Soil Types of India — Set 3
Indian Agriculture · भारत की मृदा प्रकार · Questions 21–30 of 160
What are Saline/Alkaline soils called locally in India?
Correct Answer: C. Reh, Usar, Kallar
Saline and Alkaline soils are known locally as Reh, Usar, Kallar, Thur, or Rakar in different parts of India. These names reflect the salty or alkaline nature of the soil. Reh is commonly used in North India to describe soils with a white saline crust on the surface. These soils are found in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan.
Which chemical treatment is recommended to reclaim Saline/Alkaline (Usar) soil?
Correct Answer: B. Gypsum (calcium sulphate) application
Gypsum (calcium sulphate) is the primary chemical treatment recommended for reclaiming Saline/Alkaline Usar soil. Gypsum replaces the excess sodium ions in the soil with calcium ions, which reduces alkalinity and improves soil structure. In addition to gypsum, leaching with good quality water helps remove excess salts from the root zone. Biological measures like growing salt-tolerant plants (Dhaincha) also help reclaim these soils.
In which states are Saline/Alkaline soils most commonly found?
Correct Answer: B. Punjab, Haryana, UP, and Bihar
Saline and Alkaline soils are most commonly found in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. These soils contain excessive amounts of sodium, potassium, and magnesium salts, which inhibit plant growth. The problem is often caused by improper irrigation leading to waterlogging and subsequent evaporation that deposits salts on the surface. Poor drainage in these Indo-Gangetic plain states contributes to soil salinity.
What is Peaty/Marshy soil characterized by?
Correct Answer: B. High organic content and waterlogged conditions
Peaty or Marshy soil is characterized by high organic matter content and waterlogged or very moist conditions. The decomposition of organic matter is slow in waterlogged anaerobic conditions, leading to accumulation of peat. This soil is found in coastal areas like the Kottayam and Alappuzha districts of Kerala, coastal Odisha, and the Sundarbans of West Bengal. Despite high organic content, the soil can be saline and acidic.
In which region of India is Peaty/Marshy soil found in significant amounts?
Correct Answer: B. Kottayam and Alappuzha, Kerala
Peaty and Marshy soil is found in significant amounts in Kottayam and Alappuzha (Alleppey) districts of Kerala, which are part of the famous Kerala backwaters region. It is also found in coastal Odisha and the Sundarbans delta of West Bengal. These areas have high rainfall and poor drainage, leading to waterlogging and peat formation. The soil is used for rice cultivation after drainage management.
Forest and Mountain soil is most suitable for which crops?
Correct Answer: B. Tea, spices, and fruits in hilly areas
Forest and Mountain soil is most suitable for tea, coffee, spices like cardamom and pepper, and fruits like apple and cherry in hilly areas. These soils are rich in organic matter due to the accumulation of forest litter but are acidic in nature. They are found on the slopes of the Himalayas and in the northeastern hill states. The cool, humid climate of these regions combined with the soil properties supports plantation crops.
Which classification system does ICAR use for Indian soils?
Correct Answer: C. 8-category Indian classification
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) uses an 8-category classification system for Indian soils: Alluvial, Black (Regur), Red, Laterite, Arid/Desert, Forest/Mountain, Saline/Alkaline, and Peaty/Marshy. This classification is based on the origin, properties, and distribution of soils in India. The ICAR system is widely used in Indian competitive exams and agricultural planning. It is different from the international USDA Soil Taxonomy system.
The Indo-Gangetic plains are primarily covered by which soil type?
Correct Answer: C. Alluvial soil
The Indo-Gangetic plains, stretching from Punjab-Haryana in the west to Assam in the east, are primarily covered by alluvial soil. These plains were formed by the sediments deposited by the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra river systems. The alluvial soil here is extremely fertile and supports the cultivation of wheat, rice, sugarcane, cotton, and pulses. This region is often called the 'food bowl' of India.
What percentage of India's land area does alluvial soil approximately cover?
Correct Answer: C. 40-45%
Alluvial soil covers approximately 40-45% of India's total land area, making it the most extensive soil type in the country. This vast coverage makes alluvial soils critically important for India's agriculture and food security. The soil is found not only in the northern plains but also in river valleys and coastal deltas of peninsular India. The Ganga-Brahmaputra delta (Sundarbans) and the Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri deltas also have alluvial soils.
Which soil type is found predominantly on the Deccan Plateau?
Correct Answer: D. Black (Regur) soil
Black soil, also known as Regur soil, is predominantly found on the Deccan Plateau. The plateau's geological history of extensive volcanic activity with Deccan Trap basalt formations led to the development of Black soil. The states of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana on the Deccan Plateau have large Black soil regions. This soil's high moisture retention makes it suitable for dryland cotton cultivation.