Q1. Consider the following statements regarding Laterite soils:
- They are rich in nitrogen, phosphate and calcium.
- They are generally unsuitable for cultivation without fertiliser input.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
- Poor in nutrients except iron and aluminium oxides.
- Cultivation possible only with manure and fertilisers.
Q2. With reference to Arid soils of India, consider the following statements:
- They are rich in humus and nitrogen.
- Presence of ‘kankar’ layer restricts water infiltration.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
- Statement 1: Incorrect — humus and nitrogen deficient.
- Statement 2: Correct — calcium carbonate (kankar) layer limits infiltration.
Q3. With reference to Saline soils, consider the following statements:
- They are also known as reh, usar or kallar soils.
- They are classified as intrazonal soils.
- They are rich in nitrogen and lime.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 2 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
- Saline soils are salt-affected, intrazonal, and deficient in nitrogen and lime.
Q4. Assertion (A): Peaty soils are rich in humus.
Reason (R): Waterlogged conditions slow down decomposition of organic matter.
Select the correct answer using the code below:
A. Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A
B. Both A and R are correct but R is not the correct explanation of A
C. A is correct but R is incorrect
D. A is incorrect but R is correct
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
- Anaerobic, waterlogged environments lead to peat accumulation (40–50% organic matter).
Q5. Arrange the following types of soil erosion in their correct sequential order of occurrence:
- Rill erosion
- Splash erosion
- Gully erosion
- Sheet erosion
Select the correct answer using the code below:
A. 2 → 1 → 4 → 3
B. 2 → 4 → 3 → 1
C. 2 → 4 → 1 → 3
D. 4 → 2 → 1 → 3
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
- Splash erosion: Initial stage caused by raindrop impact on bare soil; breaks soil aggregates and reduces infiltration.
- Sheet erosion: Uniform removal of thin soil layers by surface runoff following splash erosion; nutrient-rich topsoil lost.
- Rill erosion: Formation of small, shallow channels (<30 cm) due to concentrated surface flow, common on cultivated or overgrazed land.
- Gully erosion: Advanced stage with deep, wide channels; causes land degradation, loss of productivity, and infrastructure damage.
