Resources and Development Class 10 Geography Chapter 1 Extra Questions are available here. These extra questions serve as a valuable tool for understanding the concepts covered in the textbook. By utilising these extra questions, you can enhance your understanding and excel in your examinations. Prepared by subject experts at CBSE Wale, these extra questions are designed to facilitate a smoother and more accessible learning experience, ultimately assisting you in your academic journey.
Resources and Development Class 10 Geography Chapter 1 Extra Questions
Question 1. What are resources?
Answer. Resources are things in our environment that can satisfy our needs and meet certain criteria, such as technological accessibility, economic feasibility, and cultural acceptability.
Question 2. What factors are involved in the transformation of resources?
Answer. The transformation of resources involves interactions between nature, technology, and institutions.
Question 3. How do human beings interact with nature?
Answer. Human beings interact with nature through the use of technology, which enables them to manipulate and utilise natural materials.
Question 4. Why do human beings create institutions?
Answer. Human beings create institutions to promote economic development and establish systems that govern the use and distribution of resources.
Question 5. Are resources freely