Question

Q. Consider the following statements regarding Soils:

Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?

• A. 1 only
• B. 2 and 3 only
• C. 1, 2 and 3
• D. 1 and 2 only

Answer 1

The correct option is C 1, 2 and 3

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is incorrect: Saline soils contain a larger proportion of sodium, potassium, and magnesium, and thus, they are infertile and do not support any vegetative growth. They have more salts, largely because of the dry climate and poor drainage. They occur in arid and semi-arid regions and waterlogged and swampy areas.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: Laterite soils have low humus content. With rain, lime and silica are leached away, and soils rich in iron oxide and aluminium compounds are left behind. Humus content of the soil is removed fast by bacteria that thrive well in high temperatures.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: Lower horizons of the Arid soil are occupied by ‘kankar’ layers because of the increasing calcium content downwards. The ‘Kankar’ layer formation in the bottom horizons restricts the infiltration of water, and as such when irrigation is made available, the soil moisture is readily available for sustainable plant growth. Arid soils are characteristically developed in western Rajasthan, which exhibits characteristic arid topography. These soils are poor and contain little humus and organic matter.