SOILS OF INDIA : Types, Characteristics, and Important MCQ with explanation for Competitive Exams
Soils of India: A Comprehensive Guide for Competitive Exams
India, a land of diverse topography and climatic conditions, boasts an extensive variety of soils. Understanding the soils of India is crucial for competitive exams, as it forms the backbone of agriculture and has a direct impact on the economy. This guide provides a detailed overview of the types of soils found in India, their characteristics, distribution, and significance.
What Are Soils?
Soil is the uppermost layer of the Earth’s crust, composed of organic matter, minerals, gases, liquids, and countless organisms. It supports plant growth and plays a pivotal role in the ecosystem.
Classification of Indian Soils
The soils of India are classified into several types based on their formation, texture, color, and fertility. The major types are:
1. Alluvial Soil
- Formation: Deposited by rivers like the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and their tributaries.
- Characteristics:
- Light to dark in color.
- Rich in potash but deficient in phosphorus and nitrogen.
- Highly fertile and suitable for agriculture.
- Distribution:
- Northern plains (Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal).
- Coastal plains.
- Crops Grown: Wheat, rice, sugarcane, cotton, and oilseeds.
2. Black Soil (Regur Soil)
- Formation: Formed from lava flows.
- Characteristics:
- Black in color due to the presence of clay and iron.
- Retains moisture and becomes sticky when wet.
- Rich in calcium carbonate, magnesium, and lime.
- Distribution:
- Deccan Plateau (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu).
- Crops Grown: Cotton, sugarcane, groundnut, and wheat.
3. Red Soil
- Formation: Derived from weathering of ancient crystalline and metamorphic rocks.
- Characteristics:
- Reddish color due to the presence of ferric oxide.
- Poor in nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic matter.
- Slightly acidic in nature.
- Distribution:
- Southern and eastern India (Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha).
- Crops Grown: Millets, pulses, tobacco, and oilseeds.
4. Laterite Soil
- Formation: Intense leaching due to heavy rainfall and high temperature.
- Characteristics:
- Red to yellow in color.
- Poor in fertility but suitable for plantation crops.
- Requires proper fertilization.
- Distribution:
- Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, and parts of Assam and Meghalaya.
- Crops Grown: Tea, coffee, rubber, and cashew nuts.
5. Desert Soil
- Formation: Found in arid and semi-arid regions with high evaporation rates.
- Characteristics:
- Sandy texture with low organic content.
- Poor in moisture retention.
- Rich in soluble salts.
- Distribution:
- Rajasthan, Gujarat, and parts of Haryana and Punjab.
- Crops Grown: Millets, barley, and dates (with irrigation).
6. Mountain Soil
- Formation: Formed in hilly and mountainous regions.
- Characteristics:
- Varies greatly depending on altitude.
- Rich in humus but poor in potash, phosphorus, and lime.
- Distribution:
- Himalayan regions (Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim).
- Crops Grown: Fruits, tea, coffee, and spices.
7. Peaty and Marshy Soil
- Formation: Found in areas with high organic matter accumulation due to waterlogging.
- Characteristics:
- Rich in organic matter but acidic in nature.
- Poor in potassium and phosphorus.
- Distribution:
- Kerala, West Bengal (Sundarbans), and Odisha.
- Crops Grown: Paddy and jute.
Factors Affecting Soil Formation
Several factors influence soil formation in India:
- Parent Material: The type of rock or mineral from which the soil is derived.
- Climate: Temperature and rainfall significantly affect soil properties.
- Topography: Determines drainage and soil erosion patterns.
- Biological Activity: Decomposition of organic matter by microorganisms.
- Time: Soil properties evolve over time.
Soil Erosion and Conservation
Soil Erosion
Soil erosion is the removal of the top fertile layer by wind, water, or human activities. It poses a significant threat to agricultural productivity.
Conservation Methods
- Afforestation: Planting trees to prevent erosion.
- Contour Ploughing: Ploughing along the natural contours of the land.
- Terrace Farming: Creating step-like structures on slopes.
- Use of Organic Fertilizers: Enhancing soil fertility naturally.
- Check Dams: Reducing water runoff and retaining soil.
