Classification of Soils MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Classification of Soils - Download Free PDF

The correct answer is None of the above

• Khadar region soils are rejuvenated naturally.

Key Points

• The Khadar land is one of the divisions of the Gangetic Plain.
• Some parts of the Khadar land go through Erosion by rivers like the Yamuna and the Chambal.
• Ravines can be seen in these parts and the soil there is not fertile.
• In the Khadar region, floods occur frequently and it is a low land and waterlogging can be found.
• The soil in this region is deposited with new alluvial every year by the floods.
• The Khadar region is more fertile than the Bangar region.
• The soil in this region gets rejuvenated every year, naturally.

Additional Information

• Bhabar region
  • The soil in the Bhabar region is highly porous.
  • Due to its high porosity streams in this region flow underground.
• Bangar land
  • ​The Bangar land of the Gangetic plain is highly elevated.
  • The land is above the flood line and thus free from floodwater.
  • Famous for its older alluvial deposits.

The correct answer is Option 2

Key Points

• The correct answer is: Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
• Assertion (A): Red soil denotes the second largest soil group of India. (✅ True)
  • Red soil is the second largest soil group in India, after alluvial soil.
  • It covers about 18% of India's land area and is found in states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh.
  • It forms due to the weathering of igneous and metamorphic rocks, especially in hot and semi-arid climates.
• Reason (R): Red soil surrounds the black soil in the south, east, and north directions. (✅ True, but not the correct explanation of A)
  • Black soil (Regur soil) is found in the Deccan Plateau (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, etc.).
  • Red soil does surround black soil in the south, east, and north directions, meaning it is commonly found around the periphery of the black soil region.

• Why is (R) not the correct explanation of (A)?

  • The reason describes the distribution of red soil, but it does not explain why it is the second largest soil group.
  • The size of red soil coverage is due to geological and climatic factors, not just its position relative to black soil.
• Thus, the correct answer is: Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).

The correct answer is Vertisols.

Key Points

• Vertisols-
  • This soil contains a lot of clay, due to which its color is black.
  • Vertisols are found in most areas of Jhalwara, Baran, Kota and Bundi of Rajasthan.

Additional Information

• Aridisols-
  • This soil is found in arid climates.
  • This soil is found in Churu, Sikar, Jodhpur, Nagore, Pali, Jalore, etc districts.
  • Orthid is a sub-particle of this soil.
• Alfisols-
  • This soil is found in Jaipur, Dausa, Alwar, Bharatpur, Karauli, Dholpur, Tonk, Bhilwara, Chittorgarh, Banswara, Dungarpur, etc districts.
  • This soil is fertile soil because this contains mostly Alluvial soil.
  • Heplastalfus is a sub-particle of this soil.
• Inceptisols-
  • This soil is found in semi-arid and wet climates.
  • This is not found in the arid climate.
  • This soil is found in Sirohi, Pali, Rajsamand, Udaipur, Bhilwara, Chittorgarh, Jaipur, Dausa, Alwar, Sawai Madhopur, and Jhalawar districts.
  • Ustochrepts is a sub-particle of this soil.

The correct answer is Sodium, Potassium and Magnesium.

Key Points

• Saline soils are characterized by the high concentration of soluble salts, including sodium, potassium, and magnesium.
• The presence of these salts makes the soil infertile and unsuitable for most plant growth.
• High sodium levels in saline soils can lead to soil structure degradation, affecting its porosity and permeability.
• Potassium and magnesium, though essential nutrients, in excess amounts can contribute to the toxicity of saline soils.
• Saline soils are commonly found in arid and semi-arid regions where evaporation exceeds precipitation.

Additional Information

• Soil Salinity: Refers to the presence of high levels of soluble salts in the soil, which can affect plant growth and soil structure.
• Electrical Conductivity (EC): A measure used to determine the salinity of soil; higher EC values indicate higher salt content.
• Reclamation of Saline Soils: Techniques include leaching excess salts with good quality water, improving drainage, and using salt-tolerant plant species.
• Saline-alkali soils: These are soils that have both high levels of soluble salts and a high pH, often requiring more complex reclamation strategies.
• Impact on Agriculture: Saline soils can lead to reduced crop yields, poor seed germination, and overall lower agricultural productivity.

The correct answer is 1, 2 and 3 only .

Main points

• Volcanic rocks formed in the Deccan Plateau are the source material for most of the black soil.
• Black soil covers most of the Deccan Plateau , which includes parts of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu . So, statement 1 is correct .
• In the upper reaches of the Godavari and Krishna and in the northwestern part of the  Deccan Plateau, the black soil is very deep.
• These soils are also known as 'Ragur soil' or 'Black cotton soil' . Therefore, statement 2 is correct.
• Black soils are generally clayey, deep and impermeable .
• They swell and become sticky when wet and shrink when dry. So, during dry season, this soil develops wide cracks. Thus, a kind of ' self plowing' takes place. Therefore, statement 3 is correct.
• Due to this characteristic of slow absorption and loss of moisture, black soil retains moisture for a long period of time, which helps crops, especially rainfed ones, to survive even during the dry season.
• Chemically, black soils are rich in lime, iron, magnesia and alumina .
• They also contain potash .
• But they lack phosphorus, nitrogen and organic matter . Therefore, statement 4 is not correct.
• The color of the soil ranges from deep black to grey .

