Soils of India — Set 4
Geography · भारत की मिट्टी · Questions 31–40 of 50
Which is the second most common soil group in India after Alluvial soil?
Correct Answer: B. Red Soil
Red soil is the second largest soil group in India, occupying about 18% of the country's area. It covers large parts of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Odisha. It is less fertile than alluvial soil but responds well to irrigation.
Soil erosion caused by the removal of a uniform thin layer of soil by water is called?
Correct Answer: B. Sheet Erosion
Sheet erosion occurs when rainwater washes away the top thin layer of soil over a large area. This is often unnoticed but very harmful as it removes the most fertile part of the soil. It is common on gentle slopes after heavy rain.
Which soil is mostly found in the Rann of Kutch and Sunderban areas?
Correct Answer: D. Saline Soil
Saline soils are prevalent in the tidal areas of Sunderbans and the marshy land of Rann of Kutch. These soils have high levels of sodium chloride due to seawater influence. In the Sunderbans, they also overlap with peaty/marshy soils.
In which state is the laterite soil found most extensively?
Correct Answer: B. Kerala
Laterite soil is very common in Kerala due to the state's heavy rainfall and high temperature. It is also found in Karnataka and parts of the Northeastern states. It is often used for making bricks for construction.
The term 'Reh' is associated with which type of soil in India?
Correct Answer: D. Saline-Alkaline Soil
Reh or Kallar refers to the white efflorescent crust of salts found on the surface of saline-alkaline soils. This salt accumulation often happens due to poor drainage in semi-arid regions. It makes the land look like it is covered with a layer of white ash.
Which mineral is Black Soil notably rich in?
Correct Answer: B. Iron and Lime
Black soil is rich in iron, lime, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. However, it is deficient in nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic matter. This chemical composition is derived from the parent basaltic rock.
The fertile soil called 'Tarai' is found in which region?
Correct Answer: A. Foothills of Himalayas
Tarai is a belt of marshy and fertile alluvial soil located at the foothills of the Himalayas. It was originally a dense forest area but has been cleared for agriculture. It is highly productive for crops like sugarcane and paddy.
Which color is the Laterite soil usually?
Correct Answer: C. Reddish
Laterite soil is usually reddish in color because of the presence of iron oxides. The name 'Laterite' comes from the Latin word 'Later' meaning brick. When dry, this soil becomes extremely hard like a stone.
Which of the following describes 'Desert Soil' texture?
Correct Answer: D. Sandy
Desert or Arid soil is generally sandy in texture and has a very high salt content. It has low water-holding capacity and high evaporation rates. The sand is often blown from the Rann of Kutch or the Indus valley.
Which soil type is most prevalent in the Indo-Gangetic Plains?
Correct Answer: A. Alluvial Soil
The Indo-Gangetic plain is the largest tract of alluvial soil in the world. This soil is brought down by the major rivers originating in the Himalayas. It makes the region the 'Granary of India'.