Climate and Soil Profile of Bihar

Bihar is located in the eastern part of the country. The state enjoys a continental monsoon type of climate. Great distance from the sea, adjoining Himalayan Mountains, and changes in the upper air circulation affects its climate. The distribution of soils here has the bearing of climate, parent material, and topography. 

Source: gov.bih.nic.in  

It is bounded by Nepal in the north, by Uttar Pradesh & Madhya Pradesh in the West, by Jharkhand in the south and West Bengal in the East. The Bihar plain is divided into two unequal halves by the river Ganga which flows through the middle from west to east.  

Climate of Bihar

Bihar has continental climate with four distinct seasons. The northern part of the state experiences cooler compared to the Southern part due to nearness to the Himalayas; the Eastern part experiences a humid climate while the Western part has dry weather due to continental effects. Hence, the climate of Bihar is also called as ‘Modified Monsoon Climate’.

Factors affecting climate of Bihar

1. Location: Its location is tropical to sub-tropical. i.e. 22 degrees north to 27 degrees latitude.

2. Distance from the Himalaya: It is located on the northern side of the state that makes a significant bearing on the distribution of monsoon rainfall.

3. Distance from the Sea: It is an entirely land–locked state, although the outlet to the sea through the port of Kolkata is not far away.

Seasons in Bihar

1. Cold weather season (December to February): It is characterised by low temperature, light northerly winds, clear skies and low humidity.  

2. Hot weather season (March to May): Temperature ranges from 29 degree Celsius in the east to 40 degree Celsius in the west. The temperature in the east declines due to Nor’wester shower impact.

3. Southwest monsoon (June to September): The burst of monsoon in Bihar is generally associated with the sudden arrival of intense cyclonic storms with thunder, lightning and torrential rain. It happen due to the low pressure develops over the plain while high pressure develops over the Northern Bay of Bengal Sea.

4. Retreating southwest monsoon (October to November): This monsoon is locally called ‘Hathiya Nakshatra’ because it gets incessant rain causing floods.

List of major Rivers in Bihar

Soil Profile of Bihar

Bihar is situated on the World's fertile alluvial plain of Gangetic Valley which extends from the foothills of the Himalayas in the north to a few miles south of the river Ganges as it flows through the State from the west to the east. Variation in relief, precipitation, vegetation, and parents rocks have resulted in various soil varieties due to the region relief features.

Soils of Northern Plain

Soil of this region is formed due to the deposition sediments brought by Gandak, Burhi Gandak, Mahananda, Kosi and Saryu rivers. Hence, the soil is further divided into three types:

1. Piedmont Swamp Soil: It is swallowing to deep over bed rocks and pebbles. It is mostly clayey, rich in organic matter and neutral reaction. This type of soil is found in North-Western Chamaparan district.

2. Terai Soil: It is grey to yellow in colour and neutral to moderately acidic in reaction. The soil of Terai is more fertile than upland terai. This is types of soil is found in the northern part of Bihar near by the border of Nepal and foothill of Himalaya.

3. Gangetic Alluvium Soil: This soil is generally fertile in Bihar plain but to regular tillage without application of manure have costs low organic content. It is mostly loamy with varying thickness. It is thinner towards south and thicker towards north.

Soils of Southern Plain

This type of soil is found between North Ganga plain and Southern plateau and it formed due to the alluvium deposited by Sone, Punpun, and Falgu Rivers.

1. Karail-Kewal Soil: It is heavy clay soil (alkaline feature) which is characterised by wet paddy lands or dhandhar. It is found in Rohtas to Gaya, Aurangabad, Jahanabad, Munger and Bhagalpur. It is best suited for rice and rabi crops like wheat, linseed, pulses and gram.

2. Tal Soil: It is found in backwater belt of Ganga which is spread from Buxar to Banka district. The colour of the soil varies from light grey to dark grey and in texture from medium to heavy soil. Rabi or spring crops like wheat, khesari, gram, peas, masoor, and lentsil are harvested after water dries up and their yield is quite high.

3. Balthar Soil: It is less fertile and has less water absorption capacity. Maize, jowar, bajra, and gram are chief crops. It is found in Kaimur plateau to Rajmahal hills in narrow belt.

Soils of Southern Plateau

There are two types of soil found in southern plateau of Bihar.

1. Red and Yellow Soil: These soils are formed from the disintegration of igneous and metamorphosed rocks. They are less fertile and thus suitable for coarse crops and pulses. It is found in Banka, Gaya, Aurangabad, Jamui and Munger.

2. Red Sandy Soil: This soil has higher percentage of sand that makes it less fertile and suitable for bajra and jowar crops.

Waterfalls and Hot Springs in Bihar

List of Soils in Bihar

History of Bihar: Ancient History and Modern History