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 #121 Report Error
Which soil is formed by the weathering of basalt rocks?
A. Laterite soil
B. Red soil
C. Black soil
D. Desert soil

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Black soil is formed from the weathering of volcanic basalt rocks, especially in the Deccan Plateau.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #122 Report Error
Which soil is also called 'self-ploughing soil'?
A. Red soil
B. Mountain soil
C. Alluvial soil
D. Black soil

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Black soil swells when wet and develops deep cracks when dry, which helps in natural aeration, hence called self-ploughing.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #123 Report Error
Which soil is least fertile due to heavy leaching?
A. Laterite soil
B. Black soil
C. Alluvial soil
D. Peaty soil

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Laterite soil is heavily leached in tropical rainfall areas, making it poor in nutrients and less fertile.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #124 Report Error
Which region of India has the largest area under alluvial soil?
A. Indo-Gangetic Plains
B. Thar Desert
C. Deccan Plateau
D. Western Ghats

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
The Indo-Gangetic Plains have the largest extent of alluvial soil in India.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #125 Report Error
Which soil is best suited for jute cultivation?
A. Laterite soil
B. Desert soil
C. Alluvial soil
D. Red soil

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Alluvial soil in delta regions like Bengal is ideal for jute cultivation due to high fertility and moisture.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #126 Report Error
Which soil is known for high iron content?
A. Peaty soil
B. Black soil
C. Red soil
D. Alluvial soil

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Red soil contains iron oxide which gives it its characteristic red color.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #127 Report Error
Desert soil is also known as:
A. Forest soil
B. Laterite soil
C. Regur soil
D. Arid soil

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Desert soils are also called arid soils due to their occurrence in dry regions like Rajasthan.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #128 Report Error
Which soil has high porosity but low water retention?
A. Sandy desert soil
B. Clay soil
C. Peaty soil
D. Black soil

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Sandy desert soil has large particles and high porosity, leading to low water retention.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #129 Report Error
Which soil is most widely used for rice cultivation in India?
A. Desert soil
B. Laterite soil
C. Alluvial soil
D. Black soil

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Alluvial soil retains moisture and is highly fertile, making it ideal for rice cultivation in river plains.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #130 Report Error
Which factor is most important in soil formation?
A. Longitude
B. Climate
C. Latitude
D. Time only

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Climate influences weathering, vegetation, and biological activity, making it a key factor in soil formation.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #131 Report Error
Which process involves removal of topsoil by running water?
A. Deposition
B. Weathering
C. Leaching
D. Soil erosion

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Soil erosion is the removal of topsoil by water, wind, or other agents.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #132 Report Error
Which conservation method is used in dry regions?
A. Terrace farming
B. Mulching
C. Contour ploughing
D. Shelter belts

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Shelter belts of trees reduce wind speed and protect soil in arid regions.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #133 Report Error
Which soil is rich in organic matter in marshy areas?
A. Red soil
B. Laterite soil
C. Peaty soil
D. Desert soil

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Peaty soil forms in waterlogged conditions and is rich in organic matter.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #134 Report Error
Which soil is found in delta regions of India?
A. Alluvial soil
B. Mountain soil
C. Red soil
D. Laterite soil

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Alluvial soil is deposited in river deltas like the Ganga, Godavari, and Krishna.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #135 Report Error
Which soil is most affected by salinity in India?
A. Black soil
B. Alluvial soil
C. Desert soil
D. Mountain soil

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Desert soils are often saline due to high evaporation and poor drainage.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #136 Report Error
Which is a major soil conservation technique in hilly areas?
A. Deforestation
B. Mining
C. Strip cropping
D. Overgrazing

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Strip cropping reduces soil erosion by alternating crops in strips across slopes.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #137 Report Error
Which soil is rich in lime and potash but poor in nitrogen?
A. Alluvial soil
B. Black soil
C. Laterite soil
D. Red soil

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Alluvial soil contains lime and potash but is often deficient in nitrogen and phosphorus.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #138 Report Error
Which soil is best for sugarcane cultivation?
A. Black soil
B. Laterite soil
C. Desert soil
D. Alluvial soil

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Alluvial soil in river plains provides fertile conditions suitable for sugarcane cultivation.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #139 Report Error
Which soil is formed due to intense leaching in high rainfall regions?
A. Desert soil
B. Black soil
C. Laterite soil
D. Alluvial soil

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Laterite soil forms in areas of high rainfall where intense leaching removes soluble minerals.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India
Question #140 Report Error
Which soil is most common in river valleys of North India?
A. Black soil
B. Laterite soil
C. Red soil
D. Alluvial soil

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Alluvial soil dominates river valleys like the Ganga, Yamuna, and Brahmaputra plains.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India