Morning Star Textbook Solutions: Soils in India | Geography Class 10 ICSE PDF Download

Choose the correct option 

Q1: Which of the following constituents add fertility to the soil?
(a) Silica
(b) Humus
(c) Clay
(d) Sand
Ans: (b) 

Q2: Which of the following are the characteristics of fertile soil?
(a) Adequate amount of moisture
(b) Rich in nutrients
(c) Organic matter
(d) All of the above
Ans: (d) 

Q3: Which of the following is a transported or ex situ soil?
(a) Alluvial soil
(b) Laterite soil
(c) Red soil
(d) Black soil
Ans: (a)

Q4: Which of the following soils vary from place to place on the basis of the parental rocks and climatic conditions?
(a) Black soil
(b) Red soil
(c) Alluvial soil
(d) Laterite soil
Ans: (b) 

Q5: Farmers plant trees in several rows to check soil erosion by _______.
(a) floods
(b) winds
(c) drought
(d) heavy rains
Ans: (b) 

Q6: Alluvial soil is rich in which of the following minerals?
(a) Iron
(b) Nitrogen
(c) Phosphorus
(d) None of the above
Ans: (a) 

Q7: Red soil gets its name from ._______.
(a) its colour
(b) its ferric oxide content
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) None of the above.
Ans: (c)

Q8: Black soil is also known as ._______.
(a) Bhangar
(b) Khadar
(c) Regur
(d) Leached
Ans: (c) 

Q9: Laterite soil is mainly found in the highland areas of _______.
(a) the Himalayas
(b) the Peninsular Plateau
(c) the Aravali Range
(d) the Karakoram Range
Ans: (b) 

Q10: Why is Black soil highly moisture retentive?
(a) It has fifty per cent of clay content
(b) It is formed of weathered lava rocks
(c) It has high quantities of lime and iron
(d) All of the above
Ans: (a) 

Q11: Which of the following soils forms the second largest soil group in India?
(a) Yellow soil
(b) Brown soil
(c) Red soil
(d) Black soil
Ans: (c) 

Q12: Why is the Red soil considered ideal for dry farming?
(a) It is formed in areas with poor rainfall and responds to fertilizers.
(b) It is red in colour.
(c) It is rich in iron oxide.
(d) It is rich in nitrogen.
Ans: (a) 

Q13: Which of the following is correct about the Laterite soil?
(a) It is the residual soil.
(b) It is formed by leaching due to tropical rains.
(c) Humus content of the soil is removed by bacteria.
(d) All of the above
Ans: (d)

Answer the following questions 

Q1(a): What is soil? Name the four types of soil.
Ans: Soil is the thin mixture of small rock particles and rotting organic matter that covers the surface of the earth. The four types of soil are:

1. Alluvial soil
2. Black soil
3. Red soil
4. Laterite soil

Q1(b): State any two factors responsible for the formation of soil.
Ans: Two factors responsible for the formation of soil are:

1. Weathering
2. Erosion

Q1(c): Give a geographical reason for each of the following:
(i) The colour of alluvium soil varies in different areas.
(ii) Khadar is more fertile than bhangar soil.
(iii) Black soil has a kind of self-ploughing characteristic.
Ans: 
(i) The color of alluvial soil changes in different places because its colors depend on how deep it has been deposited, the texture of the materials, and how long it takes to mature. 
(ii) Khadar soil is more productive than bhangar soil since new layers are added every year during the monsoon floods. 
(iii) Black soil has a unique ability to self-plough because it shrinks and forms large cracks during the dry season. These cracks allow air to circulate, which helps in the natural ploughing process. 

Q1(d): (i) How can you say that soil has evolved over millions of years?
(ii) Name one important constituent of soil that adds fertility to the soil.
Ans: 
(i) Soil changes as it gets older - Over time, soil begins to look different from the original material it came from. This happens because soil is always changing. The parts of soil—like minerals, water, air, organic matter, and living organisms—are constantly interacting and altering. 
(ii) A key part of soil that makes it more fertile is humus. This dark, organic material is important for providing nutrients to plants and supporting healthy soil structure. 

Q2(a): How are alluvial soils formed?
Ans: Alluvial soil is formed by the sediments brought down by rivers. As rivers travel, they deposit fine particles of soil called alluvium in their plains, resulting in riverine soil.

Q2(b): Mention any two advantages of alluvial soil.
Ans: Two advantages of alluvial soil are:

1. It is light and porous, making it easily tillable.
2. It is suitable for the growth of a large variety of rabi and kharif crops.

