1. Which
of the following constituents would you add to your garden to increase the
fertility to the soil?
Answer:
(b) Humus
Decomposed
vegetal and animal remains, called humus, is an important constituent of soil
and adds to the fertility of the soil.
2. Which
of the following are the characteristics of fertile soil?
Answer:
(d) All of the above.
Fertile
soil contains adequate amount of moisture, is rich in nutrients, and contains
organic matter.
3. You
had gone to a village near Patna. When you enquired about the type of soil you
were told, it was ex situ. Which of the following is it?
Answer:
(a) Alluvial soil
Transported
soil is 'ex situ', transported by various agents of erosion... Alluvial soils
are transported soils.
4. Which
of the following soils vary from place to place on the basis of the parental
rocks and climatic conditions?
Answer:
(d) Red soil
This soil
differs from place to place on the basis of the parental rock material and
climatic conditions.
5.
Assertion (A): Transported soils do not have a well defined soil profile.
Reason
(R): They constitute soils that are transported by various agents of erosion.
Answer:
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Transported
soils are 'ex situ', ... transported by various agents of erosion and consist
of sediments carried and deposited by rivers and winds. Hence, they do not have
a well defined soil profile.
6.
Farmers plant trees in several rows to check soil erosion by __________.
Answer:
(b) winds.
Planting
trees in several rows is a method to check soil erosion by winds.
7.
Alluvial soil is rich in which of the following minerals?
Answer:
(a) Iron
It is
rich in minerals, especially iron, magnesia, alumina, potash and lime but poor
in phosphorous, nitrogen and organic matter.
8.
Assertion (A): The Northern Plains comprises riverine soil.
Reason
(R): Riverine soil is a mixture of sand, clay and silt.
Answer:
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
The
entire Northern Plains are made up of this soil. It is a mixture of sand, clay
and silt, called loam.
9. Red
soil gets its name from
Answer:
(c) Both (a) and (b).
It is red
in colour as it contains large amounts of iron oxide.
10. Black
soil is also known as __________.
Answer:
(c) Regur
This soil
is black in colour and is also known as the Black Cotton Soil or Regur soil.
11.
Laterite soil is mainly found in the highland areas of __________.
Answer:
(b) the Peninsular Plateau.
Laterite
soil mainly occurs in the highland areas of the Peninsular Plateau...
12. Why
is Black soil highly moisture retentive?
Answer:
(a) It has fifty per cent of clay content
It is
fine textured and clayey in nature (up to 50% clay content) and, therefore,
highly retentive of water.
13. Which
of the following soils forms the second largest soil group in India?
Answer:
(b) Red soil
Red soil
forms the second largest soil group in India...
14.
Assertion (A): Laterite soils are rich in alumina and iron oxide, but are
infertile.
Reason
(R): Soluble plant food like potash are leached into the soil.
Answer:
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
The
soluble plant foods like potash are removed from the topsoil leaving alumina
and iron oxide.
15. Which
of the following is correct about the Laterite soil?
Answer:
(d) All of the above.
It is the
residual soil. It is formed by leaching due to tropical rains. Humus content of
the soil is removed by bacteria.
16. What
is the feel and consistency of soil called?
Answer:
(b) Soil texture
Texture:
Alluvial soil is formed by the deposition of the river load as it flows...
(refers to the feel and consistency).
II. Answer the following questions:
Q.1 (a)
What is soil? Name the four types of soil.
Answer:
Soil is the thin layer of loose mixture of small rock particles and rotting
organic matter that covers the surface of the earth. It supports forests,
grasslands, and crops from which all living creatures on earth derive their
energy.
The four
types of soil are:
- Alluvial soil
- Black soil
- Red soil
- Laterite soil
(b) State
any two factors responsible for the formation of soil.
Answer:
Two factors responsible for the formation of soil are:
- Changing temperature
- Running water
(Other
acceptable answers from the text include wind and chemical and organic changes
that take place in the soil.)
(c) Give
geographical reasons for the following:
(i) The
colour of alluvium varies in different areas.
Answer:
The colour of the alluvial soil varies from light grey to deep black. Its
shades depend on the depth of deposition, the texture of the materials, and the
time taken for maturity.
(ii)
Khadar is more fertile than bhangar soil.
Answer:
Khadar is more fertile than bhangar soil as new layers are deposited year after
year during monsoon floods.
(iii)
Black soil has a kind of self-ploughing characteristic.
Answer:
Black soil has a high clay content, so it expands when wet and shrinks during
the dry season, developing big cracks which help in air circulation. This
characteristic causes a kind of 'self-ploughing'.
(d) (i)
How can you say that soil has evolved over millions of years?
Answer:
Various forces of nature such as changing temperature, running water, and wind
affect the formation of soil. These forces, along with chemical and organic
changes, contribute to the evolution of soil. Thus, soil itself has evolved
over millions of years.
(ii) Name
one important constituent of soil that adds fertility to the soil.
Answer:
Humus (decomposed vegetal and animal remains) is an important constituent of
soil that adds to the fertility of the soil.
Q.2
(a) How
are alluvial soils formed?
Answer:
Alluvial soil is formed by the sediments brought down by rivers. The rivers
deposit very fine particles of soil called alluvium in their plains during the
course of their long journey.
(b)
Mention any two advantages of alluvial soil.
Answer:
- Alluvial soil is fertile and suitable for the
growth of a large variety of rabi and kharif crops.
- It is light and porous, making it easily
tillable.
(c) Give
geographical reasons for the following:
(i)
Different regions in India have different kinds of soil for agriculture.
Answer:
India is a vast region with varied natural environment, several physiographic
regions, and different types of climate. Therefore, on the basis of their
origin, colour, composition, and location, the soils of India differ from
region to region.
(ii)
Alluvial soils vary in texture.
Answer:
Alluvial soil is formed by the deposition of the river load as it flows from
its upper to its lower course. In the upper reaches, the soil is dry, coarse,
porous, and sandy, while further down the river valley, the soil particles
become smaller, more uniform, more compact, and more moist.
(iii)
Nearly all types of crops grow well in riverine soils.
Answer:
Alluvial soil is fertile, rich in minerals, and suitable for the cultivation of
a large variety of crops such as rice, wheat, sugarcane, cotton, tobacco, gram,
oilseeds, and jute.
(d) (i)
Why is soil a valuable resource for India?
