Quaternary soil formations in some Godavari delta region

Abstract

Quaternary changes and river regimes of Godavari river is evident from several works from geological scientists. The soil formation in Godavari delta region is recent and is attributed to Quaternary period. To relate the soils of the Godavari delta region in east Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh and Yanam region of Pondicherry, the present study has been undertaken. The physiographic units were delineated and land use of the area along with the study of soils were undertaken. Morphological characteristics of the soils and particles size distribution in addition to CaCO3 equivalent and soil organic carbon were determined using methods. The data showed that the soils had frequent heterogeneity of perimaterial as evident from sand- silt and sand + silt with clay ratios. The study also indicated the presence of buried horizons. In spite of lithological discontinuity, the soils showed high shrink-swell character and some are classified to Vertisols and vertic integrate of other soil orders. The soils also showed the presence of sulphate bearing jarosite minerals. All these properties were evidence enough to show that the soils of Godavari delta region were formed during the Quaternary.