Q2(c): Give a geographical reason for each of the following:
(i) Different regions in India have different kinds of soil for agriculture.
(ii) Alluvial soils vary in texture.
(iii) Nearly all types of crops grow well in riverine soils.
Ans: 
(i) Different areas in India have various types of soil for farming because India is a large country with many different natural settings. The presence of several landforms and climate variations leads to the creation of different soil types. 
(ii) Alluvial soils have different textures. In the higher parts of river valleys, the soil tends to be dry, rough, and sandy, with larger and uneven particles. As you move down the river valley, the soil particles get smaller, more uniform, and denser. 
(iii) Almost all kinds of crops thrive in riverine soils because alluvial soil is a blend of sand, clay, and silt. This soil is rich in minerals and easy to work with, making it ideal for growing a wide range of crops. 

Q2(d): (i) Why is soil a valuable resource for India?
(ii) Why is black soil considered a productive soil?
Ans: 
(i) Soil is a valuable resource for India because agriculture is the main occupation in India. Soil supports agriculture and provides nutrients for many forms of life.
(ii) Black soil is considered productive because it has a high moisture retention capacity and more clay content, which responds well to irrigation. It is suitable for the cultivation of cotton, jowar, wheat, linseed, gram, citrus fruits, vegetables, tobacco, and sugarcane.

Q3(a): Give two characteristic features of the soil found most suitable for growing cotton and sugarcane in Maharashtra.
Ans: Black soil is suitable for growing cotton and sugarcane in Maharashtra. Its characteristics are:

1. It is black in colour.
2. It has high quantities of lime, iron, magnesium, and generally poor percentages of phosphorus, nitrogen, and organic matter.

Q3(b): Name one soil of volcanic origin commonly found in India. Name one crop widely grown on this soil.
Ans: One soil of volcanic origin commonly found in India is black soil. Cotton is widely grown on this soil.

Q3(c): Give a geographical reason for each of the following:
(i) Deltaic alluvium is more fertile than coastal alluvium.
(ii) Black soil is largely found in the Deccan Trap region.
(iii) Black soil is often referred to as Cotton soil or Regur soil.
Ans: 
(i) Deltaic alluvium is more productive than coastal alluvium because every year, during the monsoon floods, new layers of soil are added. Deltaic alluvium is made up of fine silt and clay, while coastal alluvium has lime nodules in it. 
(ii) Black soil is located in the Deccan trap region, which was formed by the buildup of lava from volcanic eruptions. The natural breakdown of these lava rocks leads to the creation of black soil. 
(iii) Black soil is commonly known as Cotton soil or Regur soil because of its dark color and its ability to support cotton farming. 

Q3(d): (i) Name the process by which Laterite soil is formed.
(ii) Mention one disadvantage of Laterite soil.
Ans: 
(i) Laterite soil is created through the weathering of rocks caused by the atmosphere, particularly in areas with high rainfall and warm temperatures. This process occurs during times of alternating wet and dry seasons. It is a type of residual soil formed by the leaching process due to tropical rain. 
(ii) A key drawback of Laterite soil is that it does not hold onto moisture, which makes it infertile and not suitable for growing many types of plants. 

Q4(a): State the two sub-categories into which alluvial soil is generally divided. Which one of them is superior to the other? Why?
Ans: Alluvial soil is generally divided into two sub-categories: khadar and bhangar. Khadar is superior to bhangar because it is more fertile, as new layers are deposited every year during monsoon floods.

Q4(b): What are the characteristics of alluvial soil?
Ans: The characteristics of alluvial soil are:

1.  Colour  — The colour of alluvial soil varies from light grey to deep black.
2.  Texture  — In the upper reaches of the valleys, the soil is dry, coarse, porous, and sandy with large and non-uniform soil particles. In the lower reaches, the soil particles become smaller, more uniform, and moist.
3.  Minerals  — It varies from sandy loam to clay. It is fertile with minerals like iron, magnesia, alumina, potash, and lime but poor in phosphorus, nitrogen, and organic matter.

Q4(c): Give a geographical reason for each of the following:
(i) Laterite soil is useful for construction purposes.
(ii) Soils of the Western Ghats are affected by wind erosion.
(iii) The foothills of the Himalayas are prone to excessive soil erosion.
Ans: 
(i) Laterite soils are utilized as building materials because they harden like iron when they are exposed to air, which makes them ideal for construction purposes. 
(ii) The soils in the Western Ghats experience wind erosion due to the dry or semi-dry conditions present in many areas of the region, resulting in severe soil damage. 
(iii) The lower slopes of the Himalayas are highly vulnerable to soil erosion because the plant cover is sparse, meaning there are not enough roots to anchor the soil securely. 

Q4(d): (i) Which soil is suitable for growing coffee in Karnataka?
(ii) Mention two main characteristics of this soil.
Ans: 
(i) Laterite soil is suitable for growing coffee in Karnataka.
(ii) Two main characteristics of this soil are:

1. It is red in colour due to the presence of iron oxide.
2. It has a coarse texture, is soft, and friable.

Q5(a): Name two States in India where Regur soil is found.
Ans: Regur soil is found in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.

