The key difference between Bhangar and Khadar is that Bhangar is the old alluvial soil deposit in Northern plains while Khadar is a new alluvial soil deposit in Northern Plains.
Bhangar and Khadar are two soil types present in parts of India and Pakistan. These are alluvial soils found along Gangetic plains and they are differently named since they exhibit different properties.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Bhangar
3. What is Khadar
4. Similarities Between Bhangar and Khadar
5. Side by Side Comparison – Bhangar vs Khadar in Tabular Form
6. Summary
What is Bhangar?
Bhangar is the alluvial soil found in the large part of North India. This is an old soil which is alluvial in nature and is above the flood levels of the rivers in the region. It is often seen in the structure of a terrace. Bhangar contains many calcareous deposits and also has many kankars within it. Since the area containing Bhangar stands above flood levels, the soil remains as it is and is thus not very fertile. Moreover, its character has not changed with the passage of time
What is Khadar?
In the plains, the younger deposits are known as Khadar. These are not just younger; they are also more fertile than Bhangar soils. These soils are very good for intensive cultivation. These are also called new alluvial made up of fine granules.
Figure 01: Alluvial Soil
Khadar belongs to plains which lie below flood levels of the river. This soil gets newer deposits with flood water every year, which makes the soil very fertile.
What are the Similarities Between Bhangar and Khadar?
- Both Bhangar and Khadar are alluvial soil types.
- They are found in Northern plains in India.
- Both soil types are muddy and watery.
- They are suitable for cultivation.
What is the Difference Between Bhangar and Khadar?
Bhangar is the old alluvial deposits in northern plains whereas Khadar is the new or fresh alluvial deposits of northern plains. Bhangar is little away from the river bed while Khadar located near the river bed. Thus, Khadar deposits are not stable since the soil always mixes with water while Bhangar deposits are stable. Since Khadar soil gets newer deposits with flood water every year, it is more fertile, unlike Khadar. Thus, Khadar is more suitable for extensive agricultural activities than Bhangar. In addition, Bhangar soil has a fine texture while Khadar soil has a coarse texture. The concentration of kankar molecules is also higher in Bhangar soil deposits.
Summary – Bhangar vs Khadar
Bhangar and Khadar are two alluvial soil types in Northern plains in India. Bhangar is the oldest alluvial soil deposits while Khadar is the newest alluvial soil deposits. Khadar renews every year hence, it is more fertile than Bhangar. Bhangar is more calcareous and resembles terraces. This is the difference between Bhangar and Khadar.
Reference:
1.“ Resource & Development.” Role of PH in Everyday Life Chemistry, Available here.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Alluvial deposits overlaying schist – panoramio” By macrolepis (CC BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia