Soil is the top layer of earth's crust consisting of organic and inorganic matter that supports plant growth and living organisms. Soil formation is influenced by factors like relief, parent rock, climate, vegetation, and time. The major soil types in India are alluvial, black, red and yellow, laterite, arid, and forest soils. Alluvial soils are the most widespread and fertile soils, deposited by Himalayan river systems in northern India. Black soils, also known as regur soils, are clay-rich and moisture-retentive, found in the Deccan trap region. Red and yellow soils develop in dry, crystalline rock areas with low rainfall. Laterite soils form in hot,

1. Soil as a resource