Question

Which of the following is a dominant soil group in India ?

• A. Red soils
• B. Black cotton soils
• C. Alluvial soils
• D. Laterite soils

Hint:

- Alluvial soils are rich in potash but generally deficient in nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic matter.
- They are classified under two categories: Khadar (newer, fertile, sandy alluvium) and Bhangar (older, less fertile, clayey alluvium containing kankar nodules).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Indian soils are classified into major groups based on their origin, mineral composition, color, and geographical distribution.
Identifying the dominant soil group is essential for understanding regional cropping patterns, fertility management, and national agricultural productivity.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us examine the geographical distribution of the major soil groups in India:
- Alluvial soils:
This is the most dominant and agriculturally productive soil group in India, covering approximately 43% of the country's total land area (about 143 million hectares).
These soils are formed by depositional action of major river systems (Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra) and are concentrated in the Indo-Gangetic plains, coastal regions, and river deltas.
- Red soils:
This is the second largest soil group, covering about 18.5% of the total land area, primarily in the southern and eastern parts of the peninsular plateau.
- Black cotton soils (Regur):
This group covers about 15% of the country's area, mostly in the Deccan basaltic plateau region (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh).
- Laterite soils:
These are highly leached soils formed under high temperature and high rainfall conditions, covering a much smaller area (around 3.7%).
Therefore, Alluvial soils represent the most dominant soil group in the country.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The dominant soil group in India is Alluvial soils (Option C).