Difference Between Bhangar and Khadar

In the Geography chapter 'Physical Features of India' (Class 9), the massive Northern Plains are formed by the alluvial soil brought down by the Himalayan rivers. This alluvial soil is divided into two distinct categories based on its age and location: Bhangar and Khadar.

Question (Click to Flip)

Which states are mostly covered by these soils?

Answer

States located in the Indo-Gangetic plain, such as Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal, are primarily covered by Bhangar and Khadar soils.

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Key Facts

Together, Bhangar and Khadar make the Northern Plains the most agriculturally productive and densely populated region in India.

A third, related term is 'Bhabar', which is a narrow belt of porous pebbles at the very foot of the Himalayas where river streams completely disappear underground.

1. What is Bhangar?

Age: Bhangar represents the older alluvial soil.
Location: It is found in the higher reaches of the river valleys, far away from the active river beds. It forms terrace-like features above the floodplains.
Flooding: Because it is located on higher ground, floodwaters do not reach here every year. Therefore, the soil is not renewed naturally.
Composition: It contains a high concentration of calcareous deposits locally known as 'Kankar' (calcium nodules/small pebbles).
Fertility: It is less fertile and requires more chemical fertilizers for agriculture.

2. What is Khadar?

Age: Khadar represents the newer, younger alluvial soil.
Location: It is found in the lower-lying active floodplains, directly next to the river banks.
Flooding: Because it is in the floodplain, the river floods this area almost every year, depositing a fresh, new layer of fine silt.
Composition: It consists of very fine, smooth particles with almost no Kankar nodules.
Fertility: Because it is renewed annually with fresh minerals, it is highly fertile and is ideal for intensive agriculture (like growing wheat and sugarcane).

3. Summary of Differences

Feature	Bhangar	Khadar
Age	Old Alluvium	New Alluvium
Location	Away from the river (higher ground)	Near the river banks (floodplains)
Renewal	Not renewed frequently	Renewed almost every year by floods
Texture	Coarse, contains 'Kankar' nodules	Very fine, smooth, and sandy
Fertility	Less fertile	Highly fertile

Questions and Answers

Which states are mostly covered by these soils?+

States located in the Indo-Gangetic plain, such as Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal, are primarily covered by Bhangar and Khadar soils.

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