Vol. 7, Issue 12, Part C (2021)

Abstract
Soil of any area is the product of the processes through which it is formed. Local parent materials or transported materials from other places/regions have also important bearing on its characteristics. Change in geomorphic bases and processes of soil formation lead to significant changes in its quality. In its qualitative change, climate/precipitation has direct bearing as it provides productivity to the soil. The Lower Gandak Plain has warm and humid climate due to which fertility of this region is very high and it is one of the most fertile pockets/ regions of the world. The Gandak plain and soils of the area is on make with annual flood water spreading. High population density and greater pressure on land for cultivation to feed people has led to excessive use of land surface. Apart from river channels, no natural landscape is visible. Almost entire Lower Gandak Plain has a cultural landscape. The Plain is flood prone due to which crops are also damaged annually. Change in the channel course also causes land/soil to be damaged. Land use has gone through changes over time. The pace of change was slower a few decades/centuries before, while in recent times it is changing with rapid rate. Land use and land cover in the Gandak Plain has mostly been modified by human activities. Therefore, it is attempted to (i) explain soils and land use in the Lower Gandak Plain and (ii) examine the spatial distribution of land use.