Uttar Pradesh can be broadly divided into three major soil zones: Alluvial soils of the Gangetic plain, Southern Red and Mixed soils, and Vindhyan/Bundelkhand tract soils.
- Alluvial Soil (Jallodh Mitti): Covers about 80% of UP's total land area, brought down by Himalayan rivers. Highly fertile, rich in potash and lime, but deficient in nitrogen and organic matter. Subdivided into Khadar (new alluvium) and Bhangar (old alluvium).
- Khadar (New Alluvium): Found in floodplains of rivers like Ganga and Yamuna. It is sandy-clayey to loam in texture, replenished annually by floods, highly suitable for paddy, wheat, and sugarcane cultivation.
- Bhangar (Old Alluvium): Found away from river floodplains at higher elevations. Contains kankar (calcareous nodules), less fertile than Khadar, requires intensive irrigation and fertilization.
- Red and Mixed Soils (Lal Evam Mishra Mitti): Found in southern districts bordering Madhya Pradesh (Jhansi, Mirzapur, Sonbhadra, Banda, Chandauli). Formed due to weathering of ancient crystalline rocks. Rich in iron oxide (giving red color), poor in nitrogen, phosphorus, and humus.
- Bundelkhand Tract Soils (Parwa, Mar, Kabar, Rakar): Specialized local soil classifications in the Bundelkhand region: 'Mar' is black cotton soil (clayey, sticky), 'Kabar' is heavy clay soil, 'Parwa' is sandy-loam (light soil), and 'Rakar' is sloping, eroded red soil found near hills.
| Soil Type | Key Districts / Region | Nutrient Status | Major Crops Grown |
|---|---|---|---|
| Khadar (New Alluvial) | River basins across Western & Central UP | Rich in Potash/Lime; Deficient in Nitrogen | Sugarcane, Paddy, Wheat, Vegetables |
| Bhangar (Old Alluvial) | Doab regions, Eastern UP uplands | Moderate fertility, needs nitrogen/phosphorus | Wheat, Maize, Bajra, Pulses |
| Mar & Kabar (Black Soils) | Mahoba, Hamirpur, Jhansi, Banda | High moisture retention, rich in iron/lime | Wheat, Gram, Jowar, Oilseeds |
| Parwa & Rakar (Red/Mixed) | Bundelkhand & Vindhyan tract | Low organic matter, acidic to neutral | Millets, Pulses, Sesame, Mustard |