Soils of India — Set 2
Geography · भारत की मिट्टी · Questions 11–20 of 50
Which of the following soils is typically found in the Himalayan regions?
Correct Answer: A. Forest Soil
Forest or Mountain soils are formed in the forest areas where sufficient rainfall is available. The soil structure varies depending on the mountain environment and altitude. They are loamy and silty in valley sides but coarse-grained on upper slopes.
Saline soils are also known by which local name in various parts of India?
Correct Answer: C. Usara
Saline soils are also called Usara soils and contain a large proportion of sodium, potassium, and magnesium. They are infertile and do not support any vegetative growth. They occur in arid and semi-arid regions and in waterlogged areas.
Which soil is most common in the Malwa Plateau region of India?
Correct Answer: C. Black Soil
The Malwa Plateau is largely covered by black soil due to its volcanic origin. This region includes parts of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat where cotton and soyabean are major crops. The soil has a high capacity to retain moisture.
Which agricultural practice is primarily used to prevent soil erosion in hilly terrains?
Correct Answer: A. Terrace Farming
Terrace farming involves cutting steps into hillsides to create flat areas for cultivation and slow down water runoff. This significantly reduces the rate of soil erosion caused by rainwater. It is widely practiced in the Himalayan states of India.
What is the primary deficiency found in almost all Indian soils?
Correct Answer: A. Nitrogen
Nitrogen deficiency is a common feature across nearly all soil types in India. This is why nitrogenous fertilizers like Urea are widely used in Indian agriculture. Humus content is also generally low in tropical Indian soils.
Which type of soil is predominantly found in the deltaic regions of the eastern coast?
Correct Answer: C. Alluvial Soil
The deltas of the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri rivers are composed of rich alluvial soil. This coastal alluvium is very fertile and ideal for rice cultivation. It is deposited by the rivers as they enter the sea.
Which of the following states has the largest area under Saline and Alkaline soils?
Correct Answer: B. Gujarat
Gujarat has the largest area of saline soils, primarily due to the presence of the Rann of Kutch and coastal ingress. Salinity is also high in areas where over-irrigation has led to salt accumulation on the surface. Excessive salt makes the land unfit for crops.
The term 'Kankar' in Indian geography refers to which soil component?
Correct Answer: D. Calcium Carbonate nodules
Kankar refers to small, irregular nodules of calcium carbonate found in the Bhangar (old alluvium) layer. They represent a concentrated form of lime in the soil. Their presence often indicates a lower level of soil fertility compared to newer alluvium.
Which soil is best suited for growing tea and coffee in the Western Ghats?
Correct Answer: A. Laterite Soil
Laterite soil is highly acidic and supports plantation crops like tea, coffee, and rubber. These soils are found in high rainfall areas where nutrients have been washed away. They require heavy fertilization to be productive for regular crops.
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) classifies Indian soils into how many major groups?
Correct Answer: D. Eight
ICAR has identified eight major soil groups in India based on origin, color, and composition. These include Alluvial, Black, Red and Yellow, Laterite, Arid, Saline, Peaty, and Forest soils. This classification helps in scientific land management.