ABSTRACT
The geological evolution, presence of deltaic and coastal regions and tropical climate in Odisha lead to the formation of soil types with distinct variance. Geotechnical, mineralogical and geological properties of soils and rocks found in different parts of Odisha are presented in this chapter. Soils available in Odisha are broadly categorised into eight groups such as red soils, mixed red and yellow soils, black soils, laterite soils, deltaic alluvial soils, coastal saline soils, brown forest soils and mixed red and black soils. This chapter encompasses a brief discussion about soil types of Odisha, other geomaterials available, natural hazards frequented, soils in various applications practised and geotechnical structures constructed by the state along with a case study of soil data obtained from different districts. The content of this chapter also attempts at painting a lucid and vivid picture of the evolution and fate of soils found in Odisha along with the status quo.
