WBBSE Solutions For Class 6 Geography Chapter 10 Our Country India Topic D Soils In India

Chapter 10 Climate Of India Topic D Soils In India Analytical Type Questions

 

Question 1 Discuss in detail the characteristics of the major soils found in India.
Answer:

The characteristics of the major soils found in India are explained in the table below-

 

 

Question 2. Describe the desert type and montane type of soil in India.
Answer:

Desert soil:

1. Occurrence: This type of soil is found in the desert regions of Rajasthan, the Rann region of the Kachchh, and the western flanks of Punjab and Haryana.

2. Characteristics: The main characteristics of desert soil are as follows-

The soil develops in areas of very low rainfall and very high temperature, Top soil has a high concentration of salts, The soil is porous in nature and thus has a lower water-retention capacity, Poor in organic matter content.

Effect on agriculture: Suitable for the cultivation of millets (jowar, bajra and ragi). Currently, even wheat, barley, cotton and sugarcane are cultivated with the aid of irrigation.

Montane soil:

1. Occurrence: This type of soil can be found in the Himalayan region, mountainous regions of the Nilgiris, Western Ghats and similar regions.

2. Characteristics: The main characteristics of montane soil are as follows-

It forms in the humid temperate climatic region, It is acidic in nature, Though acidic in nature, it is fertile soil, and It is rich in organic matter content.

Effect on agriculture: Suitable for the cultivation of crops like tea, coffee and spices.

Question 3. What is soil important for?
Answer:

The desert type and the montane type of soil in India is described below-

Soil is important for the following reasons 

The habitat of plants and animals: All the members of the biosphere depend on it for their habitat, food and survival.

Agriculture: The quality of agriculture and quantity of yield is determined by the type of soil.

Maintaining humidity in the environment: It plays an important role in maintaining the moisture content in the atmosphere.

Clay modelling: The entire pottery industry thrives on the soil. Even idols are made of soil.

Materials for construction: Soil is an important component for building houses. Bricks, tiles, etc. are all made from soil.

Cottage industry: It is the major component for various kinds of construction work, as well as art and handicrafts.

Origin of Plants and Forest: The natural vegetation that grows in a region is influenced by the soil type and so are the products obtained from them.

Grazing: Activities like animal rearing and cattle farming is solely dependent on the Soil.

Question 4. What is meant by soil erosion? What are the major causes of soil erosion?
Answer:

Soil erosion:

The degradation of soil and the removal of its top layer by the action of eroding agents (river, glacier, wind or sea waves) or by human interference is known as soil erosion.

The major causes of soil erosion are as follows-

1. Deforestation: The roots of the trees bind the soil and in the process, protect the soil from being washed away by the agents of erosion. With careless deforestation, the soil becomes more susceptible to erosion.

2. Uncontrolled grazing: Reckless overgrazing can be a major cause of soil erosion.

3. Excessive cultivation: The processes of multiple cropping, intensive farming or Jhum cultivation on the hill slope lead to soil erosion.

4. Mining: Unplanned mining activities to extract mineral resources turn out to be a major cause of soil erosion.

5. Faulty irrigation practices: Unscientific irrigation practices leads to an increase in the rate of soil erosion.

6. Unmindful use of land: The land use of places with different physical features has to be different. So, unmindful use of land most of the time leads to an irreversible process of soil erosion.

 

Chapter 10 Climate Of India Topic D Soils In India Short Analytical Type Questions

Question 1. ‘Black soil is very fertile’-Explain.
Answer:

Black soil is very fertile:

Black soil is formed from basaltic rocks. The structure of black soil is extremely compact and highly moisture-retentive. Deep wide cracks develop when this soil dries-which helps in aeration.

Usually, these soils are rich in clay content (average 50%) and high in organic matter Crops, especially legumes and cotton grow well in this soil. All these facts tell us that black soil is very fertile.