Q5(b): Give two points of difference between Regur and Alluvial soil.
Ans: 

Q5(c): Give a geographical reason for each of the following:
(i) Jowar is grown in Maharashtra.
(ii) Bajra is grown in Rajasthan.
(iii) Sugarcane is grown in Uttar Pradesh.
Ans: 
(i) Jowar is cultivated in Maharashtra because of its rich black regur soil, which contains many nutrients, including lime, potash, magnesium, carbonates, alumina, and calcium. 
(ii) Bajra is grown in Rajasthan since the sandy soil in this area is abundant in soluble salts. 
(iii) Sugarcane is produced in Uttar Pradesh due to the favorable climate and alluvial soil conditions that support its growth. 

Q5(d): (i) Besides cotton, name the crops which grow well in Regur soil.
(ii) In what way does Regur soil help agriculture?
Ans: 
(i) Besides cotton, jowar, wheat, linseed, gram, citrus fruits and vegetables, tobacco, and sugarcane grow well in Regur soil.
(ii) Regur soil is beneficial for agriculture as it is very fertile and retains moisture in its subsoil. This allows for dry farming, and during the dry season, it forms large cracks that facilitate air circulation, acting like a natural plough.

Q6(a): Name two states where red soil is found. Mention two important crops grown in this soil.
Ans: Two states where red soil is found are Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Two important crops grown in this soil are rice and tobacco.

Q6(b): State two advantages of this type of soil.
Ans: Two advantages of red soil are:

1. It is porous, loose, and aerated.
2. It is ideal for dry farming.

Q6(c): Give a geographical reason for each of the following:
(i) Black soil is also called lava soil.
(ii) Red soil is red in colour and its colour varies from yellow to brown.
(iii) Jute is cultivated in West Bengal.
Ans:
(i) Black soil is known as lava soil because it is created from the weathering of volcanic rocks. 
(ii) Red soil has a reddish color due to the high levels of iron oxide. In some areas, its color can change to brown or grey. When it is in a wet state, it may appear yellow. 
(iii) Jute is grown in West Bengal because the alluvial soil in this region is very fertile, making it ideal for jute farming. 

Q6(d): (i) How is red soil formed?
(ii) How is this soil suitable for dry farming?
Ans:
(i) Red soil develops on old crystalline rocks. Under prolonged weathering by rainfall, ancient crystalline and metamorphic rocks of the peninsular plateau break up to form this soil.
(ii) This soil suitable for dry farming as it is formed in areas with poor rainfall.

Q7(a): What is soil erosion? Name the areas of soil erosion in India-
(i) for wind erosion
(ii) for running water erosion
Ans: The process of removing the top layer of soil caused by water, wind, and human actions is known as soil erosion.
(i) Wind erosion primarily impacts dry regions such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Haryana.
(ii) Running water erosion affects areas like the badlands of Chambal and the Yamuna River, the piedmont area of the western Himalayas, the Chotanagpur plateau, the Tapi-Sabarmati valley, and the regur soil region of Maharashtra.

Q7(b): Give two methods used to prevent soil erosion.
Ans: Two methods used to prevent soil erosion are-

• Terrace farming
• Shelter belts

Q7(c): Give a geographical reason for each of the following:
(i) Shelter belts reduce soil erosion in arid areas.
(ii) Rural development will influence soil conservation.
(iii) Water harvesting aids in soil conservation.
Ans:
(i) Shelter belts help prevent soil erosion in dry areas by planting trees in multiple rows, which slows down the wind. 
(ii) Rural development plays a key role in soil conservation. In these programs, villagers learn how to improve plant cover and take steps to stop soil erosion. Farmers receive guidance on different farming techniques, such as strip cropping and shelter belts, to minimize soil loss. 
(iii) Water harvesting is important for protecting soil as it helps decrease soil erosion and the risk of floods. By collecting rainwater, it lessens the flow of water that can wash away fertile topsoil. 

Q7(d): (i) What is meant by soil conservation?
(ii) State two measures to conserve soil in hilly areas.
Ans: Soil conservation refers to the methods used to stop soil from being lost due to erosion or to maintain its fertility. This includes avoiding the negative effects caused by overuse, acidification, salinization, or various types of soil contamination. 
Two effective ways to conserve soil in hilly regions are: 

• Terrace farming: This method involves creating flat areas on a slope, which function like barriers. These terraces help to reduce soil erosion caused by flowing water. 
• Contour ploughing: This technique involves ploughing along the natural curves of the land. By doing this, it helps to prevent soil from being washed away by running water. 

