Natural Vegetation of India

Natural vegetation refers to a plant community which has grown naturally without human aid and has been left undisturbed by humans for a long time.

1. Classification of Forests in India

Based on rainfall and temperature, Indian forests are divided into:

1. Tropical Evergreen and Semi-Evergreen Forests:
   • Found in high rainfall areas (>200 cm). Western Ghats, NE India, Andaman Islands.
   • Species: Rosewood, Mahogony, Ebony.
2. Tropical Deciduous Forests (Monsoon Forests):
   • Most widespread forest in India.
   • Moist Deciduous: (100-200 cm rain). Teak, Sal, Sheesham. Found in foothills of Himalayas, Odisha, Chhattisgarh.
   • Dry Deciduous: (70-100 cm rain). Tendu, Palas, Bel. Found in UP, Bihar, and Peninsular regions.
3. Tropical Thorn Forests:
   • Arid areas (<50 cm rain). Rajasthan, Gujarat, dry parts of Deccan.
   • Species: Acacia (Babul), Cacti, Palms.
4. Montane Forests:
   • Height-wise variation in vegetation. Himalayan region.
   • Types: Wet Temperate (Oaks, Chestnuts), Pine, Alpine (Junipers, Birches).
5. Littoral and Swamp Forests (Mangroves):
   • Coastal areas influenced by tides. Salt-tolerant species.
   • Sunderbans (WB) is the largest mangrove forest. Species: Sundari trees.

2. Forest Cover and Conservation

• ISFR (India State of Forest Report): Published biennially by FSI (Forest Survey of India).
• National Forest Policy (1988): Aims to have 33% of geographic area under forest/tree cover.

3. Wildlife and Conservation

• Biosphere Reserves: Large areas for protecting entire ecosystems (18 in India, e.g., Nilgiri, Sunderbans).
• National Parks & Sanctuaries: Specific areas for protecting species.
• Projects: Project Tiger (1973), Project Elephant (1992).

Soils of India

Soil is the thin surface layer of the earth comprising mineral particles, organic matter, air, and water.

1. Major Soil Types (ICAR Classification)

1. Alluvial Soil: (40% area) Most fertile and widespread. Rich in potash, poor in phosphorous. Khadar (new) and Bhangar (old). Found in Northern Plains and Deltas.
2. Black Soil (Regur): (15% area) Volcanic origin (Deccan Trap). High water-retaining capacity. Best for Cotton. Deep cracks in dry season help in aeration.
3. Red and Yellow Soil: (18% area) Developed on crystalline igneous rocks. Red due to diffusion of iron. Found in dry areas of Deccan plateau, Odisha, Chhattisgarh.
4. Laterite Soil: Developed in areas with high temperature and heavy rainfall (extreme leaching). Poor in organic matter. Good for Tea, Coffee, Cashew. Found in Western Ghats, parts of Odisha, NE India.
5. Arid (Desert) Soil: Sandy structure, low organic matter. High salt content. Found in Rajasthan.
6. Saline and Alkaline Soils: High salt content due to poor drainage. Usar soils. Found in parts of UP, Punjab, Haryana, Coastal areas.
7. Peaty and Marshy Soils: Found in areas of heavy rainfall and high humidity. Rich in organic matter (Humus). Found in Kerala, coastal regions of WB.
8. Forest (Mountain) Soil: Varies with altitude. Rich in organic matter, acidic. Found in Himalayas.

2. Soil Erosion and Conservation

• Soil Erosion: Removal of topsoil by wind and water (Gully erosion in Chambal ravines).
• Conservation Methods: Contour ploughing, Terrace farming, Strip cropping, Shelterbelts, Crop rotation.