ASSESSMENT (SOILS OF INDIA)

1) Answer briefly : (2 marks)

I. Give 2 characteristics of Black Soil.
Answer-
2 characteristics of Black Soil-
 It is black in colour, fine grained and made up of 60%
clay.
 Black soil is ‘in situ’ soil, as the formation of this soil
takes place where it is found.

II. What is Humus?

Answer-
Humus is the organic compound of soil formed by the
decomposition of leaves, dead organisms and other plant
materials due to action microbes. It provides nutrients to the
soil. The dark colour of humus (black or brown) helps to keep
the soil warm and retain moisture.

III. What is soil profile?

Answer-
Soil profile is a vertical section of soil from ground surface
downwards to where soil meets the underlying rock.

IV. Why are laterite soils less fertile?

Answer-
Laterite soils are less fertile because they are formed due to
leaching, where the top soil (rich in organic material) is
removed due to heavy rainfall. Thus the soil needs manure
and irrigation to make it productive.

2) Answer the following : (3 marks)

I. What is a Bad-land?
 Answer-
A Bad-land is a type of barren area where rocks are
exposed due to extensive soil erosion. The topography is
defined by gullies and ridges. The land is very infertile and
unproductive, making cultivation impossible. In India,
badlands are found in Chambal River Valley.

II. Differentiate between alluvium of North and South India.

Answer-
Alluvium of North India Alluvium of South India
 Pale brown in colour  Darker in colour
 Found along the  Mostly found along
Ganga-Brahmaputra the coastal region
Plains (Riverine in (Deltaic in nature)
nature)  Suitable for rice
 Suitable for wheat cultivation
cultivation

III. Give 3 reasons for soil erosion.

Answer-
3 reasons for soil erosion-
 Mining : Mining creates pits and sink-holes on the ground. It
pollutes the landscape, causes deforestation and loosens the
soil, making it easy for the soil to be eroded by the action of
water and wind.
 Construction : Construction of roads and structures churns up
the ground, exposing the soil to erosion. In some locations,
forests and landscapes are cleared, exposing the surface to
erosion (in some places cities are built on farmland). Near
construction sites, soil is picked up by the wind and blown
away.
 Over-use of fertilizers/pesticides : Using too much fertilizers
can render the soil infertile and unsuitable for growing crops.
The soil remains fallow and is later eroded by wind and water.
Over-use of ground water also causes soil erosion.

IV. How is Khadar different from Bhangar?

Answer-
KHADAR BHANGAR
 Soils are very fertile  Soils are less fertile
(Young alluvium) (Older alluvium)
 They are pale brown in  They are darker in
colour and have finer colour and contain
texture lime nodules called
 They are found in the Kankar
lower levels near the  They are found far
river banks away from flood plains