Which of the following pairs is correctly matched regarding soil origin?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Solution: The correct answer is Red Soil – Igneous origin.
Explanation:
☛ Red Soil develops on crystalline igneous rocks (like granite and gneiss) in areas of low rainfall in the eastern and southern parts of the Deccan Plateau.
☛ The characteristic reddish color of this soil is due to a wide diffusion of iron in crystalline and metamorphic rocks; it looks yellow when it occurs in a hydrated form.
☛ Black Soil (Regur soil) is formed from the weathering of volcanic rocks (basalt), not sedimentary rocks.
☛ Alluvial Soil is formed by the depositional work of rivers (sedimentary deposits), not by volcanic activity.
☛ Desert (Arid) Soil is primarily formed by mechanical weathering and wind (aeolian) deposition, not alluvial deposition.
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ Black Soil: Also known as Regur soil or Black Cotton Soil; it is rich in clay minerals, highly moisture-retentive, and swells greatly when wet.
☛ Alluvial Soil: The most widespread soil type in India, covering about 40% of the total land area, divided into older alluvium (Bhangar) and newer alluvium (Khadar).
☛ Laterite Soil: Formed under conditions of high temperature and heavy rainfall with alternate wet and dry periods, resulting from intense leaching.
☛ Soil Conservation: The Central Soil Salinity Research Institute (CSSRI) is located in Karnal, Haryana.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ Which soil is best suited for cotton cultivation in India? → Black Soil (Regur Soil)
☛ What imparts the red color to red soil? → Ferric oxide (Iron compounds)
☛ What is the older alluvial soil locally known as? → Bhangar
☛ Which soil type develops as a result of intense leaching due to heavy rainfall? → Laterite Soil
☛ Where is the Indian Institute of Soil Science (IISS) located? → Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh