Uttar Pradesh (UP) is located in the northern part of India and has a tropical monsoon climate. This means that the state experiences a lot of variations in weather conditions due to its geography, such as the presence of hills, different elevations, and its distance from the sea. The climate of UP is generally hot in summers and cold in winters.
Climate of Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh can be divided into two main climatic regions based on the amount of rainfall it receives:
1. Humid and Tropical Region
This region has a lot of moisture and gets heavy rainfall. It is further divided into two sub-regions:
a) Terai Region:
- Location: This region includes districts like Bijnor, Bareilly, Gorakhpur, Pilibhit, Deoria, and others.
- Characteristics: This is a marshy area, located at the foothills of the Himalayas.
- Rainfall: The average annual rainfall here is between 120-150 cm.
- Temperature: The average temperature in January is around 18°C, and in July, it can go up to 30°C.
b) Eastern Uttar Pradesh:
- Location: Includes districts such as Shahjahanpur, Varanasi, Allahabad, and Jaunpur.
- Rainfall: Receives 100-120 cm of rainfall annually. The rainfall decreases as we move from East to West.
- Note: This region does not get affected by winter cyclones.
2. Moderate Humid and Tropical Region
This region receives moderate rainfall and includes central and western plains and the Bundelkhand region. It’s further divided into three sub-regions:
a) Central Plains:
- Location: Includes districts like Kanpur, Lucknow, Raebareli, and Fatehpur.
- Rainfall: Receives 80-100 cm of rainfall annually.
- Summer: The temperature can rise up to 44°C. Dust storms and hot winds, known as loo, are common in this season.
- Winter: Sometimes, there is frosting, and the temperature can drop to 15°-16°C.
b) Western Plains:
- Location: Covers districts like Meerut, Agra, Aligarh, and Saharanpur.
- Rainfall: Varies from 65 cm in Agra to 80 cm in Meerut. The rainfall decreases from East to West.
- Winter: The temperature ranges between 12°C to 14°C.
c) Hilly and Plateau Region of Bundelkhand:
- Location: Includes districts like Jhansi, Banda, and Lalitpur.
- Rainfall: Receives 80-100 cm of rainfall annually.
- Summer: The temperature can go as high as 45°C.
- Winter: The temperature ranges between 18°C to 19°C.
Soil of Uttar Pradesh
The state of Uttar Pradesh is known for its fertile land, mostly covered by alluvial soil. However, there are different types of soils found across the state:
- Bangar: This is old alluvial soil, found in slightly elevated areas.
- Khadar: This is new alluvial soil, found in low-lying areas, usually near rivers.
- Red Soil: Found in the southern part of the state, this soil is rich in iron.
- Black Soil: Commonly found in Bundelkhand, this soil is good for growing cotton.
- Parwa and Monta Soil: These are found in regions like Bundelkhand and are not as fertile as alluvial soil.
Summary Table
| Region | Rainfall (cm) | Summer Temperature (°C) | Winter Temperature (°C) | Special Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terai | 120-150 | 30°C | 18°C | Marshy land, close to the Himalayas |
| Eastern UP | 100-120 | 32-34°C | 16-18°C | Rainfall decreases from East to West |
| Central Plains | 80-100 | 44°C | 15°-16°C | Dust storms and ‘loo’ winds in summer |
| Western Plains | 65-80 | 42-44°C | 12°-14°C | Scanty rainfall by winter cyclones |
| Hilly & Plateau (Bundelkhand) | 80-100 | 40°-45°C | 18°-19°C | Hilly terrain with less fertile soil |
Important Points to Remember
- Uttar Pradesh has a tropical monsoon climate with extreme variations in weather conditions.
- Alluvial soil covers most of UP, making it one of the most fertile states in India.
- Different regions of UP have different climates, with the Terai being the most humid and the Bundelkhand region being the driest.
Extra Information:
Uttar Pradesh’s climate and soil are highly suitable for agriculture, which is why the state is a leading producer of sugarcane, wheat, and rice in India. The diversity in soil types supports a wide range of crops.
