S. No

Agro-climatic Zone

Characteristics

1.

North western zone

This zone covers an area of 18,271 Sq. kms in which 10,28,097 hectares, which is 56.3 per cent, is under cultivation. Out of total area of cultivation, only 23 percent i.e., 2,35,828 hectares is the irrigated area. The annual normal rainfall of the zone is 849 mm. This zone has been identified as moderately drought prone. Paddy, wheat, maize, ragi, bajra, sugarcane, groundnut, cotton, sunflower, tobacco and mango are the major crops of this zone. Forest area in this zone constitutes nearly 30 percent i.e. 5,35,282 hectares of the area of the zone, which is nearly 25 per cent of the total forest area of the State.

S. No

Agro ecological situation

Characteristics

1.

Humid to semi arid western ghats and Karnataka plateau

Average annual rainfall is 600 –1200 mm. Predominant soil groups are red, black and latritic.

S. No

Soil type

Characteristics

Area in ha

1.

Red loam & Red sandy soil

Light texture, Porous structure, and absence of lime. Poor fertility. Low base exchange capacity.

1,98,438

2.

Lateritic

Light texture, open free draining structure, deficient in lime and moderately acid in reaction.

77,357

3.

Black

Porous, compact and impervious, swells on wetting and shrinks, cracks in drying.

38,678

4.

Alluvium

Structure of loose and free draining, compact and impervious.

21,525