Answer:
Soil supports forests, grasslands, and crops from which all living creatures on
earth derive their energy. It is the basis for agricultural wealth, which is
crucial for India.
(ii) Why
is black soil considered a productive soil?
Answer:
Black soil is very fertile in most places, highly retentive of water, and
suitable for the cultivation of cotton, sugarcane, cereals, citrus fruits,
vegetables, and other crops.
Q.3
(a) Give
two characteristic features of the soil found most suitable for growing cotton
and sugarcane in Maharashtra.
Answer:
- It is black in colour and fine-textured with
up to 50% clay content, making it highly retentive of water.
- It is rich in lime, iron, and magnesium, and
is very fertile.
(b) Name
one soil of volcanic origin commonly found in India. Name one crop widely grown
on this soil.
Answer:
- Soil of volcanic origin: Black soil (also
known as Regur soil or Black Cotton Soil).
- One crop widely grown on this soil: Cotton.
(c) Give
a geographical reason for each of the following:
(i)
Deltaic alluvium is more fertile than the coastal alluvium.
Answer:
Deltaic alluvium is formed by the deposition of new layers of fine silt and
clay every year by floodwaters, making it very fertile and ideal for intensive
cultivation.
(ii)
Black soil is largely found in the Deccan Trap region.
Answer:
Black soil is formed by the denudation of volcanic rocks and is concentrated
over the Deccan lava tract, which includes parts of Maharashtra, Madhya
Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and some parts of Tamil Nadu.
(iii)
Black soil is often referred to as Cotton soil or Regur soil.
Answer:
Black soil is called Cotton soil or Regur soil because it is dark in colour and
is suitable for cotton cultivation.
(d) Pawan
and Akash have been friends since childhood. Both of them are farmers in a
village near Prayagraj. They often compare their inputs so as to increase their
yields. Pawan, whose farm is along the Ganges, gets better yields with lower
inputs of fertilizer and irrigation than Akash whose fields are twenty
kilometres away. Identify their soils. [Hint: Sub-categories of a major soil
type.] Which one of them is superior? Why?
Answer:
- Pawan's farm along the Ganges has Khadar soil
(newer alluvium).
- Akash's fields, which are away from the river,
have Bhangar soil (older alluvium).
- Khadar is superior because it is more fertile
than Bhangar soil as new layers are deposited year after year during
monsoon floods.
Q.4
(a) (i)
Name the process by which Laterite soil is formed.
Answer:
Laterite soil is formed by the process of leaching due to tropical
rains.
(ii)
Mention one disadvantage of Laterite soil.
Answer:
One disadvantage of Laterite soil is that it is infertile because
nutrients are leached away, and it has low moisture retention.
(b) What
are the characteristics of the soil of their farms?
Answer:
The characteristics of Laterite soil are:
- It is red in colour due to the presence of
iron oxide.
- It has a coarse texture, is soft and friable.
- It is porous and acidic in nature.
- It is poor in lime and magnesium, and rich in
iron oxide.
- It has low fertility and low moisture
retention.
(c) Give
geographical reasons for the following:
(i)
Laterite soil is useful for construction purpose.
Answer:
Laterite soil is useful for construction purposes because it is rich in iron
oxide and can be cut into bricks.
(ii)
Soils of the Western Ghats are affected by wind erosion.
Answer:
Soils of the Western Ghats are affected by wind erosion because these are
highland areas exposed to strong winds, which can remove the topsoil.
(iii) The
foothills of the Himalayas are prone to excessive soil erosion.
Answer:
The foothills of the Himalayas are prone to excessive soil erosion because of
the steep slopes and heavy rainfall, which wash away the topsoil.
(d) (i)
Which soil is suitable for growing coffee in Karnataka?
Answer:
Laterite soil is suitable for growing coffee in Karnataka.
(ii)
Mention two main characteristics of this soil.
Answer:
Two main characteristics of Laterite soil are:
- It is coarse and porous.
- It is acidic in nature and rich in iron oxide.
Q.5
(a) Name
two States in India where Regur soil is found.
Answer:
Regur (Black) soil is found in Maharashtra and Gujarat.
(b) Give
two points of difference between Regur and Alluvial soil.
Answer:
|
Regur
(Black) Soil |
Alluvial
Soil |
|
Formed by weathering of lava
rocks |
Formed by deposition of river
sediments |
|
Black in colour and clayey in
texture |
Varies from sandy loam to clay,
light grey to black in colour |
(c) Give
a geographical reason for each of the following:
(i) Jowar
is grown in Maharashtra.
Answer:
Jowar is grown in Maharashtra because the black soil found there is highly
moisture retentive and suitable for dry farming crops like jowar.
(ii)
Bajra is grown in Rajasthan.
Answer:
Bajra is grown in Rajasthan because the region has sandy and less fertile soils
suitable for hardy crops like bajra.
(iii)
Sugarcane is grown in Uttar Pradesh.
Answer:
Sugarcane is grown in Uttar Pradesh because the alluvial soil is fertile and
suitable for the cultivation of sugarcane.
(d) (i)
Besides cotton, name the crops which grow well in Regur soil.
Answer:
Besides cotton, crops like jowar, wheat, linseed, gram, citrus fruits,
vegetables, tobacco, and sugarcane grow well in Regur soil.
(ii) In
what way does Regur soil help agriculture?
Answer:
Regur soil helps agriculture because it is highly retentive of water, very
fertile, and suitable for dry farming.
Q.6
(a) Name
two states where red soil is found. Mention two important crops grown in this
soil.
Answer:
- Two states where red soil is found:
- Tamil Nadu
- Karnataka
- Two important crops grown in red soil:
- Vegetables
- Rice
(b) You
have two sacks of red coloured soil. How would you identify red soil?
Answer:
Red soil can be identified by its red colour due to large amounts of
iron oxide. It is porous, loose, and aerated, generally shallow, and its
pH ranges from 6.6 to 8.0.
(c) Give
a geographical reason for each of the following:
(i) You
have gone to Rishikesh and notice that the soil is dry, coarse, porous and
sandy.
Answer:
This is because, in the upper reaches of river valleys (near the place of their
origin), alluvial soil is dry, coarse, porous, and sandy, with large,
non-uniform particles.
(ii) The
soil in your ancestral village at the outskirts of Agra has fine, smooth and
moist particles.
Answer:
Further down the river valley, alluvial soil particles become smaller, more
uniform, more compact, and more moist.