Seasons in Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh experiences three main seasons throughout the year: Summer, Monsoon (Rainy), and Winter. Each season has distinct characteristics in terms of temperature, rainfall, and weather patterns. Understanding these seasons is crucial for various exams, especially for those focusing on Uttar Pradesh’s geography and general studies.
1. Summer Season
- Duration: March to mid-June
- Temperature:
- March: The temperature starts rising.
- June: The hottest month with temperatures between 36°C to 39°C (max) and 21°C to 23°C (min).
- Hottest Regions:
- Areas close to the Tropic of Cancer, especially in the Bundelkhand region like Allahabad, Kanpur, Fatehpur, Agra, Banda, Chitrakoot, Orai, Mahoba, Jhansi, Jalaun, Hamirpur, Lalitpur.
- Hottest Places: Agra and Jhansi.
- Cooler Place: Bareilly experiences the lowest temperatures during this season.
- Weather Patterns:
- A low-pressure belt forms near the north-western part of the state, leading to extremely hot conditions.
- Loo, a hot wind, blows across the state from 10 AM to 5 PM due to the pressure gradient.
- Rainfall:
- Generally, there is no significant rainfall.
- However, due to dry and moist air, some rainfall can occur in April, May, and June.
- Average Rainfall: 10 cm to 25 cm, with maximum rainfall in the hilly regions.
- Hailstorms may occur occasionally.
2. Monsoon (Rainy) Season
- Duration: End of June to October
- Onset: The season begins with the arrival of the South-West monsoon winds.
- Rainfall Pattern:
- The Bay of Bengal branch of the monsoon enters Uttar Pradesh through the eastern and southeastern parts, bringing the first rains by the end of June.
- These winds move towards the western part, with some striking the Himalayas and returning to the Terai region with heavy rains.
- Peak Rainfall: July and August.
- Rainfall Distribution:
- Highest Rainfall: Gorakhpur (average 184.7 cm).
- Lowest Rainfall: Mathura (average 55.4 cm).
- Average Rainfall: 170 cm across the state, with variations:
- Eastern: 112 cm
- Central: 94 cm
- Southern: 91 cm
- Western: 84 cm
- Rainfall decreases from east to west due to increasing distance from the sea.
- Temperature:
- Maximum: 32°C to 34°C
- Minimum: 25°C
- Rainfall Contribution: Monsoon contributes about 80-83% of the state’s total annual rainfall.
- Special Features:
- Types of Rainfall: Orographic, cyclonic, and convectional.
- Retreating Monsoon: Occurs in October, bringing pleasant weather and clear skies.
3. Winter Season
- Duration: November to February
- Coldest Month: January
- Temperature Variation:
- North-Western Plains: Maximum: 22.7°C, Minimum: 11.7°C
- Southern Hilly and Plateau Regions: Maximum: 28.3°C, Minimum: 13.3°C
- Temperature decreases from south to north, with the Western Gangetic plains recording the lowest temperatures.
- Weather Patterns:
- Clear Skies: The season is marked by clear skies, low temperatures, and pleasant weather.
- A high-pressure belt covers the north-western part of the country, including Uttar Pradesh.
- Rainfall:
- Generally, there is little to no rainfall due to dry winds blowing from land to sea.
- However, Western Disturbances (Mediterranean cyclones) can cause sudden rains in January and February, especially in the north-western parts.
- Rainfall Amount:
- Western Part: 10 to 12.5 cm
- Southern Regions (Jalaun, Banda, Hamirpur, Jhansi, Lalitpur): 5 to 7.5 cm (lowest)
- Plains: 7.5 to 10 cm
- Terai Region: Experiences fog conditions during winter.
Soils of Uttar Pradesh
Soil is the uppermost layer of the Earth, formed by the breakdown of rocks and organic matter over time. It plays a crucial role in supporting life by providing essential nutrients to plants and acting as a foundation for agriculture. In Uttar Pradesh, soils vary greatly depending on the region. Let’s explore the different types of soil found across the state.
Classification of Soil
The soils of Uttar Pradesh can be classified into three main categories based on regional factors and soil profiles:
- Soils of Bhabar and Terai Region
- Soils of Gangetic Plains
- Soils of Southern Plateau
Soils of Bhabar and Terai Region
Soil of Bhabar Region
- Location: This region is a narrow belt about 8-16 km wide, running along the foothills of the Shiwalik range.
- Characteristics: The soil here is shallow and consists of pebbles and coarse material deposited by rivers descending from the Himalayas.
- Suitability: Due to its porous nature, this soil is not ideal for agriculture. However, it supports the growth of big trees with deep roots.
Soil of Terai Region
- Location: South of the Bhabar region, this area is about 15-30 km wide.
- Characteristics: The soil is swampy, rich in nitrogen and organic matter, but deficient in phosphate. It is a mix of sand and clay.
- Suitability: The soil is suitable for cultivating crops like wheat, rice, sugarcane, and jute due to its high fertility.
Soils of Gangetic Plains
The Gangetic Plains are known for their fertile alluvial soils, which have been deposited by rivers over thousands of years.
Alluvial Soil
- Composition: Alluvial soil consists of fine particles of silt, clay, and sand. It is one of the most fertile soils in the world.
- Chemical Properties: This soil is rich in potash, phosphoric acid, and alkalis, but it is generally low in nitrogen and organic matter.
The alluvial soil in the Gangetic Plains is further divided into two types:
- Bangar Soil
- Location: Found in the higher regions of the plains that are not prone to flooding.
- Characteristics: It is old alluvial soil, often containing calcareous deposits known as “Kankar.” It is less fertile and requires more fertilizers for agriculture.
- Khadar Soil
- Location: Found in the floodplains of rivers.
- Characteristics: This soil is newer, more fertile, and lighter in color compared to Bangar soil. It is frequently renewed by flooding and does not need much manure.
Bhur and Desert Soil
- Location: Found along the banks of the Ganga, especially in the upper Ganga-Yamuna Doab.
- Characteristics: Bhur soil is sandy, light in texture, and not very fertile. Desert soils are found in Western Uttar Pradesh, including Mathura and Agra, and are poor in organic matter.
- Suitability: Despite its poor fertility, crops like barley, cotton, millets, and maize are grown in this soil.
Soils of Southern Plateau
The Southern Plateau, also known as the Bundelkhand and Baghelkhand regions, has distinct soils formed during the Pre-Cambrian period.
Red Soil
- Location: Found in Mirzapur, Southern Allahabad, Sonbhadra, Jhansi, Banda, and Hamirpur.
- Characteristics: Red in color due to the presence of iron oxide, this soil is formed by the weathering of red sandstone rocks.
- Suitability: It is low in nitrogen, organic matter, and phosphorous. Despite this, crops like cotton, wheat, rice, and pulses are grown here.
Black Soil or Regur Soil
- Location: Found in the Bundelkhand region and parts of Western Uttar Pradesh.
- Characteristics: This clayey soil is known for its ability to retain moisture and expand when wet. It is calcareous and fertile.
- Suitability: Ideal for crops like cotton, wheat, jowar, and oilseeds. With irrigation, rice and sugarcane can also be grown.
Parwa Soil
- Location: Found in Hamirpur, Jalaun, and coastal parts of the Yamuna River.
- Characteristics: Light red-brown, sandy loam soil, low in organic matter.
- Suitability: This soil responds well to fertilizers and irrigation, making it suitable for crops like millet (Kharif) and gram (Rabi).
READ | RIVERS AND DRAINAGE SYSTEM OF UTTAR PRADESH
Soil Erosion in Uttar Pradesh
Soil erosion is a major concern in Uttar Pradesh, where the topsoil is often washed away by water, wind, and human activities like deforestation and improper farming practices. This leads to a loss of fertility and productivity in the land.
Types of Soil Erosion
- Gully Erosion: Occurs when water flows over unprotected land, forming channels and washing away soil. Agra, Etawah, and Jalaun are some of the worst-affected districts.
- Wind Erosion: More common in the summer, when dry soils are easily blown away by the wind. This type of erosion is prevalent in Western Uttar Pradesh, including Agra, Mathura, and Etawah.
