{"id":118679,"date":"2022-04-28T12:07:16","date_gmt":"2022-04-28T06:37:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mapsofindia.com\/my-india\/?p=118679"},"modified":"2022-04-28T12:07:16","modified_gmt":"2022-04-28T06:37:16","slug":"chapter-6-soils-questions-and-answers-ncert-solutions-for-class-11-geographyindia-physical-environment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mapsofindia.com\/my-india\/education\/chapter-6-soils-questions-and-answers-ncert-solutions-for-class-11-geographyindia-physical-environment","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 6 – Soils Questions and Answers: NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Geography(India Physical Environment)"},"content":{"rendered":"

1. Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below:
\nQuestion 1(i).
\nWhich one of the following is the most widespread and most productive category of soil?
\n(a) Alluvial Soil
\n(b) Laterite Soil
\n(c) Black Soil
\n(d) Forest Soil.<\/h2>\n

Answer:
\n(a) Alluvial soil<\/h3>\n

Question 1(ii).
\n\u2018Regur Soil\u2019 is another name for the.
\n(a) Saline Soil
\n(b) Arid Soil
\n(c) Black Soil
\n(d) Laterite Soil.<\/h2>\n

Answer:
\n(c) Black Soil<\/h3>\n

Question 1(iii).
\nWhich one of the following is the main reason for the loss of the top soil in India?
\n(a) Wind erosion
\n(b) Water erosion
\n(c) Excessive leaching
\n(d) None of these.<\/h2>\n

Answer:
\n(a) Wind Erosion<\/h3>\n

Question 1(iv).
\nArable land in the irrigated zones of India is turning saline due to which of the following reasons?
\n(a) Addition of gypsum
\n(b) Over grazing
\n(c) Over irrigation
\n(d) Use of fertilisers.<\/h2>\n

Answer:
\n(c) Over Irrigation.<\/h3>\n

2. Answer the following questions in about 30 words.
\nQuestion 2(i).
\nWhat is soil?<\/h2>\n

Answer: Soil is the mixture of rock debris and organic materials which develop on the earth\u2019s surface. The various agents of weathering and gradation have acted upon the parent rock material to produce a thin layer of soil. Important components of the soil are mineral particles, humus, water and air. The actual amount of each of these depend upon the type of soil.<\/h3>\n

Question 2(ii).
\nWhat are the main factors responsible for the formation of soil?<\/h2>\n

Answer:
\nRelief, parent material, climate, vegetation and other life-forms and time are the important factors that affect formation of soil. Besides these, human activities also influence it to a large extent. For example, the laterite soils develop in areas with high temperature and high rainfall. Black soils are made from volcanoes. Forest soils are formed in the forest areas where sufficient rainfall is available. Peaty soils are found in the areas of heavy rainfall and high humidity, where there is a good growth of vegetation.<\/h3>\n

Question 2(iii).
\nMention the three horizons of a soil profile.<\/h2>\n

Answer:
\nThree horizons of soil profile are:
\n1. Horizon A: It is the topmost zone, where organic materials have got incorporated with the mineral matter, nutrients and water, which are necessary for the growth of plants.
\n2. Horizon B: It is a transition zone between the \u2018horizon A\u2019 and \u2018horizon C\u2019, and contains matter derived from below as well as from above. It has some organic matter in it, although the mineral matter is noticeably weathered.
\n3. Horizon C: It is composed of the loose parent material. This layer is the first stage in the soil formation process and eventually forms the above two layers.<\/h3>\n

Question 2(iv).
\nWhat is soil degradation?<\/h2>\n

Answer:
\nSoil degradation can be defined as the decline in soil fertility, when the nutritional status declines and depth of the soil goes down due to erosion and misuse. Soil degradation is the main factor leading to the depleting soil resource base in India.
\nThe degree of soil degradation varies from place to place according to the topography, wind velocity and amount of the rainfall.<\/h3>\n

Question 2(v).
\nWhat is the difference between Khadar and Bhangar?<\/h2>\n

Answer:
\nBasis
\nBhangar
\nKhadar
\nComposition
\nIt is a highland composed of old alluvium.
\nIt\u2019s a lowland composed of new alluvium.
\nFlood
\nIt is always above the level of flood plains.
\nIt is flooded almost every year.
\nFertility
\nIt comprises of canvanious nodules.
\nIt comprises of clay soil which is normally fertile.
\nSuitability
\nIt is not much suited for agriculture.
\nIt is suited for agriculture. Intensive agriculture is practiced here.
\nOther name
\nIt is known as dhaya in Punjab.
\nIt is known as bate in Punjab.<\/h3>\n

3. Answer the following questions in about 125 words
\nQuestion 3(i).
\nWhat are black soils? Describe their formation and characteristics.<\/h2>\n

Answer:
\nBlack soils are formed by volcanoes. These soils are also known as the \u2018Regur Soil\u2019 or the \u2018Black Cotton Soil\u2019. Features: The black soils are generally clayey, deep and impermeable.
\nThey swell and become sticky when wet and shrink when dried. So, during the dry season, these soil develop wide cracks.<\/h3>\n

Thus, there occurs a kind of \u2018self ploughing\u2019. Because of this character of slow absorption and loss of moisture, the black soil retains the moisture for a very long time, which helps the crops, especially; the rain fed ones, to sustain even during the dry season.
\nChemical Composition: Chemically, the black soils are rich in lime, iron, magnesia and alumina. They also contain potash. But they lack in phosphorous, nitrogen and organic matter. The colour of the soil ranges from deep black to grey.
\nAreas: Black soil covers most of the Deccan Plateau which includes parts of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and some parts of Tamil Nadu. In the upper reaches of the Godavari and the Krishna, and the north western part of the Deccan Plateau, the black soil is very deep.<\/h3>\n

Question 3(ii).
\nWhat is soil conservation? Suggest some measures to conserve soil.<\/h2>\n

Answer:
\nSoil conservation is a methodology to maintain soil fertility, prevent soil erosion and exhaustion, and improve the degraded condition of the soil.
\nWe can use following measures to conserve soil:
\nCheck open cultivable lands on slopes from farming.
\nLands with a slope gradient of 15 \u2013 25 per cent should not be used.
\nIf at all the land is to be used for agriculture, terraces should carefully be made.
\nContour bunding, Contour terracing, regulated forestry, controlled grazing, cover cropping, mixed farming and crop rotation to conserve soil.
\nIntegrated land use planning, therefore, seems to be the best technique for proper soil conservation.
\nLands should be classified according to their capability; land use maps should be prepared and lands should be put to right uses.<\/h3>\n

Question 3(iii).
\nHow do you know that a particular type of soil is fertile or not? Differentiate between naturally determined fertility and culturally induced fertility.<\/h2>\n

Answer:
\nThe fine-grained red and yellow soils are normally fertile, whereas coarse-grained soils found in dry upland areas are poor in fertility. They are generally poor in nitrogen, phosphorous and humus.
\nSome soils have phosphorus, potassium, humus, nitrogen and calcium naturally. It increases the fertility of these soils. Such fertility is called naturally determined fertility. On the other hand, if soil is deficient in these substances, such substances are added in the form of fertilizers and manures. If fertility of soil is increased through human efforts, such fertility is called culturally induced fertility.
\nNaturally determined fertility makes human dependent on nature. Culturally induced fertility indicates that man has become master of the nature. It is an indicator of development of human race. Soils are living systems. Like any other organism, they too develop and decay, get degraded, respond to proper treatmentif administered in time. A human being may be intelligent by birth or may be made intelligent by efforts. Similarly, soil may be fertile naturally and may be made fertile by human efforts. Former is called naturally determined fertility and the latter is called culturally induced fertility.
\nMultiple Choice Questions<\/h3>\n

Question 1.
\nA mixture of rock debris and organic materials which develop on the earth\u2019s surface and nurture life is called:
\n(a) Bhangar
\n(b) Bhabar
\n(c) Khadar
\n(d) Soil.<\/h2>\n

Answer:
\n(d) Soil<\/h3>\n

Question 2.
\nDestruction of layer of soil is called:
\n(a) Soil Erosion
\n(b) Soil Conservation
\n(c) Soil Degradation
\n(d) Soil Formation,<\/h2>\n

Answer:
\n(a) Soil Erosion<\/h3>\n

Question 3.
\nLoss of fertility of soil is called:
\n(a) Soil Erosion
\n(b) Soil Conservation
\n(c) Soil Degradation
\n(d) Soil Formation.<\/h2>\n

Answer:
\nSoil Degradation<\/h3>\n

Question 4.
\nWhich soil is formed by occurrence of volcanoes?
\n(a) Alluvial Soil
\n(b) Black Soil
\n(c) Laterite Soil
\n(d) Peaty Soil.<\/h2>\n

