Bhangar - Geography Notes

Q: Question: What is Bhangar?

Answer: Bhangar refers to the older alluvial soil found in the northern plains of India. It is characterized by a higher concentration of calcareous deposits called 'kankar' and is less fertile compared to the newer alluvial soil known as Khadar. Bhangar soil is found at higher elevations and is generally coarser in texture.

Q: Question: How is Bhangar different from Khadar?

Answer: Bhangar differs from Khadar in several ways. Bhangar is the older alluvium found at higher elevations, containing more kankar and being coarser and less fertile. In contrast, Khadar is the newer alluvial soil, found in low-lying areas closer to riverbanks, and is more fertile and finer in texture due to regular deposition of silt by river floods.

Q: Question: What crops are typically grown in Bhangar soil?

Answer: Crops that are generally grown in Bhangar soil include wheat, maize, pulses, and other dry crops. While Bhangar soil is not as fertile as Khadar, it can support crops that do not require high moisture content and can tolerate coarser soil.

Q: Question: What are kankar deposits in Bhangar soil?

Answer: Kankar deposits in Bhangar soil are small, nodular accumulations of calcium carbonate. These deposits make the soil coarser and reduce its overall fertility. Kankar is a typical feature of older alluvial soils, contributing to their hard, compact nature.

Q: Question: In which regions of India is Bhangar soil predominantly found?

Answer: Bhangar soil is predominantly found in the northern plains of India, particularly in states like Punjab, Haryana, and parts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. These areas have extensive tracts of older alluvial deposits forming part of the larger Indo-Gangetic Plain.

Q: Answer: (B) See the Explanation

Explanation: Bhangar soil is known for its higher concentration of kankar (calcium carbonate) deposits, which make it coarser and less fertile than the newer alluvial soil (Khadar).

Q: Answer: (B) See the Explanation

Explanation: Khadar soil is the younger alluvial soil, found closer to riverbanks and renewed annually by floods. It is more fertile and finer in texture than Bhangar soil.

Q: Answer: (B) See the Explanation

Explanation: A significant characteristic of Bhangar soil is the presence of kankar nodules, which are calcium carbonate deposits that make the soil coarse and less fertile.

Q: Answer: (B) See the Explanation

Explanation: Bhangar soil is most commonly found in the northern plains of India, particularly in states such as Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.

Q: Answer: (B) See the Explanation

Explanation: Crops such as wheat, maize, and pulses can typically grow in Bhangar soil, which is suitable for crops that do not require high moisture levels.

Bhangar is a region that is located beyond the floodplains, has a higher upland, and contains older alluvial soil with a higher sandy loam component. In India, the Bhangar plain is found in the south of the Bhabar and Terai Plains.ie., the northern and central part of Uttar Pradesh. Bangar land is less prone to flooding, although they are often drier and less fertile. Bhangar region is also called Bangar or Bangad. This article will explain to you about Bhangar which will be helpful in Geography preparation for the UPSC Civil service exam.

Table of Contents

Bhangar
Bhur Formation
Significance
Conclusion
FAQs
MCQs

Distribution of Bhangar (Pink-coloured illustration) in Northern Plains in India

Bhangar

What is Bhangar?

Bhangar is the older alluvium that forms terraces above the floodplain along river beds.
It's dark in colour, humus-rich, and fertile.
The soil has lime modules and is clayey in nature (called kankar)
They are found in doabs (inter-fluve areas)
Regional variations of Bhangar include the 'Barind plains' in Bengal's deltaic region and the 'bhur formations' in the middle Ganga and Yamuna doab.
Small tracts of salty and alkaline efflorescence known as ' Reh,' 'Kallar,' or 'Bhur' can be found in relatively dry sections of the Bhangar.
With more irrigation, reh regions have spread in recent years (capillary action brings salts to the surface).
It's possible to find fossilised remains of extinct flora and animals.

Other Relevant Links
Tarai	Khadar
Bhabar	Sunderbans Delta

Bhur Formation Bhur Formation Bhur refers to an elevated section of land along the Ganga river's banks, particularly in the upper Ganga-Yamuna Doab. This is the result of wind-blown sands accumulating during the hot, dry months of the year.

Significance

Significance of Bhangar

Bhangar lands are well-drained, making them ideal for farming.
This location is generally above the floodplains of the nearby rivers.
The soil is humus-rich and produces a high yield due to the abundance of minerals and humus.
In the Ganges basin, they help to retain a large supply of groundwater, ensuring irrigation and helping to make the plain the country's most agriculturally productive region.

Conclusion

Unlike the Bhabar Plains, which are unsuitable for farming or cultivation due to the presence of sediments, the Bhangar Plains are appropriate for farming and cultivation due to their well-drained nature and the availability of alluvial soil.

Other Relevant Links
Geography Notes	Physical Geography
India's Divisions Based on Geological Structure and Geomorphic Processes	India's Physiographic Divisions
The Peninsular Plateau	The Northern Plains
The Western and Eastern Ghats	The Deccan Plateau
The Western and Eastern Coastal Plains	The Thar Desert
Geomorphology	The Island Groups

FAQs

Question: What is Bhangar?

Answer: Bhangar refers to the older alluvial soil found in the northern plains of India. It is characterized by a higher concentration of calcareous deposits called 'kankar' and is less fertile compared to the newer alluvial soil known as Khadar. Bhangar soil is found at higher elevations and is generally coarser in texture.

Question: How is Bhangar different from Khadar?

Answer: Bhangar differs from Khadar in several ways. Bhangar is the older alluvium found at higher elevations, containing more kankar and being coarser and less fertile. In contrast, Khadar is the newer alluvial soil, found in low-lying areas closer to riverbanks, and is more fertile and finer in texture due to regular deposition of silt by river floods.

Question: What crops are typically grown in Bhangar soil?

Answer: Crops that are generally grown in Bhangar soil include wheat, maize, pulses, and other dry crops. While Bhangar soil is not as fertile as Khadar, it can support crops that do not require high moisture content and can tolerate coarser soil.

Question: What are kankar deposits in Bhangar soil?

Answer: Kankar deposits in Bhangar soil are small, nodular accumulations of calcium carbonate. These deposits make the soil coarser and reduce its overall fertility. Kankar is a typical feature of older alluvial soils, contributing to their hard, compact nature.

Question: In which regions of India is Bhangar soil predominantly found?

Answer: Bhangar soil is predominantly found in the northern plains of India, particularly in states like Punjab, Haryana, and parts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. These areas have extensive tracts of older alluvial deposits forming part of the larger Indo-Gangetic Plain.

MCQs

1. What is Bhangar soil primarily known for?

A) High fertility
B) High concentration of kankar deposits
C) Rich in organic matter
D) Always found in coastal areas