(iii) You
have gone to Jhansi for an excursion and notice the colour of the soil is a
shade of red.
Answer:
The soil in Jhansi is red because it contains large amounts of iron oxide.
(d) (i)
How is red soil formed?
Answer:
Red soil is formed by the prolonged weathering of ancient crystalline and
metamorphic rocks of the Peninsular plateau.
(ii) How
is this soil suitable for dry farming?
Answer:
Red soil is suitable for dry farming because its porous nature allows limited
rainfall to percolate and be stored in the subsoil, where it can be
utilized by the roots of plants.
Q.7
(a) What
is soil erosion? Name the areas of soil erosion in India: (i) for wind erosion.
(ii) for running water erosion.
Answer:
Soil erosion is the removal of the topsoil cover by water, wind, and human
activities.
- (i) Areas of wind erosion: Western
Rajasthan (arid and semi-arid regions)
- (ii) Areas of running water erosion: Foothills
of the Himalayas, Chambal Valley
(b) Give
two agricultural practices that would prevent soil erosion.
Answer:
- Improved agricultural practices (such as
contour ploughing, crop rotation)
- Afforestation (planting more trees)
(c) Give
a geographical reason for each of the following:
(i)
Shelter belts reduce soil erosion in arid areas.
Answer:
Shelter belts (rows of trees) reduce the speed of wind, thereby preventing wind
from blowing away the topsoil.
(ii)
Rural development will influence soil conservation.
Answer:
Rural development can introduce improved agricultural practices and reduce
pressure on land, thus aiding soil conservation.
(iii)
Water harvesting aids in soil conservation.
Answer:
Water harvesting prevents excessive runoff, which reduces soil erosion and
helps retain moisture in the soil.
(d) (i)
What is meant by soil conservation?
Answer:
Soil conservation means preventing the loss of soil by adopting measures to
protect and maintain soil fertility and structure.
(ii)
State two measures to conserve soil in hilly areas.
Answer:
- Terracing (making step-like fields on slopes)
- Afforestation (planting trees to hold the
soil)
Q.8
(a) Study
the picture of the Chambal Valley. What is responsible for erosion here?
Briefly describe how soil is eroded in this case.
Answer:
Running water is responsible for erosion in the Chambal Valley.
Soil is eroded by the formation of deep gullies and ravines due to the removal
of soil by fast-flowing water, especially during heavy rains.
(b) State
two methods of controlling erosion of soil caused by running water.
Answer:
- Terracing
- Afforestation
(c) Name
two important agents of erosion. For each, state one method of controlling the
erosion caused.
Answer:
- Wind –
Controlled by planting shelter belts (rows of trees)
- Water –
Controlled by terracing and afforestation
(d)
Explain briefly the need for conservation of soil as a natural resource.
Answer:
Soil is a valuable natural resource as it supports forests, grasslands, and
crops, which are essential for all living creatures. Conservation is necessary
to maintain soil fertility, prevent land degradation, and ensure sustainable
agricultural productivity for future generations.
Q.9
(a)
Identify the soil and explain how this soil is formed.
Answer:
The soil described is Black Soil (also known as Regur soil or Black
Cotton Soil).
Formation:
Black soil is a residual soil formed at the place of its origin over the
underlying rocks. It is formed by the denudation (weathering) of volcanic
rocks (lava rocks). This process leads to the development of fine-textured,
clayey black soil that becomes sticky when wet and develops cracks when dry.
(b) Name
two cash crops that are grown in this soil.
Answer:
Two cash crops grown in black soil are:
- Cotton
- Sugarcane
(c) India
is a land of diversities and there are certain factors which influence the soil
types. With reference to the given statement, mention the factors influencing
their distribution in India.
Answer:
The factors influencing the distribution of soil types in India are:
- Origin (how the soil is formed)
- Colour
- Composition
- Location
- Parental rock material
- Climatic conditions
These
factors lead to the diversity of soil types found across different regions of
India.
Q.1
A farmer
bought land in an area having poor rainfall, with soil which is suitable for
dry farming. Name the type of soil available in this area. Which crops will he
be able to grow there?
Answer:
- The type of soil available in this area is Red
Soil.
- Red soil is ideal for dry farming
because its porous nature allows limited rainfall to percolate and be
stored in the subsoil, which can then be used by the roots of plants.
- The crops he will be able to grow there
include: vegetables, rice, ragi, tobacco, groundnut, and potatoes.
Q.2
Your
uncle lives in a hilly area which gets heavy rainfall. He grows certain special
crops like tea, coffee, tapioca and cashew nuts. Besides agriculture, he has a
brick kiln as the area has ample raw material for making bricks. Name the area
where your uncle may be residing. What type of soil is available in this area
and how is it formed?
Answer:
- Your uncle may be residing in the highland
areas of the Peninsular Plateau, such as the Western Ghats
(e.g., Karnataka, Kerala, or Tamil Nadu).
- The type of soil available in this area is Laterite
Soil.
- Laterite soil is formed by leaching due to heavy
rainfall and high temperature, where nutrients are washed down from the
topsoil, leaving behind iron and aluminium compounds. This soil is red due
to iron oxide and is suitable for crops like tea, coffee, tapioca, and
cashew nuts. It is also used for making bricks.
Q.3
You had
gone for an excursion to a mountainous region along with your teachers and
classmates. On reaching there you were shocked to see bare mountains with no
vegetation or greenery. What reasons did your teacher give for such a
deplorable condition of the mountains? List the solutions to rectify the
problem.
Answer:
- The reasons given by your teacher for the bare
mountains are likely soil erosion caused by faulty agricultural
practices, overgrazing, and deforestation, which lead to the removal of
the topsoil and prevent vegetation from growing.
- Solutions to rectify the problem:
- Afforestation (planting more trees to hold the soil)
- Improved agricultural practices (such as terracing and contour ploughing)
- Reduced pressure of grazing (controlling livestock numbers)
Q.4
The load
of the rivers such as Ganga-Brahmaputra, comprising sand, silt and gravels, is
tremendous. This gets deposited in the deltas or the lower course of river over
a long period forming river islands. These islands can be temporary or
permanent because they may also disappear when the volume of river water or its
speed increases. Majuli, in the Brahmaputra is a permanent riverine island
which is rich in biodiversity. Assam, in the Brahmaputra are mostly islands
formed in large deltas of the Ganga-Brahmaputra system. Mostly these islands
are not permanent as they last as long as the river is full of sediments and is
slow. What do you think is the land use in chars?
