Soil Types of India — Set 5
Indian Agriculture · भारत की मृदा प्रकार · Questions 41–50 of 160
What type of soil erosion occurs when a thin layer of topsoil is uniformly removed by water flowing over a large area?
Correct Answer: C. Sheet erosion
Sheet erosion occurs when a thin, uniform layer of topsoil is removed by water that flows as a thin sheet over a large area during rainfall. It is often not visible initially but gradually depletes the fertile topsoil. Sheet erosion is common on gently sloping agricultural lands. If not controlled, it leads to more severe forms of erosion like rill and gully erosion.
What is gully erosion?
Correct Answer: C. Deep channels cut into the landscape by concentrated water flow
Gully erosion is the formation of deep channels or gullies in the landscape when concentrated fast-flowing water cuts through the soil. It is a more advanced and severe form of water erosion compared to sheet and rill erosion. The Chambal ravines in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan are classic examples of extensive gully erosion. Gully erosion not only removes soil but makes land uncultivable.
The Chambal ravines are a classic example of which type of land degradation?
Correct Answer: C. Gully erosion
The Chambal ravines in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan are a classic example of severe gully erosion. Over centuries, the Chambal River and its tributaries have cut deep gullies and ravines, making large tracts of land completely uncultivable. These ravines are also called 'bad lands' due to their rugged, deeply dissected terrain. Reclamation of these ravines is a major challenge in India's soil conservation efforts.
Which soil conservation technique involves ploughing along contour lines of equal elevation?
Correct Answer: B. Contour ploughing
Contour ploughing involves ploughing along the contour lines of equal elevation on sloped land, creating ridges and furrows that run across the slope. This slows down the flow of runoff water and reduces soil erosion. The ridges act as small barriers that capture rainwater and allow it to percolate into the soil. Contour ploughing is one of the most effective and economical methods of soil conservation on sloping lands.
What is strip cropping in soil conservation?
Correct Answer: B. Alternating strips of erosion-resistant and erosion-prone crops across slopes
Strip cropping involves alternating strips of erosion-resistant crops (like grass or legumes) and erosion-prone crops (like maize or cotton) across slopes. The erosion-resistant strips act as barriers that slow down runoff and trap eroded soil. This technique combines the benefits of crop rotation with erosion control. Strip cropping is particularly effective on gentle to moderate slopes.
Shelter belts (windbreaks) are planted primarily to prevent which type of soil erosion?
Correct Answer: B. Wind erosion
Shelter belts, also called windbreaks, are rows of trees planted perpendicular to the prevailing wind direction to reduce wind speed and prevent wind erosion. They are particularly important in arid and semi-arid regions like Rajasthan where wind erosion (aeolian erosion) is a major problem. Shelter belts also reduce evaporation from the soil surface. They protect crops and soil in the Thar Desert region of India.
Where is the National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (NBSS&LUP) located?
Correct Answer: C. Nagpur
The National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (NBSS&LUP) is located in Nagpur, Maharashtra. It is an institute under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and is responsible for systematic soil survey, soil resource mapping, and land use planning in India. NBSS&LUP prepares detailed soil maps and provides recommendations for land use and soil conservation. It plays a crucial role in India's agricultural planning.
The Soil Health Card Scheme was launched by the Government of India to:
Correct Answer: B. Issue cards to farmers giving soil nutrient status and fertilizer recommendations
The Soil Health Card Scheme, launched in February 2015, aims to issue soil health cards to farmers containing information about the nutrient status of their soil along with recommendations on fertilizer dosage. The card covers 12 parameters including macro and micro nutrients, pH, and organic carbon. This helps farmers apply the right amount and type of fertilizer, reducing costs and improving crop yields. It is a flagship scheme of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
Terracing as a soil conservation measure is most effective on:
Correct Answer: B. Steep hillsides to prevent runoff and erosion
Terracing involves cutting step-like platforms (terraces) into steep hillsides to reduce the slope and slow down water runoff. Each terrace acts as a small level field that retains water and allows it to percolate into the soil. Terracing is widely practiced in the hilly states of India like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and the northeastern states. It is one of the most permanent and effective methods of controlling soil erosion on steep slopes.
Check dams are constructed to:
Correct Answer: B. Check or slow down the flow of water in streams and gullies to prevent gully erosion
Check dams are small structures built across streams, gullies, or drains to slow down the velocity of flowing water and reduce gully erosion. By slowing the water, sediment settles out and soil is not carried away downstream. Check dams also help recharge groundwater by holding water and allowing it to percolate. They are an important measure in watershed management and soil conservation programs.