesis of Soils on Different Geomorphic Surfaces in a Riverine Plain of Punjab

The soil profiles in upper terrace and channels show formation of an altered B or cambic horizon, formation of blocky structure, redistribution and reorganization of mobile soil constituents as evidenced by mottles and/or Fe Mn nodules and translocation of alkaline cations. The soils developed on foot-hills, alluvial fans, sand-bars, lower terrace and flood-plains are stratified, show AC profiles and soil properties are mostly inherited from the parent materials (alluvium). The relative similarities in the clay mineralogy, i.e., presence of smectite, Mite, kaolinite, chlorite minerals in the soils developed on different geomorphic surfaces irrespective of degree of pedogenesis suggest that the clay minerals are inherited from parent materials with very little in situ mineral alterations. A soil map of the area is given.