Question

Difficulty: MediumState Economy, Agriculture, and Natural Resources

With reference to the natural resource distribution and agricultural patterns of a state, consider the following statements:

1. Black soil (Regur) is predominantly found in basaltic trap regions, making it highly suitable for rainfed cotton and soybean cultivation.
2. Laterite soils are naturally rich in nitrogen and organic matter, making them highly fertile for paddy without requiring synthetic fertilizers.
3. Major bauxite deposits are primarily associated with residual plateau cappings formed by intense weathering under humid tropical conditions.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

Answer

1 and 3 only
The correct option correctly identifies statements 1 and 3 as factual. Regur soil derived from basaltic traps retains moisture and supports crops like cotton and soybean, while bauxite deposits originate as residual plateau caps formed by monsoon leaching. Statement 2 is incorrect because laterite soil suffers from heavy leaching and is naturally poor in nitrogen, humus, and lime.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate Statement 1 regarding black soil characteristics and agricultural suitability.
Statement 1 is correct. Black soil (Regur) formed from volcanic basaltic lava has high clay content and moisture retention, making it well-suited for cotton and soybean production.
Basaltic weathering imparts high moisture retention and mineral content essential for rainfed cash crops.
2
Evaluate Statement 2 regarding laterite soil nutrient status and fertility.
Statement 2 is incorrect. Laterite soils undergo severe leaching under high temperature and heavy rainfall, resulting in severe deficiency in nitrogen, potash, lime, and organic matter.
Leaching washes away soluble plant nutrients and silica, leaving behind infertile iron and aluminum oxides.
3
Evaluate Statement 3 regarding bauxite mineral origin and landform association.
Statement 3 is correct. Bauxite deposits represent residual concentrations of hydrated aluminum oxides occurring as cap rocks on high-altitude plateaus subject to tropical monsoon weathering.
Lateralization on plateau caps concentrates insoluble aluminum hydroxides over time.

Key Concept

State Resource Distribution, Soil Characteristics, and Mineral Ore Genesis
Estimated Time:1m 15s
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