Importance of Indian Soils
- Agricultural Backbone: Supports diverse cropping patterns.
- Economic Significance: Agriculture contributes significantly to the GDP.
- Ecosystem Balance: Maintains biodiversity and nutrient cycles.
Conclusion
The soils of India are as diverse as its culture and geography. Each type of soil plays a vital role in sustaining the agricultural needs of the country. Understanding these soils not only helps in cracking competitive exams but also fosters awareness about sustainable practices to conserve this precious resource.
1. Which one of the following soil types of India is rendered infertile by the presence of excess iron?
Lateritic soils are characterized by excess iron, which makes them less fertile.
2. Laterite soils are found in:
Laterite soils are predominant in Maharashtra, especially in areas with high rainfall and tropical climate.
3. Which one of the following statements is not true for laterite soils?
Laterite soils are not rich in lime; instead, they are acidic and deficient in lime, potash, and phosphorus.
4. Laterite soils are predominant in:
Laterite soils are predominant in the Malabar Coastal Region due to the high rainfall and tropical conditions in the area.
5. When you travel in certain parts of India, you will notice red soil. What is the main reason for this colour?
The red color of soil is primarily due to the presence of ferric oxides (iron oxides).
6. A fertile soil, suitable for growing common crops is likely to have a pH value of
A pH value of six to seven is considered neutral to slightly acidic, which is suitable for most common crops.
7. Which one of the following can be used to make acidic soil cultivable?
Lime is used to neutralize acidic soils, making them more suitable for cultivation.
8. Which of the following soils is most suited for tea plantation?
Tea plants thrive in acidic soils, which provide the optimal conditions for their growth.
9. Which one of the following statements is not correct?
Application of lime actually neutralizes soil acidity, making the soil less acidic.
10. Farmers are requested to mix lime with soil, while farming their fields. This is because
Lime is added to soil to neutralize acidity, thereby decreasing the soil’s acidity and improving fertility.
11. In India maximum alkali area is found in the state of
Uttar Pradesh has the largest area of alkaline soils in India due to its climatic and geographical conditions.
12. In India, the largest area of saline soil is found in the state of
Gujarat has the largest area of saline soils in India, primarily due to its arid climate and irrigation practices.
13. The long term solution of soil salinity and alkalinity is the use of
Gypsum is effective in combating soil salinity and alkalinity by improving soil structure and displacing sodium ions.
14. Salinisation occurs when the irrigation water accumulated in the soil evaporates, leaving behind salts and minerals. What are the effects of salinisation on the irrigated land?
Salinisation can lead to soil structure deterioration, making soils less permeable and adversely affecting crop growth.
15. The highest area under salt-affected soils exists in the State of
Gujarat has the largest area under salt-affected soils due to its arid climate and saline water irrigation practices.
16. Which one of the following areas is most affected by soil erosion in India?
The Chambal Valley is severely affected by soil erosion, leading to the formation of ravines.
17. Which one of the following types of erosion is responsible for formation of Chambal Ravines?
Gully erosion caused by water flow is responsible for the formation of Chambal Ravines.
18. The rotation of crops is essential for
Crop rotation helps replenish soil nutrients and maintain soil fertility over time.
19. The term soil impoverishment relates to which one of the following?
Soil impoverishment refers to a decline in soil fertility due to nutrient depletion.
20. Karewas soils, which are useful for cultivation of Zafran (a local variety of saffron), are found in
Karewas soils in the Kashmir Himalayas are known for their fertility, suitable for saffron cultivation.
21. Which one of the following types of soil is known by the local name ‘Kari’ in Kerala?
In Kerala, ‘Kari’ refers to peaty and organic soils found in waterlogged areas.
22. Which one of the following crops enriches the Nitrogen content in soil?
Leguminous crops like peas fix nitrogen in the soil, enriching its fertility.
23. Which one of the following crops is grown for improving the soil fertility?
Black Gram (Urad) is a leguminous crop that improves soil fertility by fixing nitrogen.
24. Soils of Western Rajasthan have a high content of
Western Rajasthan soils are calcareous, containing a high level of calcium compounds.