Question 2. Write a short note on Regur soil.
Answer:

Regur soil:

Black soil, also known as regur soil, is formed from weathered basaltic rocks. The major characteristics of regur soil are as follows-

The rich content of iron, potash, lime, calcium, aluminium and organic matter. The poor concentration of nitrogen, and phosphorus.

High water-retention capacity. Clayey with extremely fine texture. This soil becomes sticky when it gets wet. It is extremely fertile soil.

Cotton grows well on this soil. So, regur soil is also known as ‘black cotton soil’. Apart from this sugarcane and groundnut are also cultivated on this soil.

Question 3. Write a short note on Red soil.
Answer:

Red soil:

Metamorphosed rocks break down into pieces over a long period to form red soil.

The major characteristics of red soil are as follows-

High iron content leads to its reddish appearance. Usually deficient in nitrogen, humus and phosphorus, but rich in potash.

It has poor water retention capacity. This is a highly porous soil and less crystalline in nature.

This is less fertile soil. Cultivation is possible only with the help of irrigation and fertilisers. Ragi, nuts, tobacco, paddy and chick-pea are cultivated on this soil.

Question 4. Write a short note on laterite soil.
Answer:

laterite soil:

Location of laterite soil in India: This soil is found in the Chotanagpur plateau, parts of the Eastern and Western Ghats and most parts of the Meghalaya plateau.

Characteristics: The characteristics of laterite soil are-

1. Amount of iron oxide: The amount of iron oxide in laterite soil is too much. Due to the high content, the colour of this soil is dark red.

2. Fertility: This soil is basically infertile. Importance of crop produced: Peanuts, sorghum, millet etc. are grown in this soil.

Question 5. Laterite Soil is Extremely infertile-state Why.
Answer:

Laterite Soil is Extremely infertile-state:

Laterite soils are found in areas with high temperatures and heavy rainfall.

The changes in the wet and dry seasons lead to the washing away of silica and lime components of the rocks to the lower layers and a soil rich in oxides of iron and aluminium compounds is left behind.

The soil also has a poor concentration of nitrogen, Laterite also has a very low water-retention capacity.

As a result, this soil becomes so hard and all these reasons together enhance the infertility of laterite soil.

Question 6. Write a short note on Montane soil or Mountainous soil.
Answer:

Montane soil forms in the humid temperate climate.

The major characteristics of montane soil are as follows—

1. Contains a high concentration of organic matter and is generally acidic in nature.
2. Rich in humus and is most fertile.
3. The colour is generally brown and sometimes, may also be grey.
4. Good for the cultivation of crops like tea, coffee, wheat, maize, barley, and a range of fruits and spices.
5. Suitable for the growth of coniferous forests.

Question 7. Differentiate between Bhangar and Khadar.
Answer:

The differences between Bhangar and Khadar are as follows—

Question 8. Differentiate between montane soil and desert soil.
Answer:

The differences between montane soil and desert soil are as follows-

Question 9. Differentiate between Black soil and red soil.
Answer:

The differences between Black soil and red soil Are as follows-

Question 10. Earthworm is beneficial for the fertility of soil’—Explain.
Answer:

Earthworm is beneficial for the fertility of soil:

Earthworms are insects that live in the soil and churn the soil thoroughly. In the process, the chemicals and the organic components of the soil mix together.

Moreover, earthworms improve the drainage and the soil structure making the soil more fertile. The organic remains of the dead earthworms also enhance soil fertility. So, earthworms are beneficial for the fertility of the soil.

Question 11. Cherrapunji receives high rainfall but is not suitable for agriculture. Explain why.
Answer:

Cherrapunji receives high rainfall but is not suitable for agriculture:

Cherrapunji receives high rainfall and water is an essential component of agriculture. But excessive rainfall in Cherrapunji causes the topsoil along the hill slopes to be washed away.

This even leads to winter drought-like conditions and affects the vegetation cover. Moreover, the soil cover of Cherrapunji is of laterite type which is not very fertile. So, it is not suitable for agriculture even though it receives plenty of rainfall in the world.

