Daily Quiz- 186

1. In India, the largest area of saline and alkaline soils is found in:

A. Rajasthan

B. Uttar Pradesh

C. Gujarat

D. Haryana

2. Which soil type in India has the highest water-holding capacity?

A. Black cotton soil

B. Alluvial soil

C. Red soil

D. Desert soil

3. Which of the following statements is correct about desert soils in India?

A. They are deficient in soluble salts

B. They have low phosphate content but adequate nitrogen

C. They have low organic matter and are alkaline in nature

D. They are acidic due to lack of rainfall

4. Which of the following soils is most prone to erosion by water?

A. Alluvial soil in Indo-Gangetic plain

B. Laterite soil in Western Ghats

C. Red soil in Tamil Nadu uplands

D. Sandy desert soil in Rajasthan

5. Which soil supports the cultivation of groundnut best in peninsular India?

A. Black soil

B. Red sandy soil

C. Lateritic soil

D. Desert soil

Answers Quiz- 185 (August 10)

1. Answer: B

Explanation: Black cotton soil (Regur soil) originates from basaltic rocks in the Deccan Plateau and has high clay content and moisture retention, making it ideal for cotton cultivation.

2. Answer: A

Explanation: Red soils get their characteristic colour from ferric oxide in crystalline form; when hydrated, it appears yellow (as in yellow soils).

3. Answer: C

Explanation: Desert soils have high soluble salt content due to arid climate and high evaporation rates.

4. Answer: B

Explanation: Malwa Plateau, formed from Deccan Traps, has deep black cotton soils suitable for soybean and cotton.

5. Answer: A

Explanation: Intense leaching in tropical high rainfall areas removes bases like calcium and nitrogen, leaving iron and aluminium oxides.