Soil

Total Questions: 7

1. Regur Soil is another name of: [S.S.C. JE Mechanical Exams 22.03.2021 (Shift-I)]

Correct Answer: (d) Black Soil
Solution:Black soil is also called regur soil.

Key Facts about Regur (Black) Soil:

FeatureDescription
Other NameBlack Soil
FormationFrom volcanic rocks (lava flows)
Rich inIron, magnesium, calcium, and potash
Water RetentionVery high, ideal for dry farming
Best for CropsCotton (hence also called "black cotton soil")
Major StatesMaharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh

2. Which layer of soil contains humus that makes the soil fertile? [S.S.C. JE Civil Exams 23.03.2021 (Shift-II)]

Correct Answer: (a) Topsoil
Solution:The layer of soil that contains humus and makes the soil fertile is the Topsoil, also known as the A-horizon.

Key Features:

FeatureDescription
Layer NameTopsoil / A-horizon
ContainsHumus, minerals, microorganisms
ColorUsually dark brown or black
ImportanceSupports plant growth

3. Which of the following processes of soil conservation is called 'mulching'? [S.S.C. Online MTS (T-I) 14.10.2021 (Shift-II)]

Correct Answer: (d) The bare ground between plants is covered with a layer of organic matter like straw.
Solution:A layer of organic or inorganic material such as straw etc. is spread on the open ground between the plants, this process of soil conservation is called 'mulching'.

4. Which among the following is a method of soil conservation? [S.S.C. Online MTS (T-I) 27.10.2021 (Shift-II)]

Correct Answer: (b) Mulching
Solution:Shade Mulching is a method of soil conservation. Apart from this, other soil conservation methods are the protection of forests, plantation, building dams, prevention of excessive grazing, striped and terraced agriculture, contour ploughing etc.

Major Methods of Soil Conservation:

MethodDescription
1. Contour PlowingPlowing along the contour lines of hills to prevent water runoff and erosion
2. TerracingCutting steps on slopes to reduce water runoff and soil loss
3. AfforestationPlanting trees to bind the soil with their roots
4. Crop RotationChanging crops each season to maintain soil nutrients
5. Cover CroppingGrowing cover crops (like grasses or legumes) to protect bare soil
6. Strip CroppingAlternating rows of different crops to reduce erosion
7. WindbreaksPlanting trees or shrubs in rows to block wind and reduce wind erosion
8. MulchingCovering soil with organic matter to retain moisture and prevent erosion
9. Gully PluggingFilling and stabilizing gullies to prevent further erosion
10. Proper IrrigationUsing drip or sprinkler systems to prevent overwatering and soil degradation

5. Azolla increases soil fertility for ____ . [S.S.C. Online C.G.L.(T-I) 28.08.2016 (Shift-III)]

Correct Answer: (d) Rice cultivation
Solution:The nitrogen-fixing capability of Azolla, an aquatic pteridophyte, has led to it being widely used as a biofertilizer for increasing the productivity of rice fields. When rice paddies are flooded in the spring. they can be inoculated with Azolla, which then quickly multiplies to cover the water, suppressing weeds.

6. Salination of soil is caused by- [S.S.C. Online C.G.L.(T-I) 11.09.2016 (Shift-III)]

Correct Answer: (c) Excess irrigation
Solution:Soil salinization results from the salt and minerals left behind by the evaporation of irrigated water collected in the soil (even from excessive irrigation). Soils become impermeable due to salinization on irrigated land.

7. The method of soil conservation in which rocks are piled up to slow down the flow of water which prevents gullies and further soil loss is called? [S.S.C. Online C.G.L. (T-I) 22.08.2017 (Shift-III)]

Correct Answer: (c) Rock dam
Solution:Rock dams are small barriers made up of stone, sand or gravel across the drainage. Its primary purpose is to reduce erosion in a drainage channel by restricting the velocity of flow in the channel.