- Ravine Erosion: Caused by rivers like the Chambal and Yamuna, which carve deep gullies into the land, especially in Etawah district.
Soil Conservation
To combat soil erosion, several measures can be taken:
- Afforestation: Planting trees in areas lacking vegetation can help bind the soil and prevent erosion.
- Terraced Cultivation: Building terraces on slopes reduces water runoff and soil loss.
- Farming Practices: Techniques like no-till farming and contour plowing help maintain soil structure and prevent erosion.
- Crop Rotation: Growing different crops in a sequence helps improve soil fertility and reduces erosion.
- Construction of Dams: Building dams in flood-prone areas can control water flow and prevent soil erosion.
Soil conservation is essential for sustaining agriculture and ensuring the long-term productivity of the land in Uttar Pradesh.
FAQs
Here are the single-line FAQs with their respective answers for your blog:
Q1. Which type of soil is mainly found in Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: Alluvial soil
Q2. Which type of climate is found in Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: Tropical monsoon type
Q3. Uttar Pradesh is divided into how many climatic regions?
ANSWER: Two
Q4. In which terrain of Uttar Pradesh is annual rainfall maximum?
ANSWER: Terai region
Q5. In Uttar Pradesh, rainfall decreases from which direction to which?
ANSWER: East to West
Q6. Farrukhabad, Sultanpur, Hardoi, Kanpur, Unnao fall in which climatic region?
ANSWER: Central plains
Q7. Which is the hottest month in Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: June
Q8. The hottest districts of Uttar Pradesh are?
ANSWER: Agra, Jhansi
Q9. Which months are rainiest in Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: July-August
Q10. Which district of Uttar Pradesh receives the highest rainfall in the state?
ANSWER: Gorakhpur
Q11. Which part remains hot during rainy seasons in Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: Western part
Q12. Which is the coldest month of Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: January
Q13. Winter rainfall is beneficial for which crops?
ANSWER: Rabi crops
Q14. How many soil groups are there in Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: Three
Q15. What is incorrect regarding the Bhabar belt?
ANSWER: The Bhabar is about 8-16 km wide running along the Vindhyas system.
Q16. The soil of the Terai region is deficient in which element?
ANSWER: Phosphate
Q17. Is the Terai soil rich in nitrogen and organic matter and suitable for various crops?
ANSWER: Yes
Q18. What is incorrect regarding the soils of the Gangetic plain?
ANSWER: It is developed in the Tertiary period.
Q19. Alluvial soil is composed of which chemicals?
ANSWER: Potash and alkalis
Q20. Is Bangar soil frequently renewed due to flooding?
ANSWER: No, it is not frequently renewed.
Q21. What are the characteristics of arid soil in Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: The arid soil consists of Aeolian sand and clay, is poor in organic substances, and crops like barley and cotton are grown in it.
Q22. In which region of Uttar Pradesh are Sorghum and Arhar crops mostly cultivated?
ANSWER: Southern plateau
Q23. Mainly in which districts of Uttar Pradesh is red soil found?
ANSWER: Mirzapur, Sonbhadra
Q24. Where is red soil mainly found in Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: Mirzapur, Sonbhadra, Jhansi, and Banda
Q25. In which places is red soil abundant in Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: Mirzapur-Jhansi
Q26. Which soil is called Kabar or cotton soil in Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: Black soil
Q27. Which soil is light red-brownish in color, sandy loam, and low in organic matters in Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: Parwa soil
Q28. In which districts of Uttar Pradesh is Maad soil found?
ANSWER: Western districts
Q29. Rakar soil is found in which regions of Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: Mountain and plateau slope
Q30. Are sesame and gram crops grown in Rakar soil?
ANSWER: Yes
Q31. Which soil is mixed with light loam soil in Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: Monta soil
Q32. Which district is mostly affected by soil erosion in Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: Etawah
Q33. Which town is mostly affected by gully erosion in Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: Etawah
Q34. Which region of Uttar Pradesh is mostly affected by wind erosion?
ANSWER: Western region
Q35. What is the composition of Bangar soil in Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: Potash and potassium
Q36. Which crops are grown in Monta soil in Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: Cereals
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