Q . SOILS

Consider the following statements: Statement-I: The soil in tropical rain forests is rich in nutrients. Statement-II: The high temperature and moisture of tropical rain forests cause dead organic matter in the soil to decompose quickly. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
c) Statement-I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
Answer: d
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Q . SOILS

The black cotton soil of India has been formed due to the weathering of

a) brown forest soil
b) fissure volcanic rock
c) granite and schist
d) shale and limestone
Answer: b
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Q . SOILS

With reference to agricultural soils, consider the following statements: 1. A high content of organic matter in soil drastically reduces its water holding capacity. 2. Soil does not play any role in the Sulphur cycle. 3. Irrigation over a period of time can contribute to the salinization of some agricultural lands. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 and 2 only
b) 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: b
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Q . SOILS

In India, the problem of soil erosion is associated with which of the following? 1. Terrace cultivation 2. Deforestation 3. Tropical climate Select the correct answer using the code given below

a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: b
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Q . SOILS

Which of the following statements regarding laterite soils of India are correct? 1. They are generally red in color. 2. They are rich in nitrogen and potash. 3. They are well-developed in Rajasthan and UP. 4. Tapioca and cashew nuts grow well on these soils. Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

a) 1, 2 and 3
b) 2, 3 and 4
c) 1 and 4
d) 2 and 3 only
Answer: c
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Q . SOILS

Contour bunding is a method of soil conservation used in

a) Desert margins, liable to strong wind action
b) Low flat plains, close to stream courses, liable to flooding
c) Scrublands, liable to spread of weed growth
d) None of the above
Answer: d
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Q . SOILS

Salinization occurs when the irrigation water accumulated in the soil evaporates, leaving behind salts and minerals. What are the effects of salinization on the irrigated land?

a) It greatly increases the crop production.
b) It makes some soils impermeable.
c) It raises the water table.
d) It fills the air spaces in the soil with water.
Answer: b
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Q . SOILS

With reference to soil conservation, consider the following practices: 1. Crop rotation 2. Sand fences 3. Terracing 4. Wind breaks Which of the above are considered appropriate methods for soil conservation in India?

a) 1,2 and 3 only
b) 2 and 4 only
c) 1,3 and 4 only
d) 1,2,3 and 4
Answer: d
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Q . SOILS

When you travel in certain parts of India, you will notice red soil. What is the main reason for this color?

a) Abundance of magnesium
b) Accumulated humus
c) Presence of ferric oxides
d) Abundance of phosphates
Answer: c
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Q . SOILS

Assertion (A): The percentage of net sown area in the total area of Andhra Pradesh is less as compared to that of West Bengal. Reason (R): The soil of most of Andhra Pradesh is laterite.

a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) A is true but R is false.
d) A is false but R is true.
Answer: c
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  •   Net sown area of Andhra Pradesh is 40% while that of West Bengal is 60%. Hence assertion is true.
  •   Alluvial soil is found due to deltas of Krishna, Cauvery and Godavari rivers.
  •   Andhra Pradesh has the following composition of soils: Red soil (66%), Black soil (25%), Alluvial soil (8%), Laterite soil (1%). Hence reason is false.
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Q . SOILS

Which one of the following soil types of India is rendered infertile by the presence of excess iron?

a) Desert sand
b) Alluvial
c) Podzolic
d) Lateritic
Answer: d
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  •   Lateritic soil types of India are rendered infertile by the presence of excess iron. Laterite soils are those soils which are found in the areas which receive high rainfall and have very high temperature. This results in the less humus content in the soil. Also, they have excess amount of iron in them.
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Q . SOILS

Soils of Western Rajasthan have a high content of

a) Aluminum
b) Calcium
c) Nitrogen
d) Phosphorus
Answer: b
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Q . SOILS

A fertile-soil, suitable for growing common crops, is likely to have a pH value of

a) three
b) four
c) six to seven
d) nine to ten
Answer: c
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Q . SOILS

Match:

List I                              List II

A. Fissure eruption       1. Alluvial soils

B. Anticlinorium belt    2. Black soils

C. Sea of Tethys           3. Himalayan mountain chain

D. Tsangpo                  4. Brahmaputra 

                                    5. Ganga

A  B C D

a) 2 1 5 4
b) 2 1 4 3
c) 2 1 3 4
d) 3 2 4 1
Answer: c
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  •   The Yarlung Tsangpo, also called Yarlung Zangbo is the upper stream of the Brahmaputra River located in the Tibet Autonomous Region, China. It is the longest river of Tibet and the fifth longest in China.
  •   An Anticlinorium is a large anticline on which minor folds are superimposed, and a synclinorium is a large syncline on which minor folds are superimposed. An anticline is a fold that is convex upward, and a syncline is a fold that is concave upward. 
  •   Fissure Eruption - fissure vent, also known as a volcanic fissureeruption fissure or simply a fissure, is a linear volcanic vent through which lava erupts, usually without any explosive activity.
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Q . SOILS