Answer:
\n(b) Black Soil<\/h3>\n

Question 5.
\nWhich soil is made up by the deposition of rivers?
\n(a) Alluvial Soil
\n(b) Black Soil
\n(c) Laterite Soil
\n(d) Peaty Soil,<\/h2>\n

Answer:
\n(a) Alluvial Soil<\/h3>\n

Question 6.
\nA system of older alluvium, deposited away from the flood plains which is loamy and clayey is called:
\n(a) Khadar
\n(b) Bhangar
\n(c) Bhabar
\n(d) Degradation.<\/h2>\n

Answer:
\nb) Bhangar<\/h3>\n

Question 7.
\nLaterite has been derived from the Latin word \u2018Later\u2019 which means:
\n(a) Brick
\n(b) Infertile Land
\n(c) Gold Soil
\n(d) Eroded Soil.<\/h2>\n

Answer:
\n(a) Brick<\/h3>\n

Question 8.
\nWhat is the colour of arid soil?
\n(a) Brown
\n(b) Yellow
\n(c) Black
\n(d) Red and brown.<\/h2>\n

Answer:
\n(d) Red and Brown<\/h3>\n

Question 9.
\nWhere are alluvial soils found in India?
\n(a) Northern plains and coastal areas
\n(b) Konkan Coast
\n(c) In Himalayan regions
\n(d) In North-east India.<\/h2>\n

Answer:
\n(a) Northern plains and coastal areas.<\/h3>\n

Question 10.
\nThese soils are poor in organic matter, nitrogen, phosphate and calcium, while iron oxide and potash are in excess.
\nWhich soils are these?
\n(a) Alluvial Soil
\n(b) Black Soil
\n(c) Laterite Soil
\n(d) Peaty Soil.<\/h2>\n

Answer:
\n(c) Laterite Soil<\/h3>\n

Question 11.
\nWhich soils are also called Usara soils?
\n(a) Alluvial Soil
\n(b) Black Soil
\n(c) Laterite Soil
\n(d) Peaty Soil.<\/h2>\n

Answer:
\n(d) Peaty Soil<\/h3>\n

Question 12.
\nWhat percent of India is covered with alluvial soils?
\n(a) 20%
\n(b) 30%
\n(c) 40%
\n(d) 50%.<\/h2>\n

Answer:
\n(c) 40%<\/h3>\n

Question 13.
\nWhich of the following is not a feature of black soil?
\n(a) It is suitable for the cultivation of cotton.
\n(b) It has more capacity of absorbing moisture.
\n(c) It becomes loamy and sticky when wet.
\n(d) It has high iron content.<\/h2>\n

Answer:
\n(d) It has high iron content<\/h3>\n

Question 14.
\nFinger gullies can be eliminated by:
\n(a) Terracing
\n(b) Contour bunding
\n(c) Regulated forestry
\n(d) Controlled grazing.<\/h2>\n

Answer:
\n(a) Terracing<\/h3>\n

Question 15.
\nThe country is losing about how much hectares of land to ravines every year?
\n(a) 6000 hectares
\n(b) 7000 hectares
\n(c) 8000 hectares
\n(d) 9000 hectares.<\/h2>\n

Answer:
\n(e) 8000 hectares<\/h3>\n

Question 16.
\nWhat is the full form of CAZRI?
\n(a) Central Arid Zone Research Institute
\n(b) Central Arid Zone Reproduction Implementation
\n(c) Central Agriculture Zone Research Institute
\n(d) Central Alluvial Zone Research Institute.<\/h2>\n

Answer:
\n(a) Central Arid Zone Research Institute.<\/h3>\n

Very Short Answer Type Questions<\/h3>\n

Question 1.
\nMention physical features of soil.<\/h2>\n

Answer:
\nIn physical features of soil, important are colour, texture, composition, capacity to absorb moisture, erosion, depth, structure, slope of land and density.<\/h3>\n

Question 2.
\nWhat is a ravine?<\/h2>\n

Answer:
\nGullies deepen with rainfall, cut the agricultural lands into small fragments and make them unfit for cultivation. These are called ravines.<\/h3>\n

Question 3.
\nOn which physical factors does fertility of soil depend?<\/h2>\n

Answer:
\nMany physical factors affect fertility of soil. Size of particles, nature and composition, result of its holes, form and depth of soil, flow and storage of water depends on nature of soil. Composition of soil determine its ability to nurture the plants.<\/h3>\n

Question 4.
\nHow is climate helpful in soil formation?<\/h2>\n

Answer:
\nClimate especially rainfall plays an important role in soil formation. It determines the nature of weathering, amount of water absorption, particles of humus and types of micro organism.<\/h3>\n

