Question

Consider the following statements:

1. Peaty soils are poor in organic matter.

2. Peaty soils are found in Bihar, Uttarakhand, and coastal Odisha.

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

Answer 1

Answer:

B. 2 only

• Correct Answer: Option D) Neither 1 nor 2

• Statement 1: Peaty soils are poor in organic matter.This is incorrect. Peaty soils are actually characterized by their exceptionally high organic matter content. They are formed in areas with waterlogging where decomposition of organic matter is slow due to anaerobic conditions, leading to accumulation of partially decomposed vegetation. Peaty soils typically contain more than 20% organic matter, making them among the soils with the highest organic content.

• Statement 2: Peaty soils are found in Bihar, Uttarakhand, and coastal Odisha. This is also incorrect. Peaty soils in India are primarily found in:

• The Kuttanad region of Kerala

• The Sundarbans delta region of West Bengal

• Parts of coastal regions in Tamil Nadu

• Marshy areas in Uttarakhand Himalayas

• They are generally found in waterlogged areas with high rainfall and low temperatures that inhibit the complete decomposition of organic matter. Bihar and coastal Odisha are not known for having significant areas of peaty soils.