Major Soils of Asia

Major soil types that make up Asia's landscapes and influence agricultural productivity are remarkably diverse. Each soil type tells a different story about the environmental conditions and agricultural potential of the region, from the fertile Chernozem or Black soils of Russia to the dry Desert soils of Central and Southwest Asia, and from the crimson Red or Laterite soils in Southeast Asia to the yellow or red-yellow soils of China.

Features of Major Soils of Asia

Here are the descriptions of major soils of Asia −

Podzel Soil

This soil is deficient in certain biological components and other chemicals. While acidic elements continue to predominate. In this kind of soil, fertilizers are required to boost agricultural production. A long winter and brief summer have an impact on this soil's construction. This soil is thin and ashes-like, and it has a shallow depth. The most advanced climates are where you can find this dirt. This soil is primarily found in northern China and north-western Japan, as well as in the middle and southernmost regions of Siberia, where there is a prefatic for the fabled bench woods.

Tundra Soil

This Tundra soil has a lot of iron but little organic material. The parent rocks in this area fragment relatively slowly because of the low annual temperature. This soil is frequently inappropriate for agricultural use because it is deficient in fine particles and fertile components. The soil here is a pale brown colour. This dirt can be up to a few centimetres thick. This type of soil is seen on the Asian continent, specifically in the tundra regions of northern Siberia. Most of the year, a thick covering of snow is resting on the land here.

Chernozem or Black Soil

The soil in this category is dark and has tiny soil particles. This soil is rich in lime, nitrogen, and organic matter. From the perspective of agricultural output, this soil is regarded as rich and has a considerable capacity for water utilization. It is primarily found in regions with a semiarid climate. Chernozem soils are found in Siberian prairie grasslands, the Deccan Plateau in northwest India, and north-eastern China on the Asian continent.

Chestnut or Brown Soil

This soil has a similar appearance to Chernozem soils, but chestnut soils are darker and contain less organic matter. It's either light brown or black. On these soils, there are pastures, but irrigation can also increase agricultural yield. Chestnut soils are found in the Anatotia Plateau, in the vast northern plains of India, and in the steppe grassland regions of Soviet Central Asia and Central Siberia.

Desert Soil

This kind of soil doesn't contain many fossils. The upper layer of this has a salt and lime fraction majority. This dirt is pale in colour and has fine particles. The largest amount of arid soil may be found in the Asian continent. These dry, arid places have this kind of soil. The main desert soils of the Arabian Peninsula, the Iranian intermediate plateau, and the hot desert region of Dhar, Mongolia, and Soviet are located in Central Asia's desert region and southern Siberia.

Red or Laterite Soil

The soil here is crimson in colour. Iron content is abundant in the upper layer of this soil, which lacks organic matter and minerals. It is thought to be less fertile for farming. When performing agricultural operations, the soil's fertility quickly runs out. In areas with a hot and humid climate, this soil is present. The presence of laterite soil can be found in Burma, southern India, Sri Lanka, the majority of Indochina, and the eastern island groupings of Asia.

Yellow or Red-Yellow Soil

This soil is yellow or very pale in colour. Fossils are absent. It still has a significant amount of the iron component. Long summers and enough rain cause the fertile soil above to flow to the lower area, where it becomes less fruitful. Suitable for the cultivation of tobacco, groundnuts, and coarse cereals. This soil can be found in eastern China, southern China, southern Japan, and the eastern portion of India's southern plateau on the Asian continent.

Mountain Soil

Mountain soil has irregularly sized particles, frequently has a thin layer on top, and occasionally lacks fossils. Fertile soil is frequently found in the valleys, making this soil generally unsuitable for farming. On the intermountain high plateau and intermediate high mountain regions of the Asian continent, this type of soil is present.

List of Major Soils of Asia

Here's a table showcasing the major soils found in Asia and their predominant locations −

Soil Type	Predominant Locations
Podzel Soil	Russia (Siberia), Northern China, Mongolia
Tundra Soil	Northern Siberia, Arctic regions (Russia, Alaska)
Chernozem or Black Soil	Russia (Ukraine, Western Siberia), Kazakhstan
Chestnut or Brown Soil	China, India, Southeast Asia
Desert Soil	Central and Southwest Asia (Gobi Desert, Arabian Desert)
Red or Laterite Soil	India, Southeast Asia, parts of China
Yellow or Red-Yellow Soil	China, Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Cambodia)
Mountain Soil	Himalayan region (India, Nepal, Bhutan), Central Asia

Conclusion

There are many different types of major soils in Asia, each with its own characteristics and geographic distribution. These soils have a significant role in determining the ecosystems and agricultural productivity of the region, from the Podzel soils of northern China to the Tundra soils of Siberia and from the Chernozem or Black soils of Russia to the Red or Laterite soils found in India and Southeast Asia.

The Yellow or Red-Yellow soils of China and Southeast Asia, the Desert soils of Central and Southwest Asia, and the Mountain soils of the Himalayan region all add to Asia's vast soil diversity.

Frequently Asked Question

Which soil type is predominant in Russia?

Chernozem or Black soil is predominant in Russia, particularly in Ukraine, Western Siberia, and Kazakhstan.

Where can Tundra soils be found in Asia?

Tundra soils are predominantly found in northern Siberia and Arctic regions of Russia and Alaska.

What is the major soil type in Southeast Asia?

Chestnut or Brown soil is the major soil type in Southeast Asia, including China, India, and other countries in the region.

What are the primary locations of Desert soils in Asia?

Desert soils are primarily found in Central and Southwest Asia, including the Gobi Desert and Arabian Desert.

Which soil type is characteristic of the Himalayan region?

Mountain soils are characteristic of the Himalayan region, including India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Central Asia.