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

Regions of alluvial soils are densely populated  __________.

  1. Vast mineral reserves are found here

  2. Land can be left fallow here

  3. Due to its high fertility, these areas are highly cultivated

  4. Main occupation of the people is fishing and there are several rivers here
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

This is the most widely spread and important soil. Alluvial soils as a whole are very fertile. Mostly these soils contain adequate proportion of potash, phosphoric acid and lime. Due to its high fertility, regions of alluvial soils are intensively cultivated and densely populated. 

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

In India laterite soil is found in ______________.

  1. Jammu and Kashmir

  2. Rajasthan

  3. Kerala

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

Laterite has been derived from the Latin word ‘later’ which means brick.  The laterite soil develops in areas with high temperature and heavy rainfall.  These soils are mainly found in Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and the hilly areas of Orissa and Assam. This soil is very useful for growing tea and coffee. 

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

The soil of Deccan is black in colour due to its __________.

  1. Texture

  2. Maturity

  3. Origin

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

 It is believed that climatic condition along with the parent rock material are the important factors for the formation of black soil. This type of soil is typical of the Deccan trap (Basalt) region spread over northwest Deccan plateau and is made up of lava flows. 

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

Which of the following statement/s represent characteristics of black soil? 
A. It develops cracks during hot weather.
B. Iron content present in this soil turns into iron oxide due to diffusion.
C. It's made of fine clay particles.
D. It retains moisture for long.

  1. 'A' and 'C' only

  2. 'A', 'B' and 'C' only

  3. 'C' and 'D' only

  4. 'A', 'C' and 'D' only
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The black soils are made up of extremely fine clayey material. They are well-known for their capacity to hold moisture. In addition, they are rich in soil nutrients, such as calcium carbonate, magnesium, potash and lime. This type of soil develops deep cracks during hot weather, which helps in the proper aeration of the soil. These are the characteristics of black soil. 

  • Option B is characteristic of red soil.

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

The only soil of India which has high water retaining capacity is _________.

  1. Alluvial

  2. Mountain

  3. Black

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

1:The black soils are made up of extremely fine i.e. clayey material. They are well-known for their capacity to hold moisture. In addition, they are rich in soil nutrients, such as calcium carbonate, magnesium, potash and lime.
2:The clay soil has the highest water holding capacity and the sand soil has the least. Clay particles are so tiny and have many small pore spaces that make water move slower, (very good water holding capacity)
 

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

Which soil is the most widespread soil of India?

  1. Alluvial

  2. Black

  3. Laterite

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

Alluvial soil is the most widely spread and important soil. In fact, the entire northern plains are made of alluvial soil. These have been deposited by three important Himalayan river systems– the Indus, the Ganga and the Brahmaputra.

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

The sandy soils of the desert support _________.

  1. Cactus and thorny bushes.

  2. Mangroves.

  3. Bamboos and sal.

  4. Peepal and neem.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Thorny bushes are found in dry areas of the country. The leaves are in the form of spines to reduce the loss of water. Cactus, khair, babool, keekar are important thorny bushes. They are found in the states of Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Eastern slopes of Western Ghats and Gujarat.