Answer:
- The land use in chars (riverine
islands) is mainly for agriculture due to the fertile alluvial soil
deposited by the rivers. The soil is suitable for growing a variety of
crops, especially during periods when the islands are stable and not
threatened by floods or erosion.
CHAPTER 8 Soil Resources
SYLLABUS
Soil Resources
- Types of soils
(alluvial, black, red and laterite), distribution, composition and
characteristics such as colour, texture, minerals and crops associated.
- Soil Erosion—causes, prevention and conservation.
Soil is the thin layer of loose mixture of small rock
particles and rotting organic matter that covers the surface of the earth. It
supports forests, grasslands and crops from which all living creatures on earth
derive their energy.
Various forces of nature such as changing temperature,
running water and wind affect formation of soil. These forces of nature along
with the chemical and organic changes that take place in the soil contribute to
the evolution of soil. Thus soil itself, has evolved over millions of years.
Faulty agricultural practices, overgrazing and
deforestation lead to soil erosion. Improved agricultural practices, reduced
pressure of grazing and afforestation can help in the conservation of soil.
Constituents of Soil
Soils are derived from parent rock material through a
process of breakdown or wear and tear. Decomposed vegetal and animal remains,
called humus, is an important constituent of soil and adds to the fertility of
the soil. Besides humus, silica, clay and sand are the other constituents of
soil.
Soil Fertility
Soil fertility refers to the strength of the soil to
support plant life. Fertile soil has the following characteristics:
(i) It contains adequate amount of moisture to supply
essential nutrients to the plants.
(ii) It has sufficient depth to enable the plants to grow
their roots as per their requirement.
(iii) It is rich in nutrients such as nitrogen,
phosphorus and potassium, that are necessary for basic plant nourishment.
(iv) It contains organic matter that improves the
structure of soil.
Soil fertility can be improved by adding missing
nutrients in the form of fertilizers to the soil.
Soil Classification
According to its location, soil can be categorised as:
(i) Residual or Sedimentary Soil: Almost all soils are
formed 'in situ', that is, they are formed in their original position by the
breaking down of parent rocks. They have a well defined soil profile. They
include black soil, red soil, laterite soil, desert soil, etc.
(ii) Transported Soil: These soils are 'ex situ', that
is, transported by various agents of erosion and consist of sediments carried
and deposited by rivers and winds. Hence, they do not have a well defined soil
profile. Alluvial soils are transported soils.
TYPES OF SOIL
India is a vast region with varied natural environment.
We find several physiographic regions and different types of climate.
Therefore, on the basis of their origin, colour, composition and location the
soil of India have been classified into the following types.
1. Alluvial Soil
This soil is formed by the sediments brought down by
rivers. It is rich in chemical ingredients. The rivers deposit very fine
particles of soil called alluvium in their plains during the course of their
long journey. The resultant alluvial soil is also known as riverine soil
because it is mainly found in the river basins. It is a mixture of sand, clay
and silt, called loam. In India alluvial soils have been deposited by three
important river systems — the Indus, the Ganga and the Brahmaputra. This soil
occupies 40 per cent of the land area. The entire Northern Plains are made up
of this soil. It is also predominant in coastal plains and deltas particularly
in the deltas of the Mahanadi, the Godavari, the Krishna and the Kaveri rivers.
On the basis of its age, the alluvial soil is of two
types—bhangar and khadar. The bhangar or the older alluvium is composed of lime
nodules or kanker and has a clayey composition. The khadar is light in colour
and is composed of newer deposits.
Khadar is more fertile than bhangar soil as new layers
are deposited year after year during monsoon floods. Crops can be grown on old
alluvial soil by using manure. It forms the largest and most important group as
it contributes the largest share to the agricultural wealth of India.
Distribution
I. **Inland
Alluvium:** It is found on the plains of the Indus, the Ganga and the
Brahmaputra rivers, extending from Punjab and Sindh (Pakistan) to Bangladesh
and Assam (India). Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, West
Bengal have alluvial soil. This soil type also covers a part of Gujarat and a
few patches in Rajasthan.
II. **Deltaic
Alluvium:** The Deltaic alluvium is found in the deltas of the
Ganga-Brahmaputra, Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna and Kaveri rivers.
III. **Coastal
Alluvium:** It is of tidal origin. It is found in the coastal strips of
Peninsular India. It is also found in the plains of Gujarat.
Characteristics of Alluvial Soil
**Colour:**
The colour of the alluvial soil varies from light grey to deep black. Its
shades depend on the depth of deposition, the texture of the materials and the
time taken for maturity.
**Texture:**
Alluvial soil is formed by the deposition of the river load as it flows from
its upper to its lower course. In the upper reaches of the river valleys (near
the place of their origin) the soil is dry, coarse, porous and sandy. It
consists of clay and organic matter. Soil particles are large and non-uniform.
Such soil is predominant in piedmont plains (plains near the foot of
mountains). As we move further down a river valley, the soil particles become
smaller and more uniform. They are more compact, less coarse and more moist.
They are found up to a depth of 500 metres.
**Minerals:**
- Alluvial soil varies in nature from sandy loam to clay.
It is a fertile soil as it is rich in minerals, especially iron, magnesia,
alumina, potash and lime but poor in phosphorous, nitrogen and organic matter.
- It is deficient in nitrogen and humus, except the
alluvium of the Ganga deltaic region which is rich in humus.
- In the drier areas, it is more alkaline.
**Crops:**
Alluvial soil is light and porous and therefore, easily tillable. It is
suitable for the growth of a large variety of rabi and kharif crops. It is
fertile and suitable for cultivation of rice, wheat, sugarcane, cotton,
tobacco, gram and oilseeds. In the lower Ganga-Brahmaputra Valley it is useful
for jute cultivation.
Bhangar Soil
- Old alluvium soils, known as Bhangar, occupy the
largest part of northern plains.
- Bhangar is found above the flood levels of rivers and
presents a terrace like structure.
- Bhangar is full of kankars (lime nodules).
- Bhangar is not very fertile.
Khadar Soil
- The area in northern plains that lies below flood
levels is made up of Khadar.
- Khadar is younger alluvium as flood waters deposit new
layers every year.
- It is formed of fine silt and clay.
- Khadar is very fertile and ideal for intensive
cultivation.