Question 5.
\nHow does topography affect the process of soil formation?<\/h2>\n

Answer:
\nSlope determines the flow of water and soil erosion. Therefore, places of gentle slope have better soil development. Even fertility of soil depends on slope. It is so because steepness of slope reduces the rate of soil erosion.<\/h3>\n

Question 6.
\nIn how many groups has Indian Agriculture Research Institute divided soils? Also name them.<\/h2>\n

Answer:
\nOn the basis of genesis, colour, composition and location, the soils of India have been classified into eight groups by Indian Agriculture Research Institute. These are:
\nAlluvial soils
\nBlack soils
\nRed and Yellow soils
\nLaterite soils
\nArid soils
\nSaline soils
\nPeaty soils
\nForest soils.<\/h3>\n

Question 7.
\nWhat factors are responsible for soil erosion and degradation?<\/h2>\n

Answer:
\nRunning water, wind, snow, animals and human activities are responsible for soil erosion and degradation.<\/h3>\n

Question 8.
\nWhat are bad effects of soil erosion?<\/h2>\n

Answer:
\nThere are many bad effects of soil erosion. Some of these are: removal of fertile soil; sudden outflow of destructive floods, cut the agricultural lands into small fragments and make them unfit for cultivation, reduction in moisture of soil etc.<\/h3>\n

Question 9.
\nWhy is saline soil infertile?<\/h2>\n

Answer:
\nSaline soils are infertile because:
\nThey contain a larger proportion of sodium, potassium and magnesium, and
\nThey have more salts, largely because of dry climate and poor drainage.<\/h3>\n

Question 10.
\nWhy is the colour of red and yellow soil red and yellow?<\/h2>\n

Answer:
\nThe soil develops a reddish colour due to a wide diffusion of iron in crystalline and metamorphic rocks. It looks yellow when it occurs in a hydrated form.<\/h3>\n

Question 11.
\nOn what basis has Indian Agriculture Research Institute divided soils?<\/h2>\n

Answer:
\nIndian Agriculture Research Institute has classified Indian soils on the basis of genesis, colour, composition and location,<\/h3>\n

Question 12.
\nHow is soil useful for us?<\/h2>\n

Answer:
\nSoils nurture plants and animals. It is an important resource without which we cannot get our food.<\/h3>\n

Short Answer Type Questions<\/h3>\n

Question 1.
\nExplain the features of alluvial soils.<\/h2>\n

Answer:
\nAlluvial Soil:
\nIt is the most important type of soil found in India covering about 40 per cent of the total land area. It is very fertile and contributes to the largest share of agricultural wealth. This soil supports nearly half of the Indian population.
\nThe alluvial soils contain adequate potash, phosphoric acid and lime. Therefore, it is very fertile.
\nThey are generally deficient in organic and nitrogenous contents.
\nThe fine particles of sand, silt and clay are called alluvium. The alluvial soil can be divided into old alluvium, also called bhangar, and new alluvium, called khadar. Remember, the new alluvium can be about ten thousand years old.
\nThe old alluvium often contains lime nodules, known as kankar.
\nThe fertility of the alluvial soil varies from place to place. Due to its softness and fertility, alluvial soil is most suited to irrigation and can produce bumper crops of rice, wheat, maize, sugarcane, tobacco, cotton, jute, oilseeds, etc.<\/h3>\n

Question 2.
\nExplain about the features of red and yellow soil.<\/h2>\n

Answer:
\nThe red and yellow soil occupies about 10 per cent area of India, mostly in the south-eastern part of the Peninsular India. This area encircles the entire black soil region. The red and yellow soil is found in Tamil Nadu, parts of Karnataka, south-east Maharashtra, eastern parts of Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa and Jharkhand.
\nMost of the red and yellow soil has been formed due to weathering of igneous and metamorphic rocks.
\nThe red colour is due to the high percentage of iron contents.
\nThe texture of the red and yellow soil varies from sandy to clayey, and the majority being loamy.
\nOn the uplands, the red and yellow soil is thin, poor, and porous and has loose gravel.
\nIn the lower areas, the soil is deep, rich, fine grained and fertile.
\nThis soil is rich in potash, but poor in lime, phosphate, nitrogen and humus. With proper doses of fertilizers and irrigation the red and yellow soils can give excellent yields of cotton, wheat, rice, pulses, millets, tobacco, oilseeds, etc.<\/h3>\n

