Studies on Soil Variability Across Different Landscapes in Etawah District of Uttar Pradesh – A Case Study

Changes in soil characteristics in relation to physiography were studied in the alluvial plains of Etawah district, U.P. The study area extends from Chakarnagar to Bharthana. IRS-IB geo-coded satellite data on 1:50,000 scale was used for physiography interpretation. Six typifying pedons representing different physiographic units viz. active flood plain, recent alluvial plain, old alluvial plain and ravinous plain were studied for their morphology, physicochemical characteristics and classification. Soils of different landscape positions show different stages of pedogenic development and establish a good soil-physiography relationship in the area. In active flood plains, soils are prone to seasonal flooding and repeated sedimentation and are less developed. They are mostly Ustipsamments. In the recent alluvial plains soils are in the initial stages of development and are mostly Haplustepts. In the old alluvial plains soils are more stabilized and comparatively well developed. They show formation of carobic subsurface horizon and are generally Haplustepts. Ravinous plains are deformed lands prone to moderate to severe erosion and have limited soil development. Soils of this unit are mainly Ustorthents.