Desert and Mountain Soil


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Desert and Mountain Soil

Desert or Arid Soils: This soil covers about 4 per cent of India’s total geographical area. It is sandy in texture, red to brown in colour and saline in nature. In some areas common salt obtained in this soil due to evaporation of water. Some features of arid soil are given below : 

  • It lacks humus and moisture due to dry climate, high temperature and faster rate of evaporation.
  • It can be useful for cultivation only with suitable irrigation methods as in case of Ganganagar district of Western Rajasthan. It is useful for growing barley, wheat, cotton, maize, millets and pulses.
  • This soil is found in Western parts of Rajasthan, Northern Gujarat and Southern parts of Haryana.
  • In the lower horizons of this soil, Kankar are found due to increasing calcium content downwards, which restricts the infiltration of water.
  • Forest and Mountain Soils: It covers about 8 per cent of India’s total geographical area found in hilly and mountainous areas of the country sufficient forests are available. Some features of forest or mountain soils are given below

  • Its texture varies with the mountain environment where it is formed.
  • They are loamy and silty in valley sides and coarse grained in the upper slopes.
  • Due to lack of forest cover in the snow covered Himalayas, soils are acidic with low humus content.
  • This soil is useful for cultivating spices, tea, coffee and fruits.
  • It is found in lower parts of valleys particularly on terraces and in the hilly regions of Jammu and Kashmir. Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Map of India Showing Desert and Mountain Soil is given below. Desert soil is shown in Light Green colour and Mountain soil is shown Purple in colour :

    Sample Questions
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    Question : 1

    _______________________ covers about 8 per cent of India’s total geographical area found in hilly and mountainous areas of the country .

    Right Option : A
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    Question : 2

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    A. The colour of the sandy soil varies from dark shades of reddish brown

    B. Forest soil is rich in humus as the organic matter is that decomposes to provide the same

    Right Option : C
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    Explanation
    Question : 3

    Which of the following are the features of desert soil :

    (a) It lacks humus and moisture due to dry climate, high temperature and faster rate of evaporation.

    (b) It can be useful for cultivation only with suitable irrigation methods as in case of Ganganagar district of Western Rajasthan.

    (c) It is useful for growing barley, wheat, cotton, maize, millets and pulses.

    Right Option : D
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    Explanation
     
     
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