Arid and Desert Soils
Arid and Desert Soils
A large part of the arid and semi – arid region in Rajasthan and adjoining areas of Punjab
and Haryana lying between the Indus and the Aravallis receiving less than 50 cm of annual
rainfall is affected by desert conditions. This area is covered by a mantle of sand which
inhibits soil growth. The phosphate content of these soils is as high as in normal alluvial soils.
Nitrogen is originally low but its deficiency is made up to some extent by the availability of
nitrogen in the form of nitrates. Thus the presence of phosphates and nitrates make them
fertile soils wherever moisture is available. The changes in the cropping pattern in the Indira
Gandhi Canal Command Area are a living example of the utility of the desert soils.