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 #341 Report Error
What is the main source of nitrogen replenishment in organic farming?
A. Sand
B. Compost and Green Manure
C. Plastic Waste
D. Concrete Dust

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Organic farming relies on compost, green manure, and biofertilizers to supply nitrogen.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #342 Report Error
Which soil is formed due to deposition by wind in arid regions?
A. Laterite Soil
B. Black Soil
C. Aeolian Soil
D. Mountain Soil

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Aeolian soils are formed by wind deposition and are common in desert regions.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #343 Report Error
Which crop is most suited to the sandy soils of Rajasthan?
A. Bajra
B. Rice
C. Rubber
D. Tea

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Bajra (pearl millet) is drought-resistant and grows well in sandy desert soils.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #344 Report Error
Which soil type occupies the second-largest area in India after alluvial soil?
A. Desert Soil
B. Laterite Soil
C. Red Soil
D. Black Soil

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Red soil covers a vast area of peninsular India and is second only to alluvial soil in extent.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #345 Report Error
Which process is responsible for the downward movement of clay particles within a soil profile?
A. Evaporation
B. Photosynthesis
C. Respiration
D. Eluviation

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Eluviation involves the washing downward of fine soil particles and minerals.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #346 Report Error
Which soil is commonly found in the Nilgiri Hills?
A. Black Soil
B. Saline Soil
C. Desert Soil
D. Laterite and Mountain Soil

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
The Nilgiri Hills contain mountain and lateritic soils due to high rainfall and elevation.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #347 Report Error
The formation of soil through physical breakdown of rocks is called:
A. Humification
B. Calcification
C. Mechanical Weathering
D. Leaching

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Mechanical weathering breaks rocks into smaller particles without changing their chemical composition.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #348 Report Error
Which nutrient is primarily responsible for flowering and fruiting in plants?
A. Nitrogen
B. Hydrogen
C. Carbon
D. Phosphorus

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Phosphorus promotes root growth, flowering, seed formation, and fruit development.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #349 Report Error
Which soil is generally unsuitable for agriculture unless irrigated?
A. Black Soil
B. Desert Soil
C. Forest Soil
D. Alluvial Soil

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Desert soils have low moisture and organic matter, making irrigation necessary.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #350 Report Error
Which state has the largest area under red and yellow soils?
A. Haryana
B. Punjab
C. Goa
D. Odisha

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Red and yellow soils occupy a major portion of Odisha.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #351 Report Error
The accumulation of organic matter in waterlogged conditions leads to the formation of:
A. Laterite Soil
B. Peaty Soil
C. Black Soil
D. Desert Soil

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Peaty soils form where decomposition is slow because of waterlogged conditions.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #352 Report Error
Which crop is extensively grown in the alluvial soils of the Indo-Gangetic Plain?
A. Coffee
B. Tea
C. Rubber
D. Wheat

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
The Indo-Gangetic Plain is India's major wheat-producing region because of its fertile alluvial soils.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #353 Report Error
Which soil conservation measure helps reduce wind velocity in dry areas?
A. Mining
B. Shifting Cultivation
C. Shelter Belts
D. Flood Irrigation

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Shelter belts consist of rows of trees that reduce wind speed and prevent wind erosion.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #354 Report Error
Which soil is generally rich in alumina and iron compounds?
A. Laterite Soil
B. Desert Soil
C. Alluvial Soil
D. Peaty Soil

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Laterite soils are rich in iron and aluminum oxides due to intense leaching.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #355 Report Error
Which region of India has black soils derived from volcanic lava flows?
A. Deccan Trap Region
B. Western Himalayas
C. Indo-Gangetic Plain
D. Sundarbans

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
The Deccan Trap region consists of basaltic lava flows that weather into black soil.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #356 Report Error
Which soil type generally has the highest cation exchange capacity?
A. Black Soil
B. Desert Soil
C. Sandy Soil
D. Gravelly Soil

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Black soil's high clay content gives it a high capacity to retain nutrients.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #357 Report Error
Which Indian state is known for apple cultivation on mountain soils?
A. Tamil Nadu
B. Rajasthan
C. Himachal Pradesh
D. Gujarat

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Apple orchards flourish on mountain soils in Himachal Pradesh.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #358 Report Error
Which soil type is best suited for mixed farming due to its balanced texture?
A. Saline Soil
B. Gravelly Soil
C. Loamy Soil
D. Sandy Soil

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Loamy soil combines good drainage, aeration, and nutrient retention, making it ideal for mixed farming.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #359 Report Error
Which soil is extensively used for paddy cultivation in delta regions?
A. Alluvial Soil
B. Mountain Soil
C. Black Soil
D. Desert Soil

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Deltaic alluvial soils are fertile and retain sufficient moisture for rice cultivation.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #360 Report Error
The fertility of black soil is mainly due to its richness in:
A. Petroleum
B. Lime, Iron and Magnesia
C. Coal
D. Gold and Silver

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Black soil contains abundant lime, iron, magnesium, and potash, contributing to its fertility.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India