25. Which one of the following soils is characterised by very high content of organic matter?
Histosols are rich in organic matter and are typically found in wetlands and bogs.
26. Which soil particles are present in loamy soils?
Loamy soils contain a balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay particles, making them ideal for cultivation.
27. Identify the wrong statement.
The term ‘Chhos’ refers to gullies caused by soil erosion, but it is not typically used for areas in Haryana and Punjab.
28. Farm land tends to erode most rapidly when planted with
Potatoes require extensive soil tillage, which makes the soil more vulnerable to erosion.
29. Soil erosion in India occurs in almost all the littoral states but it is most serious along the coast of
The Odisha coast faces severe soil erosion due to its geographical and climatic conditions, including frequent cyclones.
30. Which one of the following factors is responsible for excessive soil erosion in Chota Nagpur plateau?
Deforestation is a major factor contributing to soil erosion in the Chota Nagpur plateau.
31. Soil erosion can be prevented by
Afforestation helps prevent soil erosion by binding the soil with tree roots.
32. Which one of the following is the main reason for the loss of the topsoil in India?
Water erosion, caused by runoff during heavy rains, is the primary reason for the loss of topsoil in India.
33. Identify the correct order of the process of soil-erosion from the following.
Soil erosion begins with splash erosion, followed by sheet erosion, rill erosion, and finally gully erosion as the severity increases.
34. Soils are formed by which of the following factors?
Soil formation is influenced by climate, time, vegetation, and other factors.
35. How many primary and secondary types of soil have been identified by the Council of Indian Agriculture and Research?
The Council of Indian Agriculture and Research has classified soils into 9 primary and 30 secondary types.
36. Soil water available to plants is maximum in
Loamy soil has the best water retention and drainage properties, making it most suitable for plant growth.
37. Regosol areas are characterised by
Regosol refers to soils with a loose and sandy top layer.
38. Generally, the soil of the Northern Plains of India has been formed by
The Northern Plains’ soil is alluvial and formed by aggradation through river deposition.
39. The water holding capacity of different types of soils decreases in the order of
Clay soils retain water the most, followed by silt and then sand.
40. Which one of the following soil particles has less than 0.002 mm diameter?
Clay particles are extremely fine with a diameter of less than 0.002 mm.
41. The micronutrient most deficient in Indian soils is
Zinc deficiency is a common micronutrient deficiency in Indian soils.
42. Which one of the following soils is deposited by rivers?
Alluvial soils are formed by river deposition and are fertile for agriculture.
43. In India the maximum area is covered by the
Alluvial soils cover the largest area in India, primarily in the Indo-Gangetic plains.
44. Old Kachhari clay of Gangetic plain is called
Bhangar refers to the older alluvium found in the Gangetic plains.
45. Which one of the following is the most productive soil in India?
Alluvial soil is highly fertile and supports a wide variety of crops, making it the most productive soil.
46. Which of the following types of soil has minimum water retention capacity?
Alluvial sand soil has the least water retention capacity due to its coarse texture.
47. Khadar and Bhangar belong to which soil?
Khadar and Bhangar are classifications of alluvial soil based on age and fertility.
48. The Zonal soil type of peninsular India belongs to
Red soil is the dominant zonal soil type in peninsular India.
49. The term ‘Regur’ is used to mean
Regur refers to black cotton soil, which is highly moisture-retentive and rich in nutrients.
50. Which of the following is known as ‘‘self ploughed’’ soil of the country?
Black soil is called ‘‘self ploughed’’ because it develops deep cracks during dry seasons, aiding natural tillage.
51. Which of the following statements is not correct?
Black soil is not found in the Himalayan region; it is common in the Deccan Plateau.
52. Which soil needs little irrigation as it retains soil water?
Black soil retains water well due to its high moisture-retention capacity.
53. Lava soils are found in
Lava soils, or black soils, are found in the Malwa Plateau region.
54. Which of the following soils of India is most suitable for cotton cultivation?
Regur soil, also known as black soil, is ideal for cotton cultivation due to its moisture-retention properties.
55. Regur soil is most widespread in
Maharashtra has the largest area of regur or black soil in India.
