Environmental Studies ยท 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
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Arid soils generally range from red to brown in colour due to the high temperature and evaporation rates in arid regions.
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Red soil develops on crystalline igneous rocks in areas of low rainfall, gaining its reddish colour from the diffusion of iron.
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Black soils (regur soils) are composed of extremely fine clayey material, which gives them their characteristic high water retention capacity and shrink-swell properties. The double negative in the statement makes it incorrect.
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Black soil is highly fertile and ideal for growing cotton, which is why it is commonly referred to as black cotton soil.
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Forest soils are common in the piedmont plains such as the Duars, Chos, and Terai in the Himalayan region.
A
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Explanation
Alluvial soil is formed by river deposits and consists of varying proportions of sand, silt, and clay.
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(a) Black soil
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(b) Laterite soil
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(c) Alluvial soil
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(d) Red soil
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Alluvial soil is the most widely spread and important soil in India, covering the entire Northern plains.
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Laterite soil is acidic and rich in iron oxide, making it highly suitable for plantation crops like tea, coffee, and cashew nuts when managed with proper fertilizers.
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(a) sand
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(b) silt
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(c) clay
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(d) all of the above
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Sub soil
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top soil
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weathered rock material
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clay soil
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Topsoil is the uppermost layer of soil, rich in organic matter and nutrients, making it the most fertile layer suitable for plant growth.
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water
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metals
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organic materials & rocks
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ice
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Soil is a complex mixture of weathered rock particles (minerals), organic matter (humus), air, and water.
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landforms
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soil erosion
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water sources
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Globalisation
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The type of soil in a region is heavily influenced by landforms, which dictate drainage, erosion patterns, and the accumulation of parent material.
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Nomads & Early Farmers
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Settled Life
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Settled life allowed people to focus on farming specific plots of land, where they could manage and improve the soil quality over time.
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Tectonics refers to the large-scale processes affecting the structure of the earth's crust, including the movement of plates. The statement says it is NOT responsible for the movement of soil, which is false; tectonic activity can cause significant surface changes.
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shells, water, air, plastic, leaves
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water, air, soil, peat moss, manure
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small rock particles, humus, air, water, and minerals
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bones, garbage, firecrackers, plastic, and water
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Soil is a complex mixture consisting of weathered rock particles (minerals), organic matter (humus), air, and water, which together support plant life.