Discover the factors contributing to the versatile and rich Himalayan soil

MOUNTAINS THAT HEAL: CELEBRATING THE RICHNESS OF HIMALAYAN SOIL ON SOIL DAY

The snow clad wonders of India, the Himalayas, possess abundant natural resources and are home to a large biodiversity. From medicinal plants, to flowers and crops, the wintry abode houses countless species of living giving vegetation. This rich ecosystem is birthed by the fertile, plentiful soil of the Himalayan ranges. Let’s explore some astonishing features of the Himalayan soil.

 

Range of plant life in the Himalayas

The majestic mountains, its valleys and plains flourish with minerals and rich organic matter that are conducive for plant growth. About 13,000 species of flowering plants, 816 tree species, 675 crop varieties and 1,743 medicinal herbs are found in the Himalayan ranges, standing testimony for the wealth of its soil. 

 

The Himalayan plains along the banks of Ganga and Bhrahmaputra are superabundant with alluvial soil, since the rivers carry more than 19,00,000 tonnes of silt (per day) enriched with nutrients, eroded miniscule pieces of various rocks and growth friendly salts, thus making them ideal for cultivation of all types of plants and crops.

 

In general, the soil at most regions of the Himalayas are super fertile, have enormous plant growth potential and mineral content, thus giving life to nutritious healthy crops, fruits, vegetables and flowers.

 

Features of the Himalayan soil

The Himalayan soil has certain common distinguishing features that contribute to its wealth of crops. Here are the top 4 features:

High Mineral Content

The Himalayan region contains huge deposits of coal, copper, lead, zinc, nickel, cobalt, antimony, limestone, gold in about 100 localities within the mountain range and rocks with subliminal health benefits. These rocks erode and disintegrate over time, due to rainfall and climatic change and their miniscule pieces enter the soil, thus becoming a crucial part of it. This process has happened over thousands of years and hence the soil has a high mineral content in it. 

Acidic Nature

The soil is mostly acidic in nature owing to the difference in temperatures in the high and lower altitudes. The pH level is slightly to moderately acidic, having a huge positive impact on plant productivity, thus creating the ideal environment for plants to consume profound and trace elements to augment their growth. 

High Water Holding Capacity

The enormous humus content in the Himalayan soil has several benefits, massive water holding capacity of the soil. Regardless of the summer or winter seasons, any water content is stored in the water and relished by the soil for a considerable time, thereby ensuring consistent water supply and unhindered growth environment for the crops. 

Plant growth Potential

The humus content also produces carbonic acid which disintegrates any complex minerals in the soil, promoting enhanced plant growth. The humus content also boosts the presence of nitrogen and carbon which positively influence the plant growth cycle, metabolism and overall health. 

The existence of proteobacteria in the high altitude soils of Himalayas releases traces of carbon, nitrogen and sulphur into the soil, which are consumed by plants and converted into organic forms for healthier and stronger growth of all kinds of plants, crops and other vegetation.

 

Conclusion 

The humongous mountain range of Himalayas hosts a wide range of biodiversity and a sound ecosystem for all kinds of lives to thrive. The rich soil is a primary reason for flora and vegetation to flourish in the mountains.


It is up to us to responsibly cultivate the nutrient filled soil with care. This soil day, let us look back at Mother Nature’s gifts to us in the form of Himalayan soil, consume her many gifts and gain robust health. Visit Valley Culture India to explore our multifarious product offerings made with the purest Himalayan crops, carefully processed and hand delivered to you.


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