Characterization and Classification of Coastal Soils of Balasore, Orissa

On the basis of reconnaissance soil survey and physiographic setting, the soils of coastal areas of Balasore district, could be classified into three major physiographic units, viz. inland plain, coastal plain and lower delta. The soils of inland plain are lighter in texture, acidic in reaction and have lower salinity. The lower deltaic soils are heavier in texture, have higher cation exchange capacity, almost neutral pH and are more saline. The soil properties in the coastal plain are intermediate between inland plain and lower delta in respect of pH, salinity and cation exchange capacity. The soils of inland and coastal plains are taxonomically classified as Typic Endoaquepts but they have differences in the phase level. The lower deltaic soils are classified as Vertic Fluvaquents.