Study Guides/Learn/Bhangar vs Khadar
Study Guide ยท Learn

Difference Between Bhangar and Khadar Soil

The massive Northern Plains of India are formed by the continuous deposition of silt and sand brought down by Himalayan rivers like the Ganga and Brahmaputra. This deposited soil is called Alluvial Soil. Based on its age and location relative to the river, alluvial soil is classified into two distinct types: Bhangar and Khadar.

Question (Click to Flip)

What is the difference between Bhangar and Khadar?

Answer

Khadar is highly fertile, new alluvial soil found near river banks and renewed yearly by floods. Bhangar is older, less fertile alluvial soil found on higher terraces containing hard calcium nodules (Kankar).

Card 1 of 3 free previews

Key Facts

Khadar: New, young alluvial soil.

Bhangar: Old, ancient alluvial soil.

Renewal: Khadar is renewed annually by floods; Bhangar is never renewed.

Texture: Khadar is fine and smooth; Bhangar is coarse and contains 'Kankar' (calcium nodules).

Fertility: Khadar is significantly more fertile than Bhangar.

What is Khadar?

Khadar is the New Alluvial Soil.

  • Location: It is found in the low-lying areas right next to the river banks (the floodplains).
  • Formation: Because these areas flood almost every single year during the monsoon, the river deposits a fresh, new layer of fine silt annually.
  • Fertility: Because it is renewed every year, Khadar soil is extremely fine, highly fertile, and ideal for intensive agriculture (growing wheat, rice, sugarcane).

What is Bhangar?

Bhangar is the Old Alluvial Soil.

  • Location: It is found on the higher terraces, far away from the active river banks.
  • Formation: This soil was deposited thousands of years ago when the river flowed at a higher level. Because it is located high up, modern floodwaters never reach it, so it is never renewed.
  • Fertility: Bhangar is relatively less fertile than Khadar. It is coarse and contains a high concentration of hard, chalky calcium carbonate nodules known locally as 'Kankar'.

Questions and Answers

What is the difference between Bhangar and Khadar?+

Khadar is highly fertile, new alluvial soil found near river banks and renewed yearly by floods. Bhangar is older, less fertile alluvial soil found on higher terraces containing hard calcium nodules (Kankar).

Which soil is more fertile, Bhangar or Khadar?+

Khadar is much more fertile because it consists of fine silt that is constantly replenished by annual river floods.

What are Kankar nodules?+

Kankar are hard, impure calcium carbonate deposits found specifically in the older Bhangar soil, making it coarse and difficult to plow.

More in Learn

Study Smarter with Shinyu.ai

Turn this guide into revision flashcards, a practice exam, or an AI-generated podcast โ€” free, no signup required.