Question 3.
\nExplain about the features of peaty and humus soil.<\/h2>\n

Answer:
\nFeatures:
\nThey are found in the areas of heavy rainfall and high humidity, where there is a good growth of vegetation.
\nLarge quantity of dead organic matter
\naccumulates in these areas, and this gives a rich humus and organic content to the soil.
\nOrganic matter in these soils may go even up to 40-50 per cent.
\nThese soils are normally heavy and black in colour.
\nAt many places, they are alkaline also.
\nIt occurs widely in the northern part of Bihar, southern part of Uttaranchal and the coastal areas of West Bengal, Orissa and Tamil Nadu.<\/h3>\n

Question 4.
\nHow has Indian Council Agricultural Research Institute classified soils?<\/h2>\n

Answer:
\nICAR has classified the soils of India into the following order as per the USD A soil taxonomy
\nSI.No.
\nOrder
\nPercentage
\n(i)
\nInceptisols
\n39.74
\n(ii)
\nEntisols
\n28.08
\n(iii)
\nAlfisols
\n13.55
\n(iv)
\nVertisols
\n8.52
\n(v)
\nAridisols
\n4.28
\n(vi)
\nUltisols
\n2.51
\n(vii)
\nMollisols
\n0.40
\n(v)
\nOthers
\n2.92<\/h3>\n

Total
\n100.00<\/h3>\n

Question 5.
\nExplain about saline soils.<\/h2>\n

Answer:
\nSaline soils contain a larger proportion of sodium, potassium and magnesium. Therefore, they are infertile, and do not support any vegetative growth. They are also known as Usara soils. They have more salts, largely because of dry climate and poor drainage. They occur in arid and semi-arid regions, and in waterlogged and swampy areas. They lack in nitrogen and calcium. Saline soils are more widespread in western Gujarat, deltas of the eastern coast and in Sunderban areas of West Bengal. In the Rann of Kuchchh, the South-west monsoon brings salt particles and deposits there as a crust. Seawater intrusions in the deltas promote the occurrence of saline soils.<\/h3>\n

Question 6.
\nDifferentiate between:
\n1. Light soil and heavy soil
\n2. Gentle slope and steep slope
\n3. Soil erosion and soil degradation<\/h2>\n

Answer:
\n1.
\nBasis
\nLight Soil
\nHeavy Soil
\nMeaning
\nLight soils contain a very high proportion of sand, which contains few plant nutrients. They easily dry out, when the surface layer is easily blown away.
\nHeavy soils are those with a large component of clay in them, because the clay particles bind together to form a heavy, sticky lump which is difficult to dig.
\nWater
\nContent
\nBecause it is composed of so many fine particles which stick together easily, it is liable to compaction. It holds a lot of water and easily becomes waterlogged, so it is cold and wet in spring, and takes a long time to warm up.
\nLight soils drain quickly and do not hold water. They are often acidic. Since these soils do not hold water, they are warm and dusty.
\nImprovement
\nHeavy clay soils can be improved by adding humus or other organic matter and sharp sand for better drainage.
\nLight soils can be improved by adding plenty of organic matter in the form of garden compost or farmyard manure to give body and encourage moisture retention.
\n2.
\nBasis
\nGentle Slope
\nSteep Slope
\nMeaning
\nSlope of 5% of the land is called gentle slope.
\nSlope of 10% of the land is called steep slope.
\nWaterlogging
\nSteep slopes in the headwaters of drainage basins tend to generate more runoff than do lowland areas. Mountain areas tend to receive more precipitation overall because they force air to be lifted and cooled.
\nOn gentle slopes, water may temporarily pond and later soak in.
\nSpeed of water movement
\nOn gentle slopes water tends to move slowly. Soils tend to be thicker, more infilteration can occur.
\nOn steep mountainsides, water tends to move downward more rapidly. Soils tend to be thinner on steep slopes, limiting storage of water, and where bedrock is exposed, little infiltration can occur.
\n3.
\nBasis
\nSoil Erosion
\nSoil Degradation
\nMeaning
\nDestruction of soil cover is called soil erosion.
\nSoil degradation is decline in soil fertility when the nutritional status declines and depth of the soil goes down.
\nCauses
\nIt happens\u2019due to action of running water, wind, deforestation etc.
\nIt happens as a result of soil erosion and misuse of land.
\nRemedies
\nForestation, check open cultivable lands on slopes from farming, preventing over grazing, etc.
\nLesser use of chemical fertilizers, land use planning, terrace farming, etc.<\/h3>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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