1. The branch of science which deals with the study of soil is
(a) Geology
(b) Pedology
(c) Zoology
(d) None of the above
2. What is the process by which clay or other fine particles go down the soil profile ?
(a) Eluviation
(b) Illuviation
(c) Leaching
(d) Salinisation
3. In which one of the following soils, the salt content is so high that common salt is obtained by evaporating the saline water in some areas? [UPSC CAPF 2021]
(a) Peaty soil
(b) Alluvial soil
(c) Laterite soil
(d) Arid soil
4. Salinization occurs when the irrigation water accumulated in the soil evaporates, leaving behind salts and minerals. What are the effects of salinization on the irrigated land? [UPSC CSE 2011]
(a) It greatly increases the crop production
(b) It makes some soils impermeable
(c) It raises the water table
(d) It fills the air spaces in the soil with water
5. The black cotton soil of India has been formed due to the weathering of [UPSC CSE 2021]
(a) brown forest soil
(b) fissure volcanic rock
(c) granite and schist
(d) shale and limestone
6. With reference to agricultural soils, consider the following statement: [UPSC CSE 2018]
1. A high content of organic matter is soil drastically reduces its water holding capacity
2. Soil does not play any role in the sulphur cycle
3. Irrigation over a period of time can contribute to the salinization of some agricultural lands.
Which of the statement given above is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
7. In India, the problem of soil erosion is associated with which of the following? [UPSC CSE 2014]
1. Terrace cultivation
2. Deforestation
3. Tropical climate
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
8. Many transplanted seedlings do not grow because [UPSC CSE 2013]
(a) the new soil does not contain favourable minerals
(b) most of the root hairs grip the new soil too hard
(c) most of the root hairs are lost during transplantation
(d) leaves get damaged during transplantation
9. Which of the following statements regarding laterite soils of India are correct? [UPSC CSE 2013]
1. They are generally red in colour.
2. They are rich In nitrogen and potash.
3. They are well-developed in Rajasthan and UP.
4. Tapioca and cashew nuts grow well on these soils.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1 and 4
(d) 2 and 3 only
10. Contour bunding is a method of soil conservation used in [UPSC CSE 2013]
(a) desert margins, liable to strong wind action
(b) low flat plains, close to stream courses, liable to flooding
(c) scrublands, liable to spread of weed growth
(d) None of the above
11. Which one among the following is not correct regarding the black soils of Peninsular India? [UPSC CAPF 2013]
(a) Rich in iron, lime and potash
(b) Retentive in moisture
(c) Fertile and well-suited for rowing sugarcane
(d) Rich in phosphorus and organic matter
12. Regur soil is most suitable for the cultivation of ? [UPSC CAPF 2015]
(a) Groundnut
(b) Cotton
(c) Tobacco
(d) Sugarcane
