Acid saline soils are present throughout the coastal area in patches with very little extent. Major area of this soil is identified in the coastal tract of Ernakulam, Thrissur and Kannur districts. The area under these soils comprise of low-lying marshes, waterlogged and ill drained areas near the rivers and streams, which are subject to tidal waves. Sea and backwater tides make these soils saline. During monsoon season, when rainwater and fresh water from rivers enter the fields, salinity is partially washed off. The area under these soils occur mostly on plains at or below sea level. A wide variation in texture from sandy loam to clay is noticed with dark grey to black colour. Paddy is the only crop that can be cultivated.
