Pedological and Taxonomical Research of Indian Tropical Soils for Fulfilling the UN SDGs: Current Status and the Future Scope

 Pedological and Taxonomical Research of Indian Tropical Soils for Fulfilling the UN SDGs: Current Status and Future Scope

Introduction

Soil plays a pivotal role in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), particularly in ensuring food security, sustainable agriculture, and environmental conservation. India, with its diverse tropical soils, requires systematic pedological and taxonomical research to optimize land use and address climate resilience. This article explores the current status of soil studies in India and their potential to contribute to global sustainability goals.

Current Status of Pedological and Taxonomical Research in India

1. Diversity of Indian Tropical Soils

India exhibits a vast array of soil types due to variations in climate, geology, and topography. Major tropical soils include:

  • Lateritic Soils – Found in high-rainfall regions, rich in iron and aluminum oxides.

  • Black Cotton Soils – High in clay content, providing excellent fertility but prone to water retention issues.

  • Red and Yellow Soils – Derived from crystalline rocks, moderately fertile with iron-rich compositions.

  • Alluvial Soils – Highly fertile and extensively used for agriculture.

                                                                       

2. Pedological Studies and Soil Classification

  • Researchers utilize World Reference Base (WRB) and Soil Taxonomy (USDA) to classify Indian soils for better land-use planning.

  • Remote sensing and GIS technologies are being integrated to enhance soil mapping accuracy.

  • Studies focus on soil-forming processes such as weathering, leaching, and organic matter accumulation.

3. Soil Health and Sustainability Challenges

  • Soil Degradation: Overuse of fertilizers, deforestation, and urbanization are leading to declining soil quality.

  • Carbon Sequestration: Tropical soils have potential for carbon storage, but deforestation and intensive farming reduce this capacity.

  • Water Retention & Erosion: Poor land management exacerbates erosion and water scarcity issues.

Future Scope: Aligning Research with UN SDGs

1. Sustainable Agriculture (SDG 2: Zero Hunger)

  • Developing region-specific soil fertility management strategies.

  • Promoting organic farming and agroforestry practices to maintain soil health.

  • Encouraging precision farming to optimize nutrient use efficiency.

2. Climate Action and Land Restoration (SDG 13 & SDG 15)

  • Enhancing soil carbon sequestration through afforestation and conservation tillage.

  • Developing policies for combating desertification and restoring degraded lands.

  • Encouraging climate-resilient crop varieties suited to specific soil types.

3. Water Conservation and Pollution Control (SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation)

  • Implementing soil conservation measures to prevent water pollution and eutrophication.

  • Improving soil’s water-holding capacity through organic amendments and mulching.

  • Regulating industrial and agricultural waste disposal to prevent soil contamination.

4. Technological Integration and Policy Framework (SDG 9 & SDG 12)

  • Leveraging AI and machine learning for soil quality assessment and predictive modeling.

  • Implementing nationwide soil health monitoring systems.

  • Formulating policy interventions for sustainable land-use practices.

Conclusion

Pedological and taxonomical research on Indian tropical soils is crucial for achieving multiple UN SDGs, from food security to environmental sustainability. Advancing research through technological innovations and policy interventions can ensure long-term soil conservation and optimal agricultural productivity. A collaborative approach involving scientists, policymakers, and local communities is essential to maximize the benefits of soil studies for sustainable development in India and beyond.

30th Edition of International Research Conference on Science, Health and Engineering | 28-29 March 2025|San Francisco, United States


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