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Difficulty: MediumSoils, Natural Vegetation, and Agriculture in India

Consider the following statements regarding the pedological characteristics and agricultural potential of Arid (Desert) Soils in India:

1. They are generally sandy in texture, saline in nature, and severely deficient in nitrogen and organic content.
2. The lower horizons of these soils accumulate 'Kankar' layers due to increasing calcium content downwards, which restricts downward infiltration of water.
3. Due to extreme salinity and lack of organic matter, these soils are completely infertile and cannot support crop cultivation even with artificial irrigation.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 and 2 onlyAnswer
  2. B
    2 and 3 only
  3. C
    1 and 3 only
  4. D
    1, 2 and 3

Answer

1 and 2 only
The statement combination indicating 1 and 2 only is correct. Arid soils in India (predominantly found in western Rajasthan, parts of Gujarat and southern Punjab) feature a sandy texture, low nitrogen/humus content, and high salinity. Their lower horizons are characterized by calcic nodule ('Kankar') accumulation which restricts infiltration. However, they are not completely infertile; with irrigation, crops like barley, rape, cotton, and millets thrive in these soils.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze statement 1 regarding physical and chemical properties of Arid soils
Arid soils range from red to brown in color, are sandy to gravelly in texture, soluble-salt rich (saline), and deficient in nitrogen and humus.
Evaporation exceeds precipitation in arid climates, leading to low organic content and high salt accumulation.
2
Analyze statement 2 regarding horizon development and Kankar layers
Calcium content increases downwards in Arid soil profiles, leading to the formation of hard calcareous nodules (Kankar) in the sub-surface layers.
The Kankar layer impedes water infiltration, allowing retained moisture to be available when water is supplied artificially.
3
Evaluate statement 3 regarding fertility under irrigation
Arid soils contain adequate phosphate content and are responsive to irrigation. Areas under the Indira Gandhi Canal command in western Rajasthan successfully grow drought-resistant and staple crops.
Lack of water, not complete mineral sterility, is the limiting factor for crop growth in desert soils.

Key Concept

Pedological properties, horizon structure, and agricultural potential of Arid Soils in India
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Topics

Soils, Natural Vegetation, and Agriculture in India

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