Soils of India MCQs

Practice Soils of India MCQs with answers and detailed explanations covering alluvial soil, black soil, red soil, laterite soil, desert soil, mountain soil, soil formation, soil conservation, soil distribution and important agriculture-related geography topics frequently asked in SSC, Railway, Banking, UPSC, JKSSB, Police, Defence, Teaching and other competitive examinations.

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Question #241 Report Error
Which mineral is mainly responsible for the sticky nature of black soil?
A. Feldspar
B. Mica
C. Clay
D. Quartz

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Black soil contains a high percentage of clay, which becomes sticky when wet and develops deep cracks when dry.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #242 Report Error
Which crop is known to thrive in the acidic conditions of laterite soil?
A. Barley
B. Tea
C. Wheat
D. Gram

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Tea grows well in acidic soils. Laterite soils, after proper manuring, support tea plantations in hilly regions.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #243 Report Error
The process of soil formation from parent rock is called:
A. Pedogenesis
B. Transpiration
C. Sedimentation
D. Photosynthesis

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Pedogenesis refers to the formation and development of soil from weathered parent material.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #244 Report Error
Which soil is rich in iron but poor in nitrogen, phosphorus, and humus?
A. Peaty Soil
B. Red Soil
C. Black Soil
D. Alluvial Soil

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Red soil contains abundant iron oxide but lacks essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic matter.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #245 Report Error
The major soil type found in the Godavari and Krishna river valleys is:
A. Mountain Soil
B. Black Soil
C. Desert Soil
D. Alluvial Soil

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
River valleys such as the Godavari and Krishna have fertile alluvial deposits suitable for agriculture.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #246 Report Error
Which type of erosion occurs when water removes soil uniformly from a large area?
A. Ravine Erosion
B. Wind Erosion
C. Sheet Erosion
D. Gully Erosion

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Sheet erosion removes a thin, uniform layer of topsoil over a broad area.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #247 Report Error
The soil most suitable for oilseed cultivation in peninsular India is:
A. Red Soil
B. Desert Soil
C. Peaty Soil
D. Saline Soil

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Red soils support crops such as groundnut, millets, pulses, and oilseeds.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #248 Report Error
Which soil horizon is commonly called the zone of leaching?
A. B Horizon
B. C Horizon
C. A Horizon
D. R Horizon

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
The A Horizon loses minerals through leaching and is therefore known as the zone of leaching.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #249 Report Error
Which soil horizon is known as the zone of accumulation?
A. R Horizon
B. A Horizon
C. B Horizon
D. O Horizon

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
The B Horizon accumulates minerals leached from the A Horizon and is called the zone of accumulation.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #250 Report Error
Which Indian state has extensive red soil coverage?
A. Haryana
B. Tamil Nadu
C. Jammu & Kashmir
D. Punjab

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Tamil Nadu has widespread red soil derived from ancient crystalline rocks.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #251 Report Error
Which soil is best suited for millet cultivation in arid regions?
A. Desert Soil
B. Laterite Soil
C. Mountain Soil
D. Peaty Soil

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Millets like bajra can grow in sandy desert soils with limited rainfall.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #252 Report Error
The primary source of alluvial soil deposits in India is:
A. Volcanoes
B. Rivers
C. Sea waves
D. Glaciers only

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Rivers transport and deposit sediments that form fertile alluvial soils.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #253 Report Error
Which soil contains a high percentage of calcium carbonate nodules?
A. Khadar
B. Peaty Soil
C. Bangar
D. Forest Soil

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Bangar soil contains kankar, which are calcium carbonate nodules.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #254 Report Error
What is the major reason for low humus content in desert soils?
A. Frequent floods
B. Sparse vegetation
C. Heavy rainfall
D. Dense vegetation

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Sparse vegetation means less organic matter is available to form humus.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #255 Report Error
Which crop is commonly grown in black soil areas of Gujarat?
A. Cotton
B. Jute
C. Tea
D. Rubber

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Gujarat is a major cotton-producing state due to its extensive black soil regions.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #256 Report Error
The term 'soil texture' refers to:
A. Color of soil
B. Soil fertility
C. Particle size composition
D. Water content

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Soil texture is determined by the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #257 Report Error
Which soil has the highest proportion of organic matter?
A. Black Soil
B. Desert Soil
C. Red Soil
D. Peaty Soil

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Peaty soils are rich in partially decomposed organic matter and humus.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #258 Report Error
Which soil is commonly found in marshy areas?
A. Alluvial Soil
B. Red Soil
C. Peaty Soil
D. Black Soil

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Marshy regions with waterlogging favor the formation of peaty soils.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #259 Report Error
Which soil conservation method reduces runoff by dividing slopes into steps?
A. Strip Cropping
B. Contour Ploughing
C. Mulching
D. Terrace Farming

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Terrace farming creates step-like fields that reduce runoff and soil erosion.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #260 Report Error
Which soil is most suitable for maize cultivation in northern India?
A. Laterite Soil
B. Alluvial Soil
C. Desert Soil
D. Saline Soil

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Alluvial soil provides favorable conditions for maize cultivation.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India