### 2. Black Soil
This soil is black in colour and is also known as the
Black Cotton Soil or Regur soil. It is dark in colour and is suitable for
cotton cultivation. This soil is the residual soil, i.e., it is formed at the
place of its origin over the underlying rocks. Since it is formed by the
denudation of volcanic rocks, it is also known as lava soil.
#### Distribution
The Regur soils are concentrated over the Deccan lava
tract which include parts of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra
Pradesh, Karnataka and some parts of Tamil Nadu.
####
Characteristics of Regur (Black) Soil
**Colour:** It
is black in colour as it is formed from weathered lava rocks.
**Texture:**
It is fine textured and clayey in nature (up to 50% clay content) and,
therefore, highly retentive of water. Because of high clay content, this soil
expands when wet and becomes difficult to plough. During the dry season, it
shrinks and develops big cracks which help in air circulation. This
characteristic causes a kind of 'self-ploughing'. Due to slow absorption and
loss of moisture for a very long time which helps the crops, especially, the
rain fed ones to sustain even during the dry season.
**Minerals:**
It has high quantities of lime, iron, magnesium and generally poor percentage
of phosphorous, nitrogen and organic matter.
**Crops:** The
soil is very fertile in most of the places. It is suitable for cultivation of
cotton, jowar, wheat, linseed, gram, citrus fruits and vegetables, tobacco and
sugarcane. In any season it has moisture stored in its subsoil. The moisture
retentiveness of black soil makes it suitable for dry farming.
**Dry farming**
refers to crop cultivation without irrigation during the dry season as the
crops would utilize the moisture stored in the soil during the rains.
### 3. Red Soil
Red soil is a category of soil which develops on old
crystalline rocks. Under prolonged weathering by rainfall, ancient crystalline
and metamorphic rocks of the Peninsular plateau break up to form this soil.
This soil differs from place to place on the basis of the parental rock
material and climatic conditions.
#### Distribution
Red soil forms the second largest soil group in India and
is found mainly on the plateau region of Peninsular India from Tamil Nadu in
the south to Bundelkhand in the north and Rajmahal Hills in the east to Kutch
in the west. Red soil covers almost the whole of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra
Pradesh, south-eastern Maharashtra, parts of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand,
Bundelkhand, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Manipur, Telangana and Nagaland. Scattered
patches of red soil are also found in Birbhum (West Bengal), Mirzapur, Banda,
Hamirpur (Uttar Pradesh), Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Dungarpur, Banswara and
Bhilwara districts (Rajasthan). It practically encircles the entire black soil region
on all sides. It extends northwards in the west along the Konkan Coast of
Maharashtra.
####
Characteristics of Red Soil
**Colour:** It
is red in colour as it contains large amounts of iron oxide. At several places,
its colour slightly changes and it appears brown or grey. It looks yellow when
it occurs in a hydrated form.
**Texture:**
It is porous, loose and aerated. It is generally shallow. Its pH value ranges
from 6.6 to 8.0.
**Minerals:**
It is poor in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and organic matter. It contains
soluble salts in small quantities.
**Crops:** Its
porous nature makes red soil ideal for dry farming. The limited rainfall can
percolate and be stored in the subsoil from where it can be utilised by the
roots of plants. It needs irrigation and fertilizer support for crop
cultivation. It is suitable for cultivating almost all crop types, it is most
suitable for growing vegetables, rice, ragi and tobacco. Groundnut and potatoes
can be grown on coarse soils at higher levels and sugarcane on heavy clays at
lower levels.
### 4. Laterite
Soil
This soil type is formed as a result of atmospheric
weathering of rocks under conditions of high rainfall and temperature with
alternate wet and dry periods. It is the residual soil formed by leaching due
to tropical rains. Leaching is the process in which the nutrients get
percolated down below the soil due to heavy rainfall; thus leaving the topsoil
infertile. This is also called desilication. Due to heavy rains, lime and
silica are leached away and aluminium compounds are left behind. Humus content
of the soil is removed by bacteria that survives well in high temperature.
There are two types of laterite soils: **Upland
Laterites** and **Lowland Laterites**. Upland laterites are formed over hills
and uplands. From there they are transported by streams towards lowlands. Such
transported soils are known as Lowland Laterites.
#### Distribution
Laterite soil mainly occurs in the highland areas of the
Peninsular Plateau, especially on the summits of the Sahyadris, Eastern Ghats,
Rajmahal Hills and many other hills of the peninsula. Patches in the eastern
parts of the peninsula in Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Andhra Odisha,
Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and along the top
slopes of the peninsular Nadu and along the top slopes and Eastern Ghats.
mountains, the Western
Characteristics of
Laterite Soil
Colour: It is
red in colour due to the presence of iron oxide which is formed by leaching.
The soluble plant foods like potash are removed from the topsoil leaving
alumina and iron oxide.
Texture: It is
of a coarse texture, soft and friable.
Minerals: It
is a porous soil; silica is removed from it by chemical action. It is poor in
lime and magnesium in nature as alkalies are leached. It is acidic in nature.
It is rich in iron oxide but as bricks and is considered suitable for
construction materials.
Crops: Being infertile it suits only special crops like
tapioca, cashew nuts, tea, coffee, etc. It has low fertility because of high
acidity and low moisture retention, manuring and other activities are required
to make it suitable for growing crops such as ragi, rice and sugarcane. Paddy
is grown on lower elevations, where tea, cinchona, rubber and coffee are grown
on higher elevations.
|
Soil Type |
Formation |
Areas |
Characteristics |
Crops |
|
Alluvial Soil |
Deposition
of sediments by rivers. |
Inland
alluvium in Punjab, Haryana, U.P., Bihar, West Bengal, parts of Gujarat and
Rajasthan. Deltaic alluvium in the deltas of Ganga-Brahmaputra, Mahanadi,
Godavari, Krishna and Kaveri. Coastal alluvium along the coastal strips of
the Peninsular India. |
Loamy.
Coarse and dry in upper reaches of the river and gets finer and moist as the
river flows. Rich in minerals especially potash and lime. Poor in nitrogen
and humus. |
Large
variety of Rabi and Kharif crops: rice, wheat, sugarcane, cotton, gram and
oilseeds; jute in Ganga-Brahmaputra delta. |
|
Black Soil |
Residual
soil formed by weathering of lava rocks. |
Deccan
lava tract: Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka
and parts of Tamil Nadu. |
Clayey.
