Soils of India MCQs

Geography GK

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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Total Questions

Practice Questions

Page 13 of 26
Question #241
Which mineral is mainly responsible for the sticky nature of black soil?
A. Feldspar
B. Quartz
C. Mica
D. Clay

Correct Answer: Option D


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
Which crop is known to thrive in the acidic conditions of laterite soil?
A. Gram
B. Tea
C. Barley
D. Wheat

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
The process of soil formation from parent rock is called:
A. Transpiration
B. Photosynthesis
C. Sedimentation
D. Pedogenesis

Correct Answer: Option D


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
Which soil is rich in iron but poor in nitrogen, phosphorus, and humus?
A. Alluvial Soil
B. Black Soil
C. Red Soil
D. Peaty Soil

Correct Answer: Option C


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
The major soil type found in the Godavari and Krishna river valleys is:
A. Alluvial Soil
B. Desert Soil
C. Black Soil
D. Mountain Soil

Correct Answer: Option A


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
Which type of erosion occurs when water removes soil uniformly from a large area?
A. Sheet Erosion
B. Wind Erosion
C. Gully Erosion
D. Ravine Erosion

Correct Answer: Option A


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
The soil most suitable for oilseed cultivation in peninsular India is:
A. Red Soil
B. Saline Soil
C. Peaty Soil
D. Desert 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
Which soil horizon is commonly called the zone of leaching?
A. C Horizon
B. R Horizon
C. A Horizon
D. B 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
Which soil horizon is known as the zone of accumulation?
A. R Horizon
B. O Horizon
C. A Horizon
D. B Horizon

Correct Answer: Option D


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
Which Indian state has extensive red soil coverage?
A. Haryana
B. Punjab
C. Jammu & Kashmir
D. Tamil Nadu

Correct Answer: Option D


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

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

Correct Answer: Option B


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

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

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
Which soil contains a high percentage of calcium carbonate nodules?
A. Khadar
B. Forest Soil
C. Peaty Soil
D. Bangar

Correct Answer: Option D


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

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

Correct Answer: Option D


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

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

Correct Answer: Option B


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
The term 'soil texture' refers to:
A. Color of soil
B. Water content
C. Soil fertility
D. Particle size composition

Correct Answer: Option D


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
Which soil has the highest proportion of organic matter?
A. Desert Soil
B. Peaty Soil
C. Red Soil
D. Black Soil

Correct Answer: Option B


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

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

Correct Answer: Option A


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

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

Correct Answer: Option A


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

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

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Alluvial soil provides favorable conditions for maize cultivation.

This question belongs to: Geography GK Soils of India