Indian soils and resource planning

Recognise properties, not just colours

Black soil is also called regur. It is associated with the Deccan plateau and is suitable for cotton cultivation. Its clay-rich structure retains moisture. Alluvial soils are river-deposited and widespread in the northern plains.

Laterite soils develop in conditions of high temperature and heavy rainfall with intense leaching. A soil name alone does not determine agricultural success: slope, water, management and local conditions also matter.

Plan before exploiting

Resource planning includes identification and assessment, a suitable institutional and technological framework, and coordination with broader development plans. In revision, connect resource use with conservation rather than assuming every resource should be exploited immediately.