Black in colour. Rich in lime, Magnesium. Poor in phosphorous, nitrogen and
organic matter. Very fertile. |
Cotton,
cereals, citrus fruits and vegetables, tobacco, and sugarcane. |
|
Red Soil |
Prolonged
weathering of crystalline rocks. Differs on the basis of parent rock material
and climatic conditions. |
Plateau
region of Peninsular India extending northwards along Konkan coast: Tamil
Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, South-East Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, parts
of Odisha, Jharkhand, Bundelkhand, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Manipur, Telangana and
Nagaland. |
Ranges from
Sandy to Clayey. Red in colour due to large amounts of iron-oxides. Deep and
fertile in lowlands; thin and poor in highlands. Poor in nitrogen, phosphorus
and organic matter. |
Vegetables,
rice, ragi, tobacco, groundnut and potatoes. |
|
Laterite Soil |
Due to
leaching in areas of heavy rain. |
Highland
areas of Peninsular plateau: Patches in Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Maharashtra,
West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. |
Coarse
and porous. Red due to Iron Oxide. Poor in lime, nitrogen and magnesium. High
acidity and low moisture retention. |
Tapioca,
cashew nuts. With manure: rice, sugarcane, tea, rubber and coffee. |
## SOIL EROSION
The removal of the topsoil cover by water, wind and human
activities is called soil erosion. Man is responsible for soil conditioning
either through agriculture or through pollution like dumping of chemical wastes
in water bodies as well as underground. Besides human activity, soils are
degraded by nature during drought or floods.
### 1. Soil
Erosion by Water
(i) **Sheet
Erosion:** It occurs on gentle slopes and is the slow removal of a thin
layer of soil when vegetation is destroyed. Rainwater washes away the thin
layer of bare soils.
(ii) **Rill
Erosion:** When sheet erosion continues for long, the silt-laden run-off
forms many finger-shaped rills or grooves over a large area. This is called
rill erosion. It is the intermediate stage between sheet erosion and gully
erosion.
(iii) **Gully
Erosion:** During heavy downpour, deep gullies are made on bare soils on
account of water run-off. Gully erosion removes nutrients and heavy load of
loose soils, making the soil unproductive. It makes water very muddy. This is
seen in the Chambal Valley region.
(iv) **Leaching:**
After harvesting, farmers leave the soils bare for some time. During rainfall
the nutrients in the soil are leached or percolated below the top layer.
(v) **Sea or Shore
Erosion:** The tidal waters of the sea cause considerable damage to the
soil along the coast. The powerful waves dash against the coast and break
hanging cliff rocks. The broken material is then removed by the retreating sea
waves. This type of sea erosion is seen throughout the eastern and western
coasts of India.
(vi) **Stream Bank
Erosion:** Streams and rivers change their courses by cutting one bank and
depositing the silt loads on the other. During flash floods, the damage is
accelerated.
Stream Bank Erosion is prevalent in the flood plains of
Ganga, Yamuna and other rivers. As a result of Stream Bank Erosion, large areas
of agricultural land in the States of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan,
are getting transformed into ravines.
### 2. Soil
Erosion due to Human Action
The loss of vegetation cover leads to Sheet Erosion on
hilly slopes because water instead of sinking into the ground washes the soil
down. In the second stage, in the absence of vegetation cover and washing off
of the absorbent topsoil, rills begin to appear on the landscape. In the third
stage, the water run off during heavy rains may develop deep grooves causing
Gully Erosion.
The Outer Himalayas (the Shiwaliks), the Western and
Eastern Ghats are subjected to deforestation by man. These areas also receive
heavy monsoon rains. The removal of vegetation cover for different land use
like railway lines, roads, buildings or even agriculture has caused Sheet, Rill
and Gully erosion. In these areas,
### Cycle of
Poverty and Soil Erosion
To counter this vicious cycle of poverty and soil erosion
government agencies need to encourage:
(i) use of technology for soil conservation;
(ii) use of high yielding crop varieties;
(iii) alternative avenues of livelihood;
(iv) limit increase in population.
local population practise shifting cultivation. The heavy
rains then wash away the bare soil from the slopes to the valleys below.
Another important cause of Sheet, Rill and Gully Erosion
is uncontrolled grazing of domestic animals in the valleys and the upper
slopes.
### 3. Erosion by
Wind
**Wind Erosion** refers to the movement and deposition of
soil particles by wind. It occurs when soil devoid of vegetation is exposed to
high-velocity wind. Wind moves soil particles 0.1–0.5mm in size in bouncing or
hopping fashion and those greater than 0.5mm by rolling. The former is known as
saltation and the latter as soil creep. The particles less than 0.1mm or the
finest particles detach into suspension. In fact, wind erosion is most visible
in the suspension stage, as dust storms, or subsequently as deposition along
fence lines and across roads.
Wind erosion reduces the productive capacity of soil, as
most of the nutrients required by the plants are carried away by the wind.
### CAUSES OF SOIL
EROSION
(i) **Heavy
Population Pressure on Land:** India’s forest cover continues to be very
low, just *21.54 per cent of the total area. On the other hand, the population
continues to rise at a rapid rate and has already crossed the one billion mark
in the year 2000. More forests are being destroyed to house and feed the
increasing population. The heavy pressure on land is the main cause of soil
erosion.
(ii) **Nature of
Rainfall:** India receives 80 to 90 per cent of rainfall in the monsoon
season. Heavy downpour during monsoon months causes floods. In the remaining
months droughts are frequent. This affects the soils.
(iii)
**Overgrazing:** The number of domestic animals particularly cattle in
India is the highest in the world. Cattle freely graze in open lands making
them bare of vegetation. Winds carry away dry soil particles from the bare
landscape. Thus, soil erosion takes place. In many parts of Rajasthan,
excessive grazing by cattle has resulted in the exposure of the topsoil to
elements of denudation.
(iv) **Bad Farming
Techniques:** The poor farmers plough fields in traditional ways. The
farming techniques and small size of holdings lead to soil erosion on a large
scale. The absence of terracing, contour cultivation, crop rotation and the
improper use of manure etc., have caused serious problems of soil erosion.
(v)
**Topography:** Northeastern parts of India, Shiwaliks and hilly regions in
South India are affected by soil erosion because of steep slopes and heavy
rainfall. During heavy rainfall, soils are washed away by running water down
the slope.