Q8(a): How does deforestation lead to soil erosion?
Ans: Deforestation exposes the soil to water and wind, which leads to soil erosion.

Q8(b): State two methods of controlling erosion of soil caused by running water.
Ans:

• Dams can be built to control soil erosion caused by flowing water.
  Another method is to plug gullies, which helps to reduce soil loss.

Q8(c): Name two important agents of erosion. For each, state one method of controlling the erosion caused.
Ans:

• Water and wind are two main causes of erosion.
• Water erosion can be managed by building dams.
• Wind erosion can be reduced by creating shelter belts.

Q8(d): Explain briefly the need for conservation of soil as a natural resource.
Ans: There is a critical need to protect soil as a vital natural resource due to negative impacts such as: 

• The loss of fertile topsoil along with its essential minerals. 
• A decrease in the water table, which can lead to water shortages. 
• The drying out of vegetation and the spread of arid lands, resulting in more frequent droughts and floods. 
• The buildup of silt in rivers and canal beds. 
• An increase in the occurrence of landslides. 
• Negative effects on economic growth and cultural development. 

Thinking Skills

Q1: Suppose you are given two bags of soil, one containing bhangar soil and the other containing khadar soil. But nothing is written on the bags about the soil types. How will you distinguish the two soil types?
Ans:

• Based on its age, alluvial soil is classified into two types: bhangar and khadar. 
• Each type has distinct appearance and texture. 
• Bhangar soil, which is the older type of alluvium, contains lime nodules or kankars and has a clayey texture. 
• In contrast, Khadar soil is lighter in color and consists of newer deposits. 
• It is made up of fine silt and clay. 
• To tell the difference between khadar and bhangar soil, I will look at their appearance and texture. 

Q2: A farmer bought land in an area having poor rainfall, with soil which is suitable for dry farming. Name the type of soil available in this area. Which crops will he be able to grow there?
Ans:

• Red soil is found in this region because it develops in places with low rainfall.
• This type of soil can support the growth of nearly all kinds of crops.
• It is particularly good for growing:
  • Vegetables
  • Rice
  • Ragi
  • Tobacco
• Groundnut and potatoes can be cultivated in coarser soils at higher altitudes.
• Sugarcane thrives in heavier clay soils found at lower elevations.

Q3: Your uncle lives in a hilly area which gets heavy rainfall. He grows certain special crops like tea, coffee, tapioca and cashewnuts. Besides agriculture, he has a brick kiln as the area has ample raw material for making bricks. Name the area where your uncle may be residing. What type of soil is available in this area and how is it formed?
Ans:

• My uncle lives in the highland regions of the Peninsular Plateau. 
• This area has laterite soil. 
• Laterite soil is created through the weathering of rocks when there is a lot of rain and high temperatures, along with periods of both wet and dry weather. 
• It is a type of soil that remains after the minerals have been washed away, a process known as leaching, which happens due to heavy tropical rains. 
• During leaching, essential nutrients are washed deeper into the ground, making the top layer of soil less fertile. 
• Heavy rainfall causes materials like lime and silica to be removed from the soil, leaving behind aluminium compounds. 
• The content of humus, which is important for soil fertility, is also taken away by bacteria that thrive in high temperatures. 

Q4: You had gone for an excursion to a mountainous region along with your teachers and classmates. On reaching there you were shocked to see bare mountains with no vegetation or greenery. What reasons did your teacher give for such a deplorable conditions of the mountains? List the solutions to rectify the problem.
Ans: I went on a trip to a mountain area with my teachers and classmates. I was surprised to see the mountains were bare, lacking any plants or greenery. 
When I inquired about why the mountains looked this way, my teacher explained that the main issue was soil erosion. 
There are several factors that cause soil erosion: 

• The lack of plant cover leads to Sheet Erosion on steep hills. This happens because rainwater does not soak into the ground; instead, it washes the soil away. 
• The region experiences heavy monsoon rains, which result in Sheet, Rill, and Gully erosion. 
• In this area, the local people practice shifting cultivation. The intense rainfall washes away the bare soil from the hills down to the valleys below. 
• Another significant reason for Sheet, Rill, and Gully erosion is the uncontrolled grazing of animals on the upper slopes. 

There are several ways to address the problem of soil erosion: 

• Terrace Farming — On hilly areas, terraces serve as barriers that stop soil from being washed away by flowing water. 
• Contour Ploughing — Ploughing along the contours of a slope helps prevent soil from being eroded by rainwater or surface runoff. These contours act like barriers. The terraces are shaped into small, level fields with a gentle slope. 
• Plugging Gullies — The gullies formed in the soil can be filled with silt deposits during heavy rains. 
• Planting Trees — Trees are planted along the edges of fields, in wastelands, and on steep slopes to help prevent soil erosion and improve the soil's ability to hold water.