Additional information

The correct answer is Alluvial.

Key Points

• Mahanadi and Godavari River Deltas are a basin of the deposit that drains a large landmass into the Bay of Bengal.
  • The deltas of the Mahanadi and the Godavari are rich in alluvial soils.
  • The upper part of the Mahanadi delta plain is heavily populated.
• Alluvial soil is the most extensive soil type in India.
  • It covers about 43% of the total area in India.
  • Alluvial soils divided into the Khadar (new alluvium) and the Bhangar (old alluvium).
  • Light grey to Ash grey in colour.
  • Alluvial soils are rich in potash and poor in nitrogen and organic matter.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Black soil.

• Black soil covers most of the Deccan Plateau.​

Key Points

• Black soils are mineral soils that have a black surface horizon, enriched with organic carbon that is at least 25 cm deep.
• Black soils are derivatives of trap Lava.
• Black soil covers most of the Deccan Plateau which includes parts of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and some parts of Tamil Nadu.
  • Black soils have high clay content.
  • They have an iron-rich granular structure.
  • They are poor in humus but highly moisture-retentive.

Additional Information

Important Points

All the soil Types present in the Indian States:

The correct answer is Black Soil.

Key Points

• Black Soil is predomainantly found in the Deccan lava tract in India.
• On the Deccan lava plateau and the Malwa Plateau, where there is moderate rainfall and underlying basaltic rock, black soils, which are derivatives of trap lava, are mostly found in interior Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh.
• Black soils have a high percentage of clay, which causes large fissures to form during the dry season, yet their iron-rich granular structure prevents wind and water erosion.
• Despite having little humus, they are very moisture-retentive and react well to irrigation.
• These soils can also be found on several outlying tracts where river processes have caused the underlying basalt to be moved from its original position.

Important Points

• Alluvium is loose clay, silt, sand, or gravel that has been deposited by flowing water on a stream bed, on a floodplain, in an alluvial fan or beach, or in environments that are similar.
• About 13% of the soils on Earth are red soil, which often forms in warm, moderate, and humid areas. 
• Heavy rainfall, periods of wet and dry weather, and high temperatures all contribute to the formation of laterite soil, which is then primarily composed of iron and aluminium oxides once the soil has been leached.

The correct answer is It is rich in phosphoric content.

Key Points

Properties of Black Soil

• It is found along the Deccan trap.
• It has a good capacity to hold moisture.
• It develops deep cracks during hot weather.
•  It has rich in calcium carbonate, magnesium, potash, and lime but poor in nitrogen and phosphorous.
• It has a clayey texture and are highly fertile the structure of these soils is cloddish or occasionally friable.
• Ti is highly retentive of moisture, extremely compact and tenacious when wet contractible and develops deep wide cracks on drying.
• It has calcareous and neutral to mild alkaline in reaction, high in carbon exchange capacity and low in organic matter.
• It has property of self-ploughing and comparatively less fertile on the uplands than on the lowlands.

The correct answer is Red laterite soil.

Key Points

• Red laterite soil is most suitable for growing cashew nuts.
• Red laterite soils are formed due to the weathering of laterite rocks.
• Laterite soils are rich in iron and aluminium content.
• Usually rusty-red in color due to the high iron oxide content.
• It is suitable for building purposes.
• Red laterite soils in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala are more suitable for tea plantations.

Additional Information

• Black soil
  • It is well suited for the cultivation of cotton so it is also called cotton soil.
  • It is also called ‘Regur Soil’ or the ‘Black Cotton Soil’.
  • It is formed by the disintegration of basalt.
• Alluvial soils
  • ​These are the most extensive soil type in India.
  • Alluvial soils are formed from the sediments deposited by the rivers.
  • It is rich in potash and poor in nitrogen and organic matter.
  • Alluvial soils are most suitable for growing wheat, rice, maize, sugarcane, pulses, etc.
• Red and yellow soils
  • These are derived from granites, gneisses, and other metamorphic rocks.
  • The soil looks reddish in color due to a wide diffusion of iron in crystalline.
  • These are metamorphic rocks and it looks yellow when it occurs in a hydrated form.
  • Red and yellow soils are most suitable for growing wheat, cotton, pulses, tobacco, millets, oilseeds, potato, etc.
• Arid Soils 
  • ​Arid soil is unsuitable for cultivation.
  • Arid soil is generally sandy in texture and saline in nature.
  • It restricts the filtration of water.

