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Difficulty: MediumSoils, Natural Vegetation, and Agriculture in India

Match the soil types of India listed in List-I with their corresponding pedological characteristics described in List-II.

  • Laterite SoilIntense leaching of silica and lime resulting from high rainfall and temperature
  • Black (Regur) SoilHigh moisture retention and self-ploughing capacity due to swelling when wet
  • Saline SoilHigh concentration of soluble salts due to capillary action and poor drainage
  • Peaty SoilAccumulation of large amounts of organic matter producing heavy and highly acidic soils

Answer

Laterite Soil corresponds to intense leaching of silica and lime; Black Soil corresponds to high moisture retention and self-ploughing capacity; Saline Soil corresponds to high concentration of soluble salts due to capillary action; Peaty Soil corresponds to accumulation of large amounts of organic matter producing heavy and highly acidic soils.
Each soil type is correctly paired with its primary pedological feature: Laterite Soil with intense tropical leaching of silica and lime, Black Soil with moisture retention and self-ploughing swell-shrink dynamics, Saline Soil with surface salt crusting via capillary action, and Peaty Soil with heavy organic matter accumulation resulting in high acidity.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the pedogenic process of Laterite Soil
Heavy monsoon rainfall washes away soluble nutrients like lime and silica, leaving behind oxides of iron and aluminum.
This intense tropical leaching process is known as laterization.
2
Analyze the physical mechanics of Black (Regur) Soil
High clay content absorbs water and swells, while drying produces wide cracks that allow surface soil to fall inward.
This natural churning process provides aeration and moisture retention without requiring manual tillage.
3
Determine the chemical enrichment mechanism of Saline Soil
High evaporation rates draw subsoil water containing dissolved salts to the upper horizon through capillary action.
Excessive salts remain on the surface as a white crust, inhibiting crop root growth.
4
Examine the composition of Peaty Soil
Humid climatic conditions with waterlogging lead to anaerobic decay of vegetation and massive humus accumulation.
Organic content can reach up to 40-50%, producing a dense, highly acidic soil profile.

Key Concept

Pedological characteristics and pedogenic processes of major Indian soil groups
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Topics

Soils, Natural Vegetation, and Agriculture in India

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