Genesis of Soils in Wet Temperate and Sub-Alpine/Moist-Alpine Climatic Zones of the North-West Himalayas

Four soil profiles, two each from wet temperate and sub-alpine/moist-alpine climatic zones of Kangra district (HP), lying in the north-west Himalayas, were studiedfor soil genesis. Profiles 1 and 2 developed under micaceous sandstone, mixed type of natural vegetation (Pinus roxburghii, Albizzia chinensis,etc.) and wet temperate climate, had well developed textural and structural B horizons. Their genesis is influenced by decalcification, illuviation, humification and melanization, and have been classified into Andieliaplohumult andUlticPaleudalfsub-grouplevels. Soilprofiles 3 and 4 owing their origin to shale. and slate with coniferous vegetation (especially Cedrus deodara) and subalpine/moist-alpineclimate didnotshowmuchhorizonation. Rather, theyarestill in the process of development, characterized by decalcification and humification pedogenic processesandclassified intoCumulic/lajJludollandEnticVermudoll. Despiteverystrong acidic reaction, mica was the dominant clay mineral followed by chlorite, mixed layer minerals, smectite, vermiculite and kaolinite. Plagioclase was of highly weathered nature