Question

Consider the following statements:

1. Alluvial soils are found in deltas and river valleys of peninsular India.

2. They are rich in phosphorus and poor in potash.

• A. 1 only
• B. 2 only
• C. Both 1 and 2
• D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer 1

Answer:

A. 1 only

• Correct Answer: Option D) Neither 1 nor 2

• Statement 1 is incorrect: Alluvial soils are primarily found in the northern plains of India, particularly in the Indo-Gangetic-Brahmaputra plains and not mainly in peninsular India.

• These soils are formed by the deposition of sediments by rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, Brahmaputra, and their tributaries. While some alluvial deposits do exist in peninsular river valleys and deltas (like Godavari, Krishna, and Cauvery), they are not the characteristic soil of peninsular India, which is dominated by black soils, red soils, and laterite soils.

• Statement 2 is incorrect: Alluvial soils are generally rich in potash, not poor in it. They are, however, often deficient in phosphorus, nitrogen, and humus.

• The chemical composition of alluvial soils includes:

• Good amount of potash

• Adequate lime and other bases

• Poor in phosphorus

• Variable in nitrogen content

• Alluvial soils are among India's most fertile soils and support intensive agriculture in the northern plains, making them agriculturally significant despite their phosphorus deficiency.