Environmental Studies · Geography

Soil Science

1,499 Questions

Soil Science examines the formation, classification, and properties of soil as a critical natural resource. This hub offers practice questions covering soil horizons, soil types like laterite and black soil, and regional soil characteristics. The content is highly useful for agriculture exams and civil services preparation.

Soil typesSoil horizonsSoil formation factorsAgricultural soil requirementsIndian soilsForest and mountain soils

Soil Science Questions

Multiple choice geography agriculture in india - iii : cash crops agricultural seasons and crops cash crops plantation of crops

Which one of the following soils is suitable for the cultivation of tea?

  1. Red soil

  2. Black soil

  3. Alluvial soil

  4. Mountain soil
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Mountain soil is best suitable for cultivation of soil. As the name denotes, this soil comes from mountain slopes. It is considered to be one of the best type of soil, rich in nutrients. The soil should be gently rolled so as to prevent waterlogging. Virgin forest soils containing a good amount of iron and humus are the best ones.

Multiple choice geography agriculture in india - iii : cash crops agricultural seasons and crops cash crops plantation of crops

The soil which is suitable for the cultivation of plantation crops such as coffee and tea is _______.

  1. Alluvial soil

  2. Black soil

  3. Laterite soil

  4. Red soil
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Laterite soil is red in colour. Hyderabad and Coastal Karnataka , where Bellary and Mangalore are situated , to my mind, are the places where Lateritic soil exists. Kudremukh Iron Ore Project already exists there (not in Bellary presumably) and prepare Pellets of iron ore

Multiple choice evs - i the earth and its living world introduction to the spheres of the earth origin of universe introduction to natural resources

The upper most weathered layer of earth's crust is 

  1. Sand

  2. Organic matter

  3. Soil

  4. Minerals
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The earth that we live on is one of the planets of the solar system. Its crust is deep and we stay on its uppermost layer. The upper layer of earth is formed by soil. It can get weathered away due to external forces like water, wind etc.

So the correct answer is "Soil".

Multiple choice

what type of soil is found most in India

  1. Red soil

  2. Black soil

  3. Laterite soil

  4. Alluvial soil
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Alluvial soil is the most widespread soil type in India, covering a large portion of the northern plains and river deltas.

Multiple choice geography abiotic resources: land, soil and water classification of soils abiotic resources soils in india

In which type of soil would water pas through most slowly?

  1. peat

  2. silt

  3. fine sand

  4. fine clay
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Clay is composed of extremely fine particles that pack together very tightly, resulting in tiny pore spaces. These small pores create high resistance to water flow, giving clay very low permeability. In contrast, sand and silt have larger particles and larger pore spaces, allowing water to drain through them much more rapidly.

Multiple choice geography abiotic resources: land, soil and water classification of soils abiotic resources soils in india

Saline soils are formed by intense evaporation and are usually found in ______________.

  1. steppes

  2. deltas

  3. equatorial region

  4. tropical desert region
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Saline soils develop in arid and semi-arid regions, such as tropical deserts, where evaporation rates are extremely high and rainfall is minimal. As water evaporates rapidly from the soil surface, it leaves behind dissolved salts that accumulate in the upper soil layers. Regions with high rainfall, like equatorial zones, wash these salts away instead.

Multiple choice geography abiotic resources: land, soil and water classification of soils abiotic resources soils in india

Which of the following is suitable for growing cotton?

  1. Sandy soil

  2. Clayey soil

  3. Black soil

  4. Alluvial soil
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Black soil, also known as regur soil, is highly clayey and has an exceptional capacity to retain moisture, which is ideal for the long growing season of cotton. It is also rich in soil nutrients like calcium carbonate, magnesium, and potash. While alluvial soil is highly fertile, black soil is specifically renowned as the best medium for cotton cultivation.

Multiple choice geography abiotic resources: land, soil and water classification of soils abiotic resources soils in india

Of the following statements about the major soil types, the incorrect one is ______________.

  1. Alluvial soils are easy to plough

  2. Red soils are rich in phosphorus, nitrogen and lime content

  3. Laterite is typically a soil of tropical regions which receive heavy seasonal rainfall

  4. Black soil is highly retentive of moisture and very productive
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Red soils are formed by the weathering of crystalline and metamorphic rocks and are typically deficient in nitrogen, phosphorus, humus, and lime. Therefore, the statement claiming they are rich in these nutrients is incorrect. The other statements accurately describe the easy-to-plough nature of alluvial soils, the tropical wet climate origin of laterite, and the high moisture retention of black soils.

Multiple choice geography abiotic resources: land, soil and water classification of soils abiotic resources soils in india

Alluvial soil is formed by deposits brought by ___________.

  1. Rivers

  2. Sea

  3. Small streams

  4. Canals
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Alluvial soil is formed by the deposition of silt, sand, and clay brought down by running water, primarily rivers. As rivers flow from mountains to plains, they deposit these rich sediments along their banks and floodplains.