(vi)
**Deforestation:** Forests are destroyed so that more land can be used for
cultivation. Cutting of trees exposes the soil to water and wind, which leads
to soil erosion.
### Regions of
Soil Erosion
In India, soil erosion is one of the great enemies of
Indian agriculture responsible for low agricultural productivity. According to
an estimate every year rainfall alone washes out 1.25mm thick fertile topsoil.
Among the States, Rajasthan comes on the top of the soil eroded regions,
followed by Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh
and Karnataka. The worst affected areas include:
(i) the badlands of the Chambal and Yamuna rivers;
(ii) the piedmont zone of the western Himalayas;
(iii) the Chota Nagpur plateau region;
## SAVE THE SOIL
It takes ten thousand years for soil to form and merely
ten years to destroy. Globally 52 per cent of agricultural land is already
degraded. Poor soil leads to poor nutritional value. Today’s fruits and
vegetables already contain 90 per cent fewer nutrients. Depleted soils cannot
absorb and regulate water flows. Lack of water retention leads to water
scarcity, droughts and floods. According to scientists, 27,000 species of life
forms are becoming scarcity every year due to loss of biodiversity further
disrupts the soil habitat and prevents soil regeneration. Another alarming fact
is that soil stores three times more carbon than the atmosphere.
The **Save Soil
Movement** is a global campaign focused on addressing the critical issue of
soil degradation with the primary goal of increasing the organic content in
cultivable soil to ensure its long-term health and productivity. The movement
began with the aim to inspire national leaders and policy makers, to support
policies that enhance soil health. Various campaigns and initiatives are
conducted to raise awareness about the importance of soil health because
improving soil health would enable us to combat climate change, enhance
biodiversity, and ensure food security.
### PREVENTION
1. **Terrace
Farming:** On hilly slopes, terraces act as bunds and prevent the soil from
being washed away by running water. Terrace farming is practised with
successful results in Japan, South-East Asia and the USA.
2. **Shelter Belts:** Farmers plant trees in several rows
to check wind erosion. They are known as wind breaks.
3. **Contour Ploughing:** Ploughing along contours on a
slope prevents soil being washed away by rainwater or by surface run off.
Contours act like bunds. Terraces are levelled into step-like small fields with
even slope. Contour ploughing is common in Japan, China and some South-East
Asian countries.
4. **Strip Cropping:** Crops are grown in alternate
strips of land to check soil erosion by water or wind. The crops like hay and
wheat are alternated with strip of crops such as corn, soya beans and cotton.
This method helps to prevent soil erosion by having the roots of crops hold on
to the soil and prevent it from being washed away by water or wind.
5. **Construction of Dams:** Rivers cause soil erosion.
Dams are built in the upper course of rivers to control erosion of soil.
6. **Plugging Gullies:** The gullies made in the soil are
plugged with deposition of silt during heavy rains.
7. **Planting Trees:** The trees, like in the case of
Shelter Belts, are planted along the edges of the fields, the waste land and on
steep slopes to prevent soil erosion as well as to enhance the capacity of the
soil to retain water.
### Soil Conservation
Soil conservation means prevention of soil loss from
erosion or prevention of reduced fertility of soil caused by over usage,
acidification, salinisation or other types of soil contamination.
There is an acute need to prevent soil erosion, because
of its adverse effects which include the following:
(i) Loss of fertile topsoil together with its mineral
nutrients, from the upper surface lead to gradual loss of soil fertility and
agricultural productivity.
(ii) Lowering of the water table and decreasing soil
moisture.
(iii) Drying of vegetation and extension of arid lands
leading to an increase in the frequency of droughts and floods.
(iv) Silting of river and canal beds.
(v) Recurrence of landslides.
(vi) Adverse effect on economic prosperity and cultural
development.
## EXERCISES
### I. Choose the correct option:
1. Which of the following constituents would you add to
your garden to increase the fertility to the soil?
(a) Silica
(b) Humus
(c) Clay
(d) Sand
2. Which of the following are the characteristics of
fertile soil?
(a) Adequate
amount of moisture
(b) Rich in
nutrients
(c) Organic
matter
(d) All of the
above.
3. You had gone to a village near Patna. When you
enquired about the type of soil you were told, it was ex situ. Which of the
following is it?
(a) Alluvial
soil
(b) Laterite
soil
(c) Red soil
(d) Black soil.
4. Which of the following soils vary from place to place
on the basis of the parental rocks and climatic conditions?
(a) Black soil
(b) Laterite
soil
(c) Alluvial
soil
(d) Red soil.
5. Assertion (A): Transported soils do not have a well
defined soil profile.
Reason (R): They
constitute soils that are transported by various agents of erosion.
(a) Both A and R
are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R
are true but R does not correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true
but R is false.
(d) A is false
but R is true.
6. Farmers plant trees in several rows to check soil
erosion by __________.
(a) floods.
(b) winds.
(c) drought.
(d) heavy rains.
7. Alluvial soil is rich in which of the following
minerals?
(a) Iron
(b) Nitrogen
(c) Phosphorus
(d) None of the
above.
8. Assertion (A): The Northern Plains comprises riverine
soil.
Reason (R):
Riverine soil is a mixture of sand, clay and silt.
(a) Both A and R
are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R
are true but R is the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true
but R is false.
(d) A is false
but R is true.
9. Red soil gets its name from
(a) its colour.
(b) its ferric
oxide content.
(c) Both (a) and
(b).
(d) None of the
above.
10. Black soil is also known as __________.
(a) Bhangar
(b) Khadar
(c) Regur
(d) Leached
11. Laterite soil is mainly found in the highland areas
of __________.
(a) the
Himalayas.
(b) the
Peninsular Plateau.
(c) the
Aravalli Range.
(d) the
Karakoram Range.
### I. Choose the correct option:
12. Why is Black soil highly moisture retentive?
(a) It has
fifty per cent of clay content
(b) It is
formed of weathered lava rocks
(c) It has high
quantities of lime
(d) All of the
above.
13. Which of the following soils forms the second largest
soil group in India?
(a) Black soil
(b) Red soil
(c) Yellow soil
(d) Brown soil
14. Assertion (A): Laterite soils are rich in alumina and
iron oxide, but are infertile.
Reason (R):
Soluble plant food like potash are leached into the soil.
(a) Both A and
R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and
R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true
but R is false.
(d) A is false
but R is true.
