Soils and Agricultural Geography - One Line Questions

1. Which soil horizon is the zone of eluviation, where materials are removed by leaching? B horizon
2. Which soil horizon is the least weathered and most resembles the parent material? C horizon
3. The 'B' horizon, or subsoil, is primarily characterized by: Accumulation of leached materials
4. The accumulation of salts in the upper layers of soil, often due to poor irrigation practices in arid and semi-arid regions, is known as: Salinization
5. Agricultural land that is no longer productive due to soil degradation or desertification is referred to as: Degraded land
6. Which soil order is characterized by the presence of permafrost and is found in cold, treeless regions? Gelisols
7. Which soil type is known for its high clay content, poor drainage, and often reddish color due to iron oxides, prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions? Laterite soil
8. Which soil type has a gritty feel and is formed from the weathering of rocks like granite? Sandy soil
9. Which of the following is NOT a major factor influencing soil formation? Soil depth
10. The agricultural practice of planting crops on steep slopes after cutting steps into the land is called: Terracing
11. Which soil conservation technique involves planting trees or shrubs around fields to protect against wind erosion? Windbreaks
12. The term 'arable land' refers to land that is: Suitable for growing crops
13. Which agricultural practice aims to prevent soil erosion by planting crops in alternating strips along contours? Contour farming
14. The geological process that creates new soil by breaking down rocks is: Weathering
15. Alluvial soils are primarily found in: River valleys and coastal plains
16. The process of adding organic matter to soil to improve its fertility and structure is called: Soil amendment
17. What is the primary cause of waterlogging in agricultural fields? Poor drainage
18. Which agricultural practice helps in maintaining soil fertility and structure by incorporating crop residues back into the soil? Green manuring
19. What is the term for the study of soils, including their formation, classification, and agricultural potential? Pedology
20. Soils with a high proportion of sand particles are generally: Well-drained and aerated
21. Which type of soil erosion involves the removal of a thin layer of topsoil over a wide area? Sheet erosion
22. The parent material from which soil is formed is also referred to as: Regolith
23. Which type of agriculture focuses on cultivating crops that are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, often with minimal external inputs? Subsistence agriculture
24. The practice of growing different crops in the same area in sequenced seasons is known as: Crop rotation
25. The process of removing excess water from saturated soil is called: Drainage
26. Which type of soil is formed from the decomposition of organic matter and is typically dark in color and nutrient-rich? Peaty soil
27. Soils developed under grasslands are typically known for their: Deep, dark surface horizons and high fertility
28. Soils with a high organic matter content tend to have: Good soil structure and aeration
29. Which agricultural region is characterized by extensive cultivation of grains like wheat and corn on large, flat plains? Temperate grassland region
30. The process of converting dead organic matter into stable humus is called: Humification
31. Which of the following is a type of intensive farming often practiced in areas with limited land and high population density?
32. Which soil horizon is characterized by accumulation of leached materials, typically lighter in color? B horizon
33. What is the primary factor determining the texture of a soil? Proportion of sand, silt, and clay particles
34. Soils rich in humus are generally: Dark in color and fertile
35. The 'O' horizon in a soil profile consists mainly of: Partially decomposed organic matter
36. A soil profile is a vertical cross-section of the soil, showing its different: Horizons
37. What is the ideal soil texture for most agricultural crops, balancing water retention and drainage? Loam
38. Black soils, also known as Regur, are best suited for the cultivation of: Cotton and sugarcane
39. Which soil type is characterized by a smooth, soapy feel when moist and is sticky when wet? Clay soil
40. Soils formed from the weathering of basaltic rocks are typically rich in: Iron and magnesium
41. Which term describes the process where fertile topsoil is lost due to unsustainable farming, leading to reduced agricultural productivity? Soil degradation
42. The breakdown of rocks and minerals into smaller particles by physical, chemical, and biological processes is called: Weathering
43. The ability of soil to support plant growth is known as: Soil fertility
44. The pH of soil primarily affects: Nutrient availability to plants
45. What is the uppermost layer of the Earth's crust, rich in organic matter and minerals, called? Topsoil
46. Podzol soils are typically found in: Boreal forests (Taiga)
47. Chernozems, known for their high fertility, are characteristic soils of: Temperate grasslands
48. The impact of farming practices on soil health is a central concern in: Environmental geography
49. The process by which soil particles are transported by wind or water is known as: Erosion
50. Which factor is most critical for the successful cultivation of rice in most regions? Clayey soil with high water retention