Practice 50 Soil multiple-choice questions with detailed answers and explanations. Ideal for RAS/RPSC exam preparation.
Q1. Red soil in Rajasthan is mainly found in which region?
Explanation
Red soil is found in the southern hilly region of Rajasthan, especially in Dungarpur, Banswara, Pratapgarh, Udaipur, and Chittorgarh districts. It is formed from the weathering of metamorphic and igneous rocks.
Q2. Which of the following correctly describes the relationship between soil type and crop in Rajasthan?
Explanation
Standard soil-crop associations in Rajasthan: Alluvial soil (eastern plains: Bharatpur, Alwar, Jaipur) -> Wheat and rice; Sandy/desert soil (western Rajasthan) -> Bajra and Jowar (drought-tolerant millets); Black soil (Hadaoti: Kota, Bundi, Jhalawar) -> Soybean and Cotton. This soil-crop pairing is directly tested in RPSC exams.
Q3. Which of the following statements about the impact of overgrazing on soils of western Rajasthan is/are CORRECT? 1. Overgrazing removes the sparse vegetation cover, accelerating wind erosion and desertification. 2. Loss of organic matter reduces soil water retention, making the soil more prone to drought stress. 3. Overgrazing increases soil compaction through trampling, reducing infiltration rates. 4. Overgrazing has no measurable impact on soil salinity in western Rajasthan.
Explanation
Overgrazing is a major anthropogenic driver of soil degradation in western Rajasthan. It (1) strips vegetation accelerating aeolian (wind) erosion and sand dune expansion; (2) removes organic matter, lowering soil water-holding capacity and intensifying drought stress; and (3) causes compaction through animal trampling, reducing water infiltration and increasing runoff. Statement 4 is false: overgrazing indirectly worsens salinity by disrupting the water balance and reducing organic buffering capacity.
Q4. Which of the following statements about black cotton soil (Regur) in Rajasthan is INCORRECT?
Explanation
Statement C is INCORRECT. Regur (black cotton soil) has very HIGH water retention — it contains montmorillonite clay which swells when wet and retains moisture long. It is NOT sandy but has a fine clayey texture, making it ideal for rain-fed cotton.
Q5. With reference to organic carbon (OC) content in Rajasthan's soils, which of the following is CORRECT?
Explanation
Organic carbon content in Rajasthan soils shows a clear west-to-east gradient. Western arid soils (Thar/Marusthali) have very low OC (often < 0.5%) due to sparse vegetation, high temperatures, and low rainfall that limit organic matter input and accelerate decomposition. Eastern Rajasthan soils (Hadoti plateau, Mewar, Mewat zone) receive higher rainfall (500–900 mm), support denser vegetation, and have greater microbial activity, resulting in comparatively higher OC levels.
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Q6. With reference to the impact of the Indira Gandhi Canal (IGNP) on soils of western Rajasthan, which of the following problems has emerged in the command area?
Q7. Which of the following INCORRECTLY describes a feature of saline soil reclamation in Rajasthan?
Q8. Arrange the following Rajasthan soil types from HIGHEST to LOWEST average organic carbon content: 1. Black cotton soil (Regur) - Kota region 2. Sandy desert soil - Jaisalmer region 3. Laterite soil - Banswara region 4. Alluvial soil - Bharatpur region
Q9. Brown forest soils in Rajasthan are primarily associated with which geographic feature?
Q10. Which soil is called 'Pili Mitti' locally?
Q11. Match the following soil types found in Rajasthan with their primary characteristics: List-I (Soil Type) → List-II (Primary Characteristic) A. Brown Forest Soil → 1. High sodium content, poor structure, found near salt lakes B. Saline-Alkali Soil → 2. Moderate organic matter, acidic reaction, under hill forest cover C. Red Soil → 3. Iron oxide colouration, deficient in N and P, southern Rajasthan D. Mixed Red-Yellow Soil → 4. Transitional pedology between lateritic and black cotton zones
Q12. Which of the following soil types is found in the Banswara-Dungarpur-Udaipur belt of Rajasthan and is characterised by high iron and aluminium oxide content?
Q13. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic feature of Kankar pan formation in the desert soils of Rajasthan?
Q14. What is 'Bhur' soil?
Q15. Black (regur) soil in Rajasthan is primarily found in:
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