Fertility of soil can be improved by

a) Removing dead earthworms
b) Adding dead earthworms
c) Adding living earthworms
d) Removing living earthworms and adding dead earthworms
Answer: c
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Q . SOILS

The beginning of urbanization of the Ganges from the 6th century was mainly attributed to

a) Fertility of soil
b) Trade improvement
c) Population growth
d) None of the above
Answer: a
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Q . SOILS

The principal cause of soil damage in Punjab and Haryana is

a) Salinity and waterlogging
b) Deforestation
c) Ravine erosion
d) Overgrazing
Answer: a
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  •   In Punjab the major cause of land degradation is over-irrigation. Over-irrigation leads to waterlogging which in turn leads to an increase in alkalinity and salinity in the soil. Western Uttar Pradesh and Haryana also face land degradation due to over-irrigation. Since Wheat and Rice are the main crops grown in these states, these crops requires more water thus results in the salinity and waterlogging problems.
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Q . SOILS

Match the columns: List 1 A. Maharashtra B. Karnataka C. Uttar Pradesh D. Assam List 2 1. Alluvial 2. Lateritic 3. Red 4. Black

a) 4 2 1 3
b) 4 3 1 2
c) 3 1 4 2
d) 2 3 4 1
Answer: b
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Q . SOILS

Which of the following is the correct order of increasing size of the grains of soil particles? (Clay (Silt (C) Sand (D) Gravel

a) A, B, C, D
b) D, C, A, B
c) B, C, A, D
d) C, D, B, A
Answer: a
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  •   The soil particles with the increasing order of their particle sizes can be shown as: Clay < Silt < Sand < Gravel < Rock.
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Q . SOILS

Micro-elements needed to increase soil fertility are

a) Nitrogen, hydrogen and calcium
b) Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium
c) Iron, calcium and potassium
d) Manganese, copper and zinc
Answer: d
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Q . SOILS

“Mulching” the soil is a process whereby

a) Big pieces of soil are broken down into smaller pieces
b) The field is irrigated at regular intervals
c) Transplanting of seedlings take place
d) Loose material, dung, etc. are laid on the ground to prevent excessive evaporation or erosion of the soil
Answer: d
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Q . SOILS

Maximum production of paddy per unit water consumption can be best achieved in a

a) Non-porous soil
b) Porous soil
c) Impervious soil
d) Soil that allows slow percolation
Answer: d
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Q . SOILS

Gypsum is added to the soil.

a) To increase the alkalinity
b) To decrease the acidity
c) To decrease the alkalinity
d) As an insecticide
Answer: c
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Q . SOILS

Which soil is best suited for paddy crops?

a) Black soil
b) Loamy soil
c) Hard soil
d) Red soil
Answer: b
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Q . SOILS

Forests help in

a) Soil erosion
b) Soil protection
c) Depleting the soil of its moisture
d) All of the above
Answer: b
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  •   Forests help in soil protection by holding the soil through the roots and thus preventing soil erosion. Forests also provide the soil with the humus and other mineral contents and also provide with the moisture.
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Q . SOILS

Heavy rainfall affects soil by

a) Increasing its acidity
b) Increasing its alkalinity
c) Reducing its fertility
d) None of these
Answer: c
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Q . SOILS

It has been found recently that the acidity of the soil increases because of

a) Leaching away of bases
b) Increased use of ammonia
c) Increased use of urea
d) Increased use of rock phosphate
Answer: a
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Q . SOILS

Recent (1979) discovery of method of reducing salination of soil is.

a) Spreading of husk on the soil
b) Extensive use of fertilizers
c) Intensive use of fertilizers
d) None of the above
Answer: a
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Q . SOILS

“Laterite Soil” is found in India in

a) Western Ghats
b) Eastern Ghats
c) Deccan Plateau
d) Satpura region in Madhya Pradesh
Answer: a
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  •   Laterite soils in India are found in the Southern parts of Western Ghat, Malabar Coastal plains and Ratnagiri of Maharashtra and some part of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Meghalaya, western part of West Bengal.
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