The correct answer is Alluvial soil.

Important Points

• Alluvial soil is mostly available soil in India that covers about 43 per cent of the total area of the country.
• It is widespread in northern plains and river valleys.
• In peninsular India, they are mostly found in deltas and estuaries.
• Humus, lime, and organic matters are present in this soil and highly fertile.
• It is found in Indus-Ganga-Brahmaputra plain, Narmada-Tapi plain, etc are examples.
• They are depositional soil – transported and deposited by rivers, streams, etc.
• New alluvium is termed as Khadar and old alluvium is termed as Bhangar.
• Its color is Light Grey to Ash Grey.
• Its texture is Sandy to silty loam or clay.
• Wheat, rice, maize, sugarcane, pulses, oilseed, etc are cultivated mainly in this soil.

Additional Information

• Different types of Indian soil:
  • Alluvial soil [43%]
  • Red soil [18.5%]
  • Black / regur soil [15%]
  • Arid/desert soil
  • Laterite soil
  • Saline soil
  • Peaty/marshy soil
  • Forest soil
  • Sub-mountain soil
  • Snowfields

The correct answer is Bhangar.

Key Points

• Old alluvial soil is known as Bhangar and is full of Kankars (lime nodules).
• The Bhangar is the older alluvium along the river beds forming terraces higher than the floodplain.
• Bhangar contains fossils of animals like rhinoceros, hippopotamus, elephants, etc.
• This type of soil is found in mountainous regions. This type of soil is found in huge amount in the North Indian Plains.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Black soil area.

Important Points

• The black soil area is one of the distinct features of the peninsular plateau.
• Black soil is also called lava soil or regur soil.
• Black soil (Black Cotton Soil) is rich in calcium, potassium, and magnesium but has poor nitrogen content.
• Black soil is extremely fine and clayey and has the capacity to hold a lot of moisture.

Important Points

• Laterite is soil rich in iron and aluminium.
  • Laterite soil is commonly considered to have formed in hot and wet tropical areas.
• Red soil is the third-largest soil group in India.
• Alluvial soil (most fertile) area is widespread in northern plains and river valleys.

Additional Information

• Black soil is mainly concentrated over
  • Parts of Maharashtra
  • Madhya Pradesh
  • Gujarat
  • Andhra Pradesh
  • Karnataka
  • Rajasthan
  • Uttar Pradesh
  • Certain parts of Tamil Nadu.

The correct answer is Alluvial Soil.

Key PointsAlluvial soil:

• It  is also known as riverine soil and are found in Northern plains.

It’s most important characteristics are :

• It is formed by the deposition of the river load as it flows from its upper to its lower course.
• It is light and porous, therefore easily tillable.
• It is a fertile soil as it is rich in minerals, especially potash and lime.
• It is suitable for the growth of a large variety of rabi and kharif crops.
• The color of the alluvial soils varies from the light grey to ash grey.

Additional InformationLaterite Soil:

• The laterite soil is formed under conditions of high temperature and heavy rainfall with alternate wet and dry periods. 
• Laterite soil is reddish to yellow in color with a lower content of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, lime, and magnesia with 90–100% of iron, aluminum, titanium, and manganese oxides. 
• Proper irrigation and use of fertilizers make it suitable for growing crops, such as tea, coffee, rubber, cinchona, coconut, etc. 

Dry Soil:

• The lack of moisture can cause compacted soil to become dry. 
• Dry soil that crumbles freely or with moderate pressure into individual grains is granular.
• Dry soil are not suitable for growing plants. 

Black Soil :

• Black soils are also known locally as regur Soil. 
• Black soil is rich in calcium, potassium and magnesium but has poor nitrogen content.
• Crops like cotton, tobacco, chilly, oil seeds, jowar, ragi and maize grow well in it.

The correct answer is option 2 i.e. Alluvial.

Key Points:

• The northern plains of India are formed of Alluvial deposits.
• Alluvial soil consists of silt, sand, clay, and gravel, as well as organic matter.
• Alluvial soils are derived from the sediment being deposited by the river Ganga.
• Alluvial soil ranges from Punjab in the west to West Bengal and Assam in the east,
• Alluvial soil is also found in the coastal areas of northern parts of Gujarat, Narmada, and Tapi valleys.
• Black soil is extremely fine and clayey and has the capacity to hold a lot of moisture. It is mostly found in areas such as Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
• Coral deposits accumulate to form reefs or islands in warm seas.
• Volcanic deposits are the result of materials like rock and gases emitted from a volcanic eruption.

Important crops that can be grown in alluvial soils:

• Wheat
• Rice
• Barley
• Maize
• Bajra
• Jowar
• Soybean
• Groundnut
• Mustard
• Tobacco.