Question 12. What are the prominent ill effects of soil erosion?
Answer:

Prominent ill effects of soil erosion:

Soil is a precious resource. Soil erosion leads to various ill effects on the biosphere as a whole.

They are as follows—

1. Agriculture becomes difficult and sometimes even impossible.

2. Eroded soil settles as deposits on nearby riverbeds causing sedimentation. Thus decreasing the water-holding capacity and navigability of the rivers. This, in turn, may result in floods.

3. Increase the salinity of the soil.

Question 13. Discuss the various methods of soil conservation.
Answer:

Soil supports life. So, it is essential to conserve soil.

The following are some of the important methods of soil conservation—

1. Prevent deforestation and promote afforestation.
2. Adopt healthy farming practices such as contour farming, terrace farming, crop rotation, subsistence farming and others.
3. Create windbreaks-breaks created by planting trees on the windward side of a mountain slope prevents soil erosion.
4. Prevent unnecessary construction-roads, brick kilns and so on.
5. Uncontrolled grazing should be restricted.

 

Chapter 10 Climate Of India Topic D Soils In India Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. What is meant by soil?
Answer:

Soil:

Soil is the thin, top layer of the land surface. The life and habitat of the flora and the fauna, human life, agriculture and crop yield all are dependent on soil.

The nature and quality of the soil are important. The biosphere is directly or indirectly dependent on the soil cover. Rocks, organic matter of dead plants and animals, minerals, water and air all help in soil formation.

Question 2. Name the factors on which the formation of soll depends which the
Answer:

The factors on which the formation of soil depends are as follows-

Question 3. What is meant by fertile soil?
Answer:

Fertile soil:

The soil that is rich in components useful for basic plant nutrition, including nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium is known as fertile soil.

It must also contain ample amounts of minerals such as zinc, manganese, iron, sulphur, magnesium, copper, chlorine, cobalt and other organic matter.

Question 3. Why is soil called the gift of nature?
Answer:

Soil called the gift of nature:

Man uses the soil but cannot create it. The rock is crushed to form soil. The soil contains various minerals, water and organisms.

On soil, trees grow, people cultivate, and crops grow and thus soil is created by the nature. So the soil is called the gift of nature.

Question 5. How does soil support life on Earth?
Answer:

Soil support life on Earth:

Trees grow only in the soil. The flowers, fruits or crops of the tree provide us with food. Not just food, trees help animals or humans to survive in many ways.

So, the soil supports life both directly and indirectly. It is true that we survive because there is soil.

Question 6. Why does laterite soil appear reddish?
Answer:

Laterite soil appear reddish:

Laterite soil is found in areas of high temperature and heavy rainfall.

The heavy rainfall washes away several mineral components from the top layer, to the bottom layers, leaving behind iron oxides on the top layer. The presence of iron oxide makes the soil appears reddish in colour.

Question 7. Why is black soil black in colour?
Answer:

Black soil black in colour:

Basaltic rocks disintegrate to form black soil. These soils are black in colour because the colour of the parent rock i.e. basalt is dark in colour.

Moreover, this soil contains a huge amount of organic matter which adds dark colour to the soil.

Question 8. Mention why is the soil of the Chotanagpur plateau region not suitable for agriculture.
Answer:

The soil of the Chotanagpur plateau region is mainly red soil or lateritic soil. This soil is rich in iron oxides. That is why this soil is red in colour.

In addition to this, the water-holding capacity and organic matter content are very low. So, this soil is very infertile. Therefore, such soil is unfit for cultivation.

Question 9. What is meant by soil conservation?
Answer:

Soil conservation:

Soil conservation refers to a combination of measures taken to protect soil and prevent its erosion.

Through the various soil conservation measures, the following preventive actions are taken Prevention from physical erosion of the soil, by the agents of erosion.

Prevention from chemical alteration because of overuse, acidification and salinization. Prevention from biological alteration.

