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 #321 Report Error
Which Indian plateau is largely covered by red and yellow soils?
A. Ladakh Plateau
B. Chota Nagpur Plateau
C. Malwa Plateau
D. Deccan Plateau

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
The Chota Nagpur Plateau has extensive red and yellow soils formed from ancient crystalline rocks.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #322 Report Error
Which type of soil is generally found in regions receiving rainfall greater than 200 cm annually?
A. Desert Soil
B. Black Soil
C. Saline Soil
D. Laterite Soil

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Heavy rainfall causes intense leaching, resulting in the formation of laterite soils.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #323 Report Error
Which soil is generally rich in iron and poor in lime?
A. Black Soil
B. Red Soil
C. Alluvial Soil
D. Peaty Soil

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Red soils contain abundant iron oxides but usually have low lime content.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #324 Report Error
The process of accumulation of calcium carbonate in soil is known as:
A. Podzolization
B. Leaching
C. Humification
D. Calcification

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Calcification refers to the accumulation of calcium carbonate in soil layers, especially in dry regions.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #325 Report Error
Which soil is commonly found in the valleys of Kashmir?
A. Desert Soil
B. Alluvial and Mountain Soil
C. Black Soil
D. Laterite Soil

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
The Kashmir Valley contains fertile alluvial and mountain soils deposited by rivers and streams.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #326 Report Error
Which crop is least suitable for desert soils without irrigation?
A. Guar
B. Bajra
C. Rice
D. Millets

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Rice requires abundant water and therefore cannot be cultivated successfully in desert soils without irrigation.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #327 Report Error
Which soil type is most prone to waterlogging due to poor drainage?
A. Gravelly Soil
B. Sandy Soil
C. Clayey Soil
D. Loamy Soil

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Clayey soils have very fine particles and poor drainage, often leading to waterlogging.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #328 Report Error
Which Indian state has extensive saline and alkaline soils in canal-irrigated areas?
A. Assam
B. Punjab
C. Kerala
D. Sikkim

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Parts of Punjab have saline and alkaline soils due to excessive irrigation and poor drainage.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #329 Report Error
Which type of soil is ideal for the cultivation of sunflower?
A. Saline Soil
B. Peaty Soil
C. Black Soil
D. Marshy Soil

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Sunflower grows well in black soils due to their moisture retention and nutrient availability.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #330 Report Error
Which soil horizon contains the maximum amount of weathered minerals?
A. A Horizon
B. R Horizon
C. O Horizon
D. B Horizon

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
The B Horizon accumulates minerals leached from upper layers and is rich in weathered materials.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #331 Report Error
Which process contributes directly to the formation of humus?
A. Erosion
B. Sedimentation
C. Decomposition
D. Leaching

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Humus forms through the decomposition of plant and animal remains by microorganisms.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #332 Report Error
Which crop is most commonly associated with laterite soils in Kerala?
A. Jute
B. Barley
C. Wheat
D. Rubber

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Rubber plantations thrive in the laterite soils of Kerala under high rainfall conditions.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #333 Report Error
Which soil type contains the lowest percentage of organic carbon?
A. Marshy Soil
B. Desert Soil
C. Forest Soil
D. Peaty Soil

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Desert soils contain very little organic matter because vegetation is sparse.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #334 Report Error
The major parent material for red soils is:
A. Alluvium
B. Granite and Gneiss
C. Limestone
D. Basalt

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Red soils are generally formed by the weathering of granite and gneiss rocks.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #335 Report Error
Which soil conservation technique involves planting grasses on slopes?
A. Mining
B. Overgrazing
C. Grass Terracing
D. Flooding

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Planting grasses helps bind soil particles and reduces erosion on slopes.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #336 Report Error
The old alluvium of the Northern Plains generally contains:
A. Kankar
B. Peat
C. Humus
D. Laterite

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Old alluvial soils (Bangar) contain kankar nodules made of calcium carbonate.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #337 Report Error
Which state is known for red soil-based groundnut cultivation?
A. Andhra Pradesh
B. Uttarakhand
C. Haryana
D. Punjab

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Groundnut is extensively cultivated in the red soil regions of Andhra Pradesh.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #338 Report Error
Which soil is generally most suitable for horticulture in hilly areas?
A. Black Soil
B. Desert Soil
C. Mountain Soil
D. Saline Soil

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Mountain soils support fruits such as apples, pears, peaches, and plums.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #339 Report Error
Which factor is responsible for the yellow color in yellow soils?
A. Hydrated Iron Oxides
B. Calcium
C. Humus
D. Potash

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Hydrated iron oxide imparts a yellow color to yellow soils.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #340 Report Error
Which soil is commonly associated with tea gardens in Darjeeling?
A. Black Soil
B. Desert Soil
C. Mountain Soil
D. Saline Soil

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Darjeeling tea is cultivated on mountain soils found in the Himalayan region.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India