Q10. Which state listed is associated with laterite soils?
[UP Urban Development Authority / Lucknow Development Authority Preliminary (2006)]
- (A) Uttar Pradesh
- (B) Himachal Pradesh
- (C) Punjab
- (D) Maharashtra
Answer: (D) Maharashtra
Explanation: Laterite develops in humid uplands that experience intense tropical leaching, including parts of Maharashtra’s western highlands. The other options are better known for extensive alluvial or mountain soils. Laterite is relatively low in nutrients despite its iron-rich composition.
Q9. Which soil group occupies the largest area in India?
[MPPSC Preliminary (2006)]
- (A) Red
- (B) Black
- (C) Sandy
- (D) Alluvial
Answer: (D) Alluvial
Explanation: Alluvial soil is widespread across the major northern river plains and several peninsular deltas. Rivers deposit its sand, silt and clay fractions. This broad distribution exceeds that of black, red and laterite soils under standard geographical classification.
Q8. Which soil amendment is generally applied to make acidic soil more suitable for crops?
[MPPSC Preliminary (2006)]
- (A) Lime
- (B) Gypsum
- (C) Coal ash
- (D) Common salt
Answer: (A) Lime
Explanation: Lime neutralises excess soil acidity and can raise pH toward conditions favorable for many crops. Gypsum is more strongly associated with sodic-soil reclamation. Appropriate application depends on laboratory assessment, since over-liming can reduce micronutrient availability.
Q7. Which landscape is especially associated with severe ravine-type soil erosion?
[MPPSC Preliminary (2006)]
- (A) Malwa Plateau
- (B) Terai of Uttar Pradesh
- (C) Andhra coast
- (D) Chambal Valley
Answer: (D) Chambal Valley
Explanation: The Chambal Valley is famous for deep, dissected gullies and ravines resulting from prolonged concentrated runoff. These features destroy or divide agricultural land. Erosion control uses vegetative cover, catchment management and protection of vulnerable drainage lines.
Q6. In which region is soil erosion particularly critical?
[UPPCS Preliminary (2004)]
- (A) Malwa Plateau
- (B) Shivalik foothills
- (C) Dandakaranya
- (D) Meghalaya Plateau
Answer: (B) Shivalik foothills
Explanation: The fragile Shivalik foothills have unconsolidated sediments, steep slopes and seasonally intense rainfall. Together with vegetation removal they encourage rapid runoff and erosion. Soil-conservation strategies include slope stabilization, afforestation and careful land use.
Q5. Which listed region is most strongly affected by ravine and soil erosion?
[UP Lower Subordinate Preliminary (2004)]
- (A) Malwa Plateau
- (B) Terai region
- (C) Andhra coast
- (D) Chambal Valley
Answer: (D) Chambal Valley
Explanation: Chambal’s ravine landscape is a classic Indian example of severe gully erosion. Flowing water incises channels into susceptible soils, progressively cutting fields into deeply dissected terrain. Watershed management and restoration of protective vegetation help limit further degradation.
Q4. Which micronutrient is especially widely deficient in Indian agricultural soils?
[UPPCS Special Mains (2004)]
- (A) Copper
- (B) Iron
- (C) Manganese
- (D) Zinc
Answer: (D) Zinc
Explanation: Zinc deficiency is widespread in cultivated soils of India and can reduce plant growth and crop yields. Soil pH, excessive phosphorus and low available zinc influence the problem. Corrective application should follow soil and crop assessment.
Q3. Which soil texture among the given examples has the least capacity to retain water?
[Uttarakhand PSC Preliminary (2003)]
- (A) Alluvial sand
- (B) Loamy sand
- (C) Clayey loam
- (D) Loam
Answer: (A) Alluvial sand
Explanation: Sandy deposits have large grains and interconnected pores through which water drains readily. They therefore retain less water than loam or clay-rich soils. Organic inputs and careful irrigation scheduling can help improve moisture availability in sandy fields.
Q2. Which soil reaction best suits tea cultivation?
[UPPCS Preliminary (2002)]
- (A) Acidic
- (B) Strongly alkaline
- (C) Neutral saline
- (D) Black regur as such
Answer: (A) Acidic
Explanation: Tea generally thrives in well-drained, moderately acidic soils under humid conditions. Strong alkalinity can impair nutrient uptake, while waterlogging damages roots. Tea estates are commonly located on suitable hill slopes with adequate rainfall and controlled drainage.
Q1. Which statement about Indian physical geography is correct?
[UPSC CSE Preliminary (2002)]
- (A) More than one-third of India necessarily receives above 750 mm rainfall
- (B) Wells are everywhere the dominant irrigation source
- (C) Alluvial soil predominates in the Northern Plains
- (D) Mountains occupy exactly thirty percent of India
Answer: (C) Alluvial soil predominates in the Northern Plains
Explanation: Northern India’s major river systems deposited thick layers of sand, silt and clay across the vast plains. This alluvium is the region’s dominant soil. The alternative claims are not accepted in the original multiple-choice context.
