09/01/2026
Soil types and pH range
Major Soil Types in Punjab Province, Pakistan
Punjab Province in Pakistan is dominated by alluvial soils formed by the deposits from the Indus River and its tributaries (such as the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej). These soils cover the vast Indo-Gangetic plains and support intensive agriculture. Other types appear in drier or transitional areas, particularly in the south and southwest.
Key soil types and textures include:
Alluvial soils: Predominant across central, northern, and eastern Punjab. Textures vary from sandy loam in upper regions to loam, silt loam, clay loam, and clayey in floodplains and doabs (areas between rivers).
Calcareous and arid soils: Common in southwestern Punjab (e.g., bordering desert areas), including desert soils, sierozem, calcisols, and regosols. These are often sandy or sandy loam with high calcium carbonate.
Saline and sodic soils: Found in patches, especially southern Punjab, due to waterlogging, poor drainage, and high evaporation. Textures commonly reported: Loam, sandy loam, silt loam, clay loam, and sandy clay loam.
pH Range
Soils in Punjab, Pakistan, are generally alkaline due to calcareous nature and arid/semi-arid climate:
Overall range: 7.0 to 9.2
Most common: 7.8 to 8.5 (moderately alkaline,
typical for central and southwestern zones)
Higher values (>8.5, strongly alkaline/sodic): More
prevalent in southern Punjab with salinity issues
Lower end (around 7.0–8.0): In some northern or less affected alluvial areas
This alkalinity can limit nutrient availability (e.g., phosphorus) and contribute to salinity challenges, though the fertile alluvial soils support major crops like wheat, rice, cotton, and sugarcane with proper management.
NARC-National Agricultural Research Centre Islamabad