Characteristics of major soils of Banni mudflat in arid western India and their relationship with topography

Studies on the soil properties of the apparently flat-lying, but salt-affected Banni mudflat region of arid Kachchh in western India revealed the influence of subtle topographic variations on soil texture and nature and distribution of salts. Six master pedons were investigated to an average depth of 150 cm. The pedons on the upper surfaces showed an abundance of fine sand and a gradual impoverishment of silt and clay, as also lesser amounts of salts in the profiles. Pedons on the successively lower surfaces showed more silt and clay contents, as well as higher amounts of salts. The findings helped to identify the areas suitable for pasture development in this vast degraded rangeland, and to suggest some management practices for improvement.