 

Chapter 10 Climate Of India Topic D Soils In India Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1. The existence of is beneficial for the fertility of soils—

1. Termites
2. Earthworms
3. Mice

Answer: 2. Earthworms

Question 2. Fertile and newly-formed alluvial soils are known as—

1. Bhangar
2. Khadar
3. Podzol

Answer: 2. Khadar

Question 3. Soil is formed from basalt rocks—

1. Laterite
2. Alluvial
3. Black

Answer: 3. Alluvial

Question 4. Laterite soil is in colour—

1. Brick-red
2. Jet-black
3. Greyish-brown

Answer: 1. Brick-red

Question 5. Regur soil is in colour—

1. Red
2. Black
3. Brown

Answer: 2. Black

Question 6. Black soil is rich in—

1. Calcium carbonate
2. Iron oxide
3. Magnesium chloride

Answer: 1. Calcium carbonate

Question 7. Laterite soil is rich in—

1. Calcium carbonate
2. Iron oxide
3. Magnesium chloride

Answer: 2. Iron oxide

Question 8. This crop grows well in desert soil—

1. Paddy
2. Wheat
3. Millet

Answer: 3. Millet

Question 9. This soil is found in floodplains of the rivers—

1. Alluvial
2. Sandy
3. Montane

Answer: 1. Alluvial

Question 10. Soil covers the Chhota Nagpur plateau—

1. Black
2. Laterite
3. Loamy

Answer: 2. Laterite

Question 11. Soil is considered to be the best for growing spices—

1. Black
2. Montane
3. Red

Answer: 2. Montane

Question 12. Grows best in laterite soil—

1. Jute
2. Paddy
3. Groundnut

Answer: 3. Groundnut

Question 13. In Punjab, the floodplains formed by repeated deposition of khadar soil is also known as—

1. Bet
2. Dhaya
3. Regur

Answer: 1. Bet

Question 14. The central soil and water conservation research & training institute is located in—

1. Kolkata
2. Dehradun
3. Asansol

Answer: 2. Dehradun

Question 15. In Punjab, bhangra soil plains are also known as—

1. Bet
2. Dhaya
3. Laterite

Answer: 2. Dhaya

Question 16. The soil in Rajasthan is—

1. Highly fertile
2. Moderately fertile
3. Not fertile

Answer: 3. Not fertile

Question 17. Soil is suitable for the cultivation of coffee—

1. Alluvial
2. Mountain
3. Desert

Answer: 2. Mountain

 

Chapter 10 Climate Of India Topic D Soils In India Fill In The Blanks

Question 1. ___________is the most fertile soil in India.
Answer: Alluvial

Question 2. Jowar, bajra and ragi are collectively known as ___________
Answer: Millets

Question 3. ___________soil is also known as ’Regur’ soil.
Answer: Black

Question 4. ___________ cultivation checks soil erosion on the hill slopes.
Answer: Step/terrace

Question 5. ___________ is the major cause of soil erosion.
Answer: Deforestation

Question 6. ___________ Alluvial soil is very fertile.
Answer: Loamy

Question 7. The Latin word ‘later’ means ___________
Answer: Brick

Question 8. Mustard, sesame and sunflower are good examples of ___________
Answer: Oilseeds

Question 9. A___________ soil develops with the greater passage of time in the formative years.
Answer: Developed

Question 10. Bhur, Rehu and Kallar are the local names of ___________ soil.
Answer: Desert

Question 11. Crops of the millets family grow best in the ___________ soil.
Answer: Desert

Question 12. ___________ soil covers the largest expanse of land in India.
Answer: Alluvial

Question 13. ___________ soil is rich in organic matter.
Answer: Mountain

Question 14. The soil found around a pond is rich in ___________
Answer: Organic matter

Question 15. The word ‘Podzol’ means ___________
Answer: Under-ash

Question 16. ___________ soil is suitable for tea plantations.
Answer: Mountain

Question 17. Less fertile old alluvium is known as ___________
Answer: Bhangar

Question 18. ___________ soil is found in the plateau region of Meghalaya.
Answer: Laterite

