From Peaks to Valleys: IIT Mandi’s Groundbreaking Study Reveals How Himalayan Terrain Shapes Soil and Farming Futures

In the heart of Himachal Pradesh, a team of researchers from IIT Mandi has uncovered a fascinating link between elevation, terrain, and soil health — a discovery that could transform how farming and land use are approached across India’s hilly regions.

Over the course of 57 weeks, scientists studied the Suketi River watershed, a sprawling 422-square-kilometre area nestled in the Beas River basin. Using cutting-edge tools like machine learning and geostatistics, they mapped how soil behaves across different elevations and landscapes — and the results were eye-opening.

High Altitudes: Rich in Organic Matter, Poor in Moisture

Forested areas perched at higher elevations were found to be rich in organic content, thanks to thick vegetation and natural leaf litter. But there’s a catch — these soils are drier and colder, making them less ideal for traditional farming.

“Elevation isn’t just about altitude — it’s a hidden driver of soil health,” explained Sahil Sharma, lead author of the study. “It influences everything from moisture retention to nutrient levels.”

Key findings at higher elevations included:

• More sand and organic matter
• Less clay, silt, and moisture
• Cooler soil temperatures
• Better carbon levels but weaker water retention

Valley Farmlands: Fertile Yet Fragile

Down in the valleys, the story shifts. These farmlands are warmer and more productive, but they’re also more vulnerable. Heavy fertilizer use has led to rising salinity and increased risk of soil erosion. Interestingly, grasslands with finer soil textures showed the highest moisture levels — a promising sign for sustainable agriculture.

Smarter Farming Through Science

The team didn’t stop at observation. They built detailed soil maps that could become game-changers for farmers and policymakers alike. These maps help identify which crops suit which terrains, where erosion is likely, and how to plan for climate-resilient agriculture.

“This isn’t just academic — it’s a practical toolkit for India’s hill states,” said Deepak Swami, co-author of the study.

A Blueprint for the Himalayas

Experts believe the implications go far beyond Himachal Pradesh. With climate change threatening mountain ecosystems, the study offers a data-driven path toward sustainable farming and ecological restoration across the Himalayan belt.

The researchers now hope to expand their work using AI and remote sensing, building robust models that can guide land use across other mountainous regions.