Q130. Which soil is characteristically associated with the Deccan Plateau?
[Delhi Police Constable (29 December 2025, Shift 1)]
- (A) Red soil
- (B) Black soil
- (C) Laterite soil
- (D) Arid soil
Answer: (B) Black soil
Explanation: Large tracts of the Deccan Plateau are covered by dark soil weathered from basaltic lava. This black or regur soil is fine-textured, clayey and moisture-retentive. It is especially important for cotton, pulses, oilseeds and other dryland crops.
Q129. Complete the geographical analogy: Alluvial soil : Indo-Gangetic Plain :: Black soil : ?
[MP Police Constable (5 December 2025, Shift 2)]
- (A) Deccan Plateau
- (B) Coastal Plains
- (C) Eastern Himalayas
- (D) Sundarbans
Answer: (A) Deccan Plateau
Explanation: Alluvial deposits are associated with major river plains, whereas black soil is mainly linked to weathered Deccan basalt. The analogy contrasts transported river sediments with residual soils developed upon volcanic rocks of western and central peninsular India.
Q128. Which soil develops in high-temperature, heavy-rainfall climates with alternating wet and dry periods?
[SSC JE Civil (3 December 2025, Shift 1)]
- (A) Black soil
- (B) Red soil
- (C) Arid soil
- (D) Laterite soil
Answer: (D) Laterite soil
Explanation: Laterisation involves strong tropical weathering and the leaching of silica and soluble bases. Iron and aluminium oxides remain concentrated, commonly producing reddish soils. The process is particularly developed in humid uplands, including parts of the Western Ghats.
Q127. What name is given to the old alluvium of the Indian river plains?
[UP Police ASI (2 November 2025)]
- (A) Terai
- (B) Peaty soil
- (C) Laterite
- (D) Bhangar
Answer: (D) Bhangar
Explanation: Bhangar is older alluvium occurring on relatively higher terraces beyond regular river flooding. It may contain calcareous kankar nodules. Khadar, by contrast, is younger alluvium refreshed by occasional floods and is generally considered more fertile.
Q126. Which soil group is typical of the Northern Plain of India?
[IB ACIO Grade II (17 September 2025, Shift 1)]
- (A) Red soil
- (B) Black soil
- (C) Laterite soil
- (D) Alluvial soil
Answer: (D) Alluvial soil
Explanation: The northern river plains accumulated vast layers of silt, clay and sand supplied by the Ganga, Brahmaputra, Indus and tributaries. Such deposited material is called alluvium. Its favorable texture and fertility sustain intensive farming across northern states.
Q125. Among calcium, nitrogen, phosphate and potash, which constituent was identified in the paper as appreciable in laterite soil?
[UPSC NDA II, General Ability Test (14 September 2025)]
- (A) Calcium only
- (B) Nitrogen only
- (C) Phosphate only
- (D) Potash only
Answer: (D) Potash only
Explanation: The examination key selects potash among the specified alternatives. Laterite is principally known for iron and aluminium oxides and extensive leaching, which often depletes nutrients. Relative nutrient descriptions depend on the reference and should not be mistaken for universal soil-fertility claims.
Q124. Which crop is most characteristically suited to black soil?
[DSSSB ASO (19 August 2025, Shift 2)]
- (A) Sugarcane
- (B) Cotton
- (C) Rice
- (D) Millet
Answer: (B) Cotton
Explanation: Black soil is called black cotton soil because its fine clay fraction stores moisture for long periods. Cotton can exploit this moisture under the seasonal rainfall regime of the Deccan. The soil also supports several cereals and oilseeds.
Q123. Which combination of seasonal temperatures and soil is best for wheat cultivation?
[SSC Stenographer (8 August 2025, Shift 3)]
- (A) Desert heat above 40°C with sandy loam
- (B) Hot and humid laterite terrain
- (C) Cool winter, mild ripening season and clay loam
- (D) Tropical heat with sandy soil
Answer: (C) Cool winter, mild ripening season and clay loam
Explanation: Wheat prefers cool growing weather and warmer, relatively dry ripening conditions. Moisture-retaining, well-structured loam or clay loam can support its roots and nutrient supply. Extreme desert heat and poorly managed sandy soils are less favorable for dependable yields.
Q122. Which statements are correct? 1. Erosion and deforestation can turn farmland into wasteland. 2. Plains occupy India’s largest relief-area share. 3. Net sown area is nearly identical across states.
[SSC Selection Post, Graduate Level (30 July 2025, Shift 3)]
- (A) 1 and 2 only
- (B) 2 and 3 only
- (C) 1 and 3 only
- (D) 2 only
Answer: (A) 1 and 2 only
Explanation: Sustained removal of vegetation and topsoil degrades once-cultivable land. Plains also constitute the largest broad relief category in India. Net sown-area shares vary markedly with terrain, climate, settlement, irrigation and land use, so the third statement is incorrect.
Q121. In which Indian region is alluvial soil most commonly distributed?
[RRB NTPC Graduate CBT-I (20 June 2025, Shift 3)]
- (A) Eastern Ghats
- (B) Peninsular Plateau
- (C) Western Ghats
- (D) Indo-Gangetic Plain
Answer: (D) Indo-Gangetic Plain
Explanation: The Indo-Gangetic Plain was constructed by sediments laid down by large river systems. These deposits form alluvial soils whose texture ranges from sandy to clayey. They support major food-grain regions because of their relatively fertile and extensive agricultural land.
