Which of the following soil formation process takes place in Phumdis (floating fields) in Loktak Lake of Manipur?

The soil formation process occurring in the Phumdis of Loktak Lake is Gleization. Phumdis are floating islands composed of a heterogeneous mass of soil, vegetation, and organic matter at various stages of decomposition [1]. These floating mats exist in a permanently saturated or submerged state within the freshwater wetland ecosystem [2][5]. Gleization (or gleying) is the characteristic pedogenic process in waterlogged, anaerobic environments where oxygen is limited. Under these reducing conditions, iron is reduced to its ferrous state, often resulting in the bluish-grey or dark-colored detritus observed in the core of Phumdis [2]. While processes like Podzolization involve acid leaching in well-drained upland soils [3][4], and Calcification occurs in arid regions, Gleization is the dominant process in hydromorphic soils like those found in the marshes and floating fields of Manipur [1].

Sources

1. [1] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 3: The Drainage System of India > Loktak Lake > p. 30
2. [2] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 25: Agriculture > Wetland farming > p. 359
3. [5] Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 3: MAJOR BIOMES > Classifcation of Wetlands > p. 27
4. [3] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 6: Soils > 4. Mountain Soils > p. 11
5. [4] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 25: Agriculture > Podzoliziition: > p. 368