Among the soils of India, alluvial soil is the most widely spread soil. This is due to its natural fertility and abundance in the river valleys and plains which constitute a major part of arable land in India. This soil contains adequate amounts of humus, potash, lime and phosphoric acid which is suitable for cultivation and bountiful harvests. It supports the growth of a wide variety of crops like sugarcane, rice, pulses etc. which are the basic foods of Indians.