Soils Chapter Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary role of soil in supporting life on Earth?

It acts as a barrier against erosion.

It provides a habitat for animals.

It is a source of nutrients and water for plants. (correct)

It serves as a layer for geological formations.

Which horizon is characterized by the incorporation of organic materials with mineral matter?

Horizon B

Horizon A (correct)

Horizon D

Horizon C

What primarily characterizes Horizon B in the soil profile?

It is devoid of any organic matter.

It contains only mineral matter.

It is composed entirely of parent rock.

It is a transition zone with mixed materials. (correct)

What components make up the soil?

Mineral particles, humus, water, and air. Signup and view all the answers

What does the process of soil formation depend on?

Factors such as climate, vegetation, and parent material. Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of soil is the first stage in the soil formation process?

Horizon C Signup and view all the answers

What is the bedrock also referred to as?

Parent rock Signup and view all the answers

Why is soil considered a valuable resource?

It supports agriculture and sustains life forms. Signup and view all the answers

What is another name for black soil?

Regur Soil Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following characteristics is true for black soil?

It shrinks when dried and becomes sticky when wet. Signup and view all the answers

In which geographical area is black soil predominantly found?

Deccan Plateau Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'laterite' derive from?

The Latin word for brick Signup and view all the answers

Which factor heavily influences the formation of laterite soils?

High temperature and high rainfall Signup and view all the answers

How do alluvial soils primarily develop?

From the deposition of river sediments. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of black soils during the dry season?

They develop wide cracks. Signup and view all the answers

Which state is NOT mentioned as part of the black soil region?

Punjab Signup and view all the answers

Which soil type accounts for the largest area in India according to the USDA soil taxonomy?

Inceptisols Signup and view all the answers

Which soil is characterized as the 'new alluvium' that is deposited by floods annually?

Khadar Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary nutrient that alluvial soils are rich in?

Potash Signup and view all the answers

Which of these soil types is least represented in terms of area in India?

Mollisols Signup and view all the answers

What texture do Khadar and Bhangar soils primarily have in the lower and middle Ganga plain?

Loamy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following soil types is described as older alluvium and deposited away from the flood plains?

Bhangar Signup and view all the answers

How does the sand content of soils change geographically across India?

Decreases from west to east Signup and view all the answers

What color variations do alluvial soils typically exhibit?

Light grey to ash grey Signup and view all the answers

What slope gradient is considered unsuitable for farming?

15 - 25 percent Signup and view all the answers

Which method can help control the headward extension of gullies?

Gully plugging Signup and view all the answers

What is a key remedial measure to protect cultivable lands from soil erosion?

Terracing Signup and view all the answers

What conservation strategy can be adopted to manage sand dune encroachment?

Developing shelter belts of trees Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following practices is NOT mentioned as a remedial measure against soil erosion?

Hydraulic fracturing Signup and view all the answers

What organization has prepared plans for soil conservation in India?

Central Soil Conservation Board Signup and view all the answers

In which regions should efforts be made to combat sand dune encroachment?

Arid and semi-arid areas Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of over-grazing and shifting cultivation?

Extensive soil erosion Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the term 'badland topography'?

Areas with numerous deep gullies or ravines Signup and view all the answers

Which region is noted for widespread ravines?

Chambal basin Signup and view all the answers

Approximately how much land does India lose to ravines each year?

8,000 hectares Signup and view all the answers

What contributes to soil degradation and loss of nutrients in India?

Human-induced soil erosion and exhaustion Signup and view all the answers

Which approach is crucial for maintaining soil fertility?

Soil conservation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common cause of aggravating soil erosion?

Faulty agricultural practices Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of deep gullies on agricultural lands?

They fragment lands and make them unfit for cultivation Signup and view all the answers

What is a natural process that balances ecological systems?

Natural laws of ecological balance Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Importance of Soil

Soil is essential for sustaining trees, grasses, and various life forms.
Forms the basis for agriculture, influencing the growth of crops and provision of clothing materials.
Composed of rock debris and organic materials, evolving over thousands of years.
Major components include minerals, humus, water, and air.
Formation influenced by relief, parent material, climate, vegetation, time, and human activities.

Soil Horizons

Horizon A: The topmost layer, rich in organic matter mixed with minerals, essential for plant growth.
Horizon B: Transitional layer with derived matter from above and below, contains some organic matter but primarily mineral material.
Horizon C: Composed of loose parent material, the starting point in soil formation.
The arrangement of these layers creates what is called the soil profile, under which lies the bedrock.

Classification of Soils in India

Classified based on USDA soil taxonomy into seven main orders:
- Inceptisols: 39.74% of area (130,372.90 thousand hectares)
- Entisols: 28.08% (92,131.71 thousand hectares)
- Alfisols: 13.55% (44,448.68 thousand hectares)
- Vertisols: 8.52% (27,960 thousand hectares)
- Aridisols: 4.28% (14,069 thousand hectares)
- Ultisols: 2.51% (8,250 thousand hectares)
- Mollisols: 0.40% (1,320 thousand hectares)
- Others: 2.92% (9,503.10 thousand hectares)

Types of Soils in India

Alluvial Soils: Found in northern plains and river valleys; rich in nutrients, varies from sandy loam to clay.
Black Soils: Known as 'Regur' or 'Black Cotton Soil', deep and clayey; prevalent in the Deccan Plateau and retains moisture, leading to suitable cotton cultivation.
Red and Yellow Soils: Formed in areas with little rain; generally less fertile.
Laterite Soils: Derived from intense leaching; found in high-temperature areas with high rainfall, resulting in brick-like features.
Arid Soils: Found in dry regions; generally nutrient-poor.
Saline Soils: High in salts, can be detrimental to plant growth.
Peaty Soils: Rich in organic matter, usually saturated with water; found in wetlands.
Forest Soils: Fertile soils found in forested regions.

Soil Erosion and Conservation

Soil erosion is accelerated by poor agricultural practices, leading to land degradation.
Estimated loss of 8,000 hectares annually due to ravines; affects national productivity.
Soil Conservation Techniques:
- Avoid farming on steep slopes; land with 15-25% gradient should not be cultivated.
- Implement terracing on sloped lands and construct check dams to reduce erosion.
- Promote contour bunding, terracing, and regulated forestry to protect soil.
- Cultivation of cover crops and practicing mixed farming to preserve soil health.
- Convert non-arable lands into pastures to support grazing.

Initiatives for Soil Conservation

Central Soil Conservation Board conducts studies and develops plans for sustainable practices based on local conditions.
Efforts include stabilizing sand dunes and educating communities about soil conservation methods.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the key concepts of soils, including the different horizons and their significance to plant growth. This quiz will explore the components of soil and their role in supporting various life forms on Earth. Challenge yourself and see how much you know about this essential topic!