Question 19. ___________ soil can be seen in the Nilgiri Hills of the south.
Answer: Mountain

 

Chapter 10 Climate Of India Topic D Soils In India Write True Or False

Question 1. Alluvial soil is suitable for the cultivation of both paddy and wheat.
Answer: True

Question 2. Red soil can be found in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal.
Answer: False

Question 3. Cotton grows well in black soil.
Answer: True

Question 4. Coconut and areca nuts are cultivated in the soils of the coastal regions.
Answer: True

Question 5. The fertility of soil increases with an increase in its water-holding capacity.
Answer: True

Question 6. Soils having the colour of darker shades absorb lesser heat.
Answer: False

Question 7. More porous the soil, the more its fertility.
Answer: False

Question 8. Soils rich in iron oxide are reddish in colour.
Answer: True

Question 9. Soils with higher concentrations of organic matter are more acidic in nature.
Answer: True

Question 10. Terracotta articles—well-known handicraft products of Bishnupur are made out of burnt red soil.
Answer: True

Question 11. Jhum Cultivation on the slopes of hills leads to the erosion of soil.
Answer: True

Question 12. Soil erosion can be checked with the help of afforestation.
Answer: True

Question 13. Grazing enhances soil fertility.
Answer: False

Question 14. The cultivation of leguminous crops helps in enhancing the fertility of the soil.
Answer: True

Question 15. The texture of the soil tells us if the soil particles are coarse or fine.
Answer: True

Question 16. Coastal soils are generally saline,
Answer: True

Question 17. Sandy soil can hold more water.
Answer: False

Question 18. Coniferous trees grow well in podzol soil.
Answer: True

Question 19. Cherrapunji in Meghalaya is prone to soil erosion.
Answer: True

Question 20. Laterite is fertile soil.
Answer: False

Question 21. Jhum cultivation is done either by cutting terraces or by slash-burning the forests on the hill slopes.
Answer: True

Question 22. Montane soils are rich in humus.
Answer: True

Question 23. Cacti grow well in saline delta soils.
Answer: False

Question 24. Excessive soil erosion is seen at Cherrapunji in the state of Meghalaya.
Answer: True

 

Chapter 10 Climate Of India Topic D Soils In India Match The Following

 

Answer: 1-E,2-A,3-B,4-C,5-D

 

Answer: 1-C,2-D,3-B,4-E,5-F,6-A

 

Chapter 10 Climate Of India Topic D Soils In India Answer In One Or Two Words

Question 1. Name the major constituent of any soil.
Answer: Minerals, organic matter.

Question 2. Which insect is considered to be a friend of the soil?
Answer: Earthworm.

Question 3. Name the soil found on the floodplains formed by the rivers.
Answer: Alluvial soil.

Question 4. Name two fertile soils found in India.
Answer: Alluvial soil and Black soil.

Question 5. Into how many types can alluvial soil be classified on the basis of where it occurs and its age?
Answer: 2 types (Bhangar and Khadar).

Question 6. From which type of rocks is red soil formed?
Answer: Metamorphic Rocks.

Question 7. Where do plants derive their nutrients from?
Answer: Soil.

Question 8. In which climate can laterite soil be found in abundance?
Answer: Hot and wet tropical areas.

Question 9. From which rocks are regur soil formed?
Answer: Basalt rocks.

Question 10. Name the soil that can be found in the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat.
Answer: Black soil.

Question 11. What type of soil is common in areas with high temperatures and low rainfall?
Answer: Desert soil.

Question 12. What would be the colour of iron-rich soil?
Answer: Red.

Question 13. What type of soil is common in the delta areas?
Answer: Alluvial soil.

Question 14. What type of soil can be found in the Meghalaya Plateau?
Answer: Laterite soil.

Question 15. Which component is prominent in desert soil?
Answer: Salt.