Forest–Mountain Soils
Forest–Mountain Soils are a heterogeneous group of soils, meaning they don’t follow one fixed pattern. They are like a quilt—different patches depending on altitude, slope, vegetation, and rock type.
Just like you find different styles of houses in a mountain village depending on the slope and view—these soils differ from one point to another, even if they’re side by side.
Key Point:
- Found mostly in hilly or mountainous areas covered with forests.
- Formed by the decomposition of forest vegetation → lots of organic matter.
- Soil thickness depends on slope gradient:
- Gentle slopes → deeper soils.
- Steep slopes → thin or no soil due to erosion.
🧪 Formation: What Factors Influence Forest Soils?
The character of these soils depends on:
| Factor | Role |
|---|---|
| Organic Matter | Leaves, wood, and forest debris decompose and mix with the soil, enriching it. |
| Parent Rock | Determines mineral content. |
| Topography | Influences soil thickness and erosion. |
| Climate | Controls the speed of weathering and decomposition. |
So even two nearby regions can have different types of forest soils—one may be loamy, the other acidic and rocky. That’s why they’re highly variable.
📍 Distribution of Forest–Mountain Soils
These soils cover about 2.85 lakh sq. km or 8.67% of India’s land.
Found in:
| Region | Description |
|---|---|
| Himalayan Region | In valleys, gentle northern slopes, and less steep areas. |
| Peninsular India | On Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, and other hill ranges. |
Note: The southern slopes of Himalayas (steep and sun-facing) lose soil rapidly due to erosion—so soils form only in north-facing or sheltered areas.
⚗️ Chemical Properties
| Property | Status |
|---|---|
| Humus | High (due to forest cover) |
| Potash, Lime, Phosphorus | Low |
| Fertility | Varies. Needs fertilisers for intensive farming |
Think of this like a compost-rich but mineral-deficient soil. It’s great for natural vegetation, but for agriculture, we need to add nutrients.
🌾 Agricultural Use: Crops in Forest Soils
Though not naturally rich in minerals, when properly managed (through irrigation, fertilisers), they can support important hill crops.
| Region | Crops |
|---|---|
| Peninsular Forest Region (Ghats, Nilgiris) | Tea, Coffee, Spices (Cardamom, Pepper), Tropical Fruits |
| Himalayan Forest Region | Wheat, Maize, Barley, Temperate Fruits (Apples, Plums, Peaches) |
Their use in plantation crops (tea, coffee) makes them economically important despite poor mineral content.
🧠 Conclusion: Why Forest–Mountain Soils Matter
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Nature | Heterogeneous, shallow to deep depending on slope |
| Source | Organic matter from forests + weathered rock |
| Rich in | Humus |
| Poor in | Potash, Phosphorus, Lime |
| Found in | Himalayas, Western & Eastern Ghats |
| Main Crops | Tea, Coffee, Spices, Fruits, Wheat, Maize |
Forest–Mountain Soils are like gifted but inconsistent students—they can perform really well, but they need support and care in the form of manures and protection from erosion.
