Static Quiz 20 February 2026 (Geography)

Q1. With reference to Alluvial soils in India, consider the following statements:

1. They are generally rich in Potassium and deficient in Nitrogen.
2. Deltaic alluvial soils are relatively more clayey than those of the upper Ganga plains.
3. Bhangar soils are annually replenished by floods.
4. They are predominantly acidic in nature.

How many of the above statements are correct?

A) Only one
B) Only two
C) Only three
D) All four

Q1. (B)

Explanation:

• Statement 1 – Correct
  Alluvial soils contain adequate Potassium and Lime (Calcium) because of river deposition. However, due to intensive cultivation and rapid crop uptake, they are deficient in Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Organic Carbon.
• Statement 2 – Correct
  In delta regions (e.g., Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri), fine particles settle near river mouths, making soils more clayey compared to the sandy loam texture of upper Ganga plains.
• Statement 3 – Incorrect
  Khadar (new alluvium) is annually replenished by floods.
  Bhangar is old alluvium deposited above flood level and not regularly renewed.
• Statement 4 – Incorrect
  Alluvial soils are generally neutral to slightly alkaline (pH 6.5–8.4), not predominantly acidic.

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Q2. Which of the following characteristics are associated with Black (Regur) soils?

1. Derived from basaltic lava.
2. High Cation Exchange Capacity due to montmorillonite clay.
3. Poor water retention capacity.
4. Rich in Calcium Carbonate.

Select the correct answer:

A) 1 and 2 only
B) 1, 2 and 4 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 3 and 4 only

Q2. (B)

Explanation:

• Statement 1 – Correct
  Black soils developed from the weathering of Deccan Trap basalt.
• Statement 2 – Correct
  Presence of montmorillonite clay gives high CEC, meaning better nutrient retention.
• Statement 3 – Incorrect
  Black soil has very high water holding capacity (40–60%), which supports cotton during dry spells.
• Statement 4 – Correct
  Rich in Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium, Iron and Potassium; deficient in Nitrogen and Phosphorus.

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Q3. Consider the following soils and their typical pH ranges:

1. Laterite soil – 4.5 to 6.0
2. Desert soil – 7.5 to 9.0
3. Red soil – 8.0 to 9.0

Which of the above are correctly matched?

A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3

Q3. (A)

Explanation:

• Laterite soil (Correct)
  Heavy rainfall causes leaching of basic cations → acidic nature (pH 4.5–6.0).
• Desert soil (Correct)
  High evaporation and salt accumulation → alkaline pH (7.5–9.0).
• Red soil (Incorrect)
  Red soils are generally slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.5), not strongly alkaline.

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Q4. The ‘self-ploughing’ property of soil is associated with:

A) Alluvial soil
B) Black soil
C) Laterite soil
D) Desert soil

Q4. (B)

Explanation:

Black soil contains montmorillonite clay which expands when wet and contracts during dry seasons. This shrink–swell action produces wide cracks that naturally loosen the soil, improving aeration — hence termed “self-ploughing.” This property is particularly visible in Maharashtra and MP during summer.

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Q5. Which of the following soil types are typically formed under conditions of intense leaching?

1. Laterite soil
2. Red soil
3. Alluvial soil

Select the correct answer:

A) 1 only
B) 1 and 2 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3

Q5. (A)

Explanation:

• Laterite soil – Correct
  Forms in high rainfall (>200 cm) regions. Silica and lime are leached away, leaving Iron and Aluminium oxides.
• Red soil – Incorrect
  Formed by weathering of crystalline rocks, not primarily due to intense leaching.
• Alluvial soil – Incorrect
  Depositional soil formed by river transport and sedimentation, not leaching.

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