15. Which of the following is correct about the Laterite
soil?
(a) It is the
residual soil.
(b) It is formed by leaching due to tropical
rains.
(c) Humus
content of the soil is removed by bacteria.
(d) All of the
above.
16. What is the feel and consistency of soil called?
(a) Soil
profile
(b) Soil
texture
(c) Soil
fertility
(d) Soil arable
### II. Answer the following questions:
Q.1 (a) What is the soil? Name the four types of soil.
(b) State any
two factors responsible for the formation of soil.
(c) Give
geographical reasons for the following:
(i) The colour
of alluvium varies in different areas.
(ii) Khadar
is more fertile than bhangar soil.
(iii) Black
soil has a kind of self-ploughing characteristic.
(d) (i) How can
you say that soil has evolved over millions of years?
(ii) Name
one important constituent of soil that adds fertility to the soil.
Q.2 (a) How are alluvial soils formed?
(b) Mention any
two advantages of alluvial soil.
(c) Give
geographical reasons for the following:
(i)
Different regions in India have different kinds of soil for agriculture.
(ii)
Alluvial soils vary in texture.
(iii)
Nearly all types of crops grow well in riverine soils.
(d) (i) Why is
soil a valuable resource for India?
(ii) Why is
black soil considered a productive soil?
Q.3 (a) Give two characteristic features of the soil
found most suitable for growing cotton and sugarcane in Maharashtra.
(b) Name one
soil of volcanic origin commonly found in India. Name one crop widely grown on
this soil.
(c) Give a geographical reason for each of the
following:
(i) Deltaic
alluvium is more fertile than the coastal alluvium.
(ii) Black soil is largely found in the Deccan Trap
region.
(iii) Black soil is often referred to as Cotton soil or
Regur soil.
(d) Pawan and Akash have been friends since childhood.
Both of them are farmers in a village near Prayagraj. They often compare their
inputs so as to increase their yields. Pawan, whose farm is along the Ganges,
gets better yields with lower inputs of fertilizer and irrigation than Akash
whose fields are twenty kilometres away. Identify their soils. [Hint:
Sub-categories of a major soil type.] Which one of them is superior? Why?
Q.4 (a) (i) Name the process by which Laterite soil is
formed.
(ii) Mention
one disadvantage of Laterite soil.
(b) What are
the characteristics of the soil of their farms?
(c) Give
geographical reasons for the following:
(i)
Laterite soil is useful for construction purpose.
(ii) Soils
of the Western Ghats are affected by wind erosion.
(iii) The
foothills of the Himalayas are prone to excessive soil erosion.
(d) (i) Which
soil is suitable for growing coffee in Karnataka?
(ii)
Mention two main characteristics of this soil.
Q.5 (a) Name two States in India where Regur soil is
found.
(b) Give two
points of difference between Regur and Alluvial soil.
(c) Give a
geographical reason for each of the following:
(i) Jowar
is grown in Maharashtra.
(ii) Bajra
is grown in Rajasthan.
(iii)
Sugarcane is grown in Uttar Pradesh.
(d) (i) Besides
cotton, name the crops which grow well in Regur soil.
(ii) In
what way does Regur soil help agriculture?
Q.6 (a) Name two states where red soil is found. Mention
two important crops grown in this soil.
(b) You have
two sacks of red coloured soil. How would you identify red soil?
(c) Give a
geographical reason for each of the following:
(i) You
have gone to Rishikesh and notice that the soil is dry, coarse, porous and
sandy.
(ii) The
soil in your ancestral village at the outskirts of Agra has fine, smooth and
moist particles.
(iii) You
have gone to Jhansi for an excursion and notice the colour of the soil is a
shade of red.
(d) (i) How is
red soil formed?
(ii) How is
this soil suitable for dry farming?
Q.7 (a) What is soil erosion? Name the areas of soil erosion
in India: (i) for wind erosion. (ii) for running water erosion.
(b) Give two
agricultural practices that would prevent soil erosion.
(c) Give a
geographical reason for each of the following:
(i) Shelter
belts reduce soil erosion in arid areas.
(ii) Rural
development will influence soil conservation.
(iii) Water
harvesting aids in soil conservation.
(d) (i) What is
meant by soil conservation?
(ii) State
two measures to conserve soil in hilly areas.
Q.8 (a) Study the picture of the Chambal Valley. What is
responsible for erosion here? Briefly describe how soil is eroded in this case.
(b) State two
methods of controlling erosion of soil caused by running water.
(c) Name two
important agents of erosion. For each, state one method of controlling the
erosion caused.
(d) Explain
briefly the need for conservation of soil as a natural resource.
Q.9 Harry is doing his research on different types of
soil in India. He found that there is a particular soil which becomes sticky
when wet and cracks when dry.
(a) Identify
the soil and explain how this soil is formed.
(b) Name two
cash crops that are grown in this soil.
(c) India is a
land of diversities and there are certain factors which influence the soil
types. With reference to the given statement, mention the factors influencing
their distribution in India.
### III. Thinking Skills
Q.1 A farmer bought land in an area having poor rainfall,
with soil which is suitable for dry farming. Name the type of soil available in
this area. Which crops will he be able to grow there?
Q.2 Your uncle lives in a hilly area which gets heavy
rainfall. He grows certain special crops like tea, coffee, tapioca and cashew
nuts. Besides agriculture, he has a brick kiln as the area has ample raw
material for making bricks. Name the area where your uncle may be residing.
What type of soil is available in this area and how is it formed?
Q.3 You had gone for an excursion to a mountainous region
along with your teachers and classmates. On reaching there you were shocked to
see bare mountains with no vegetation or greenery. What reasons did your
teacher give for such a deplorable conditions of the mountains? List the
solutions to rectify the problem.
Q.4 The load of the rivers such as Ganga-Brahmaputra,
comprising sand, silt and gravels, is tremendous. This gets deposited in the
deltas or the lower course of river over a long period forming river islands.
These islands can be temporary or permanent because they may also disappear
when the volume of river water or its speed increases. Majuli, they may also
disappear when the volume of river water or its speed increases. Majuli, in the
Brahmaputra is a permanent riverine island which is rich in biodiversity.
Assam, in the Brahmaputra are mostly islands formed in large deltas of the
Ganga-Brahmaputra system. Mostly these islands are not permanent as they last
as long as the river is full of sediments and is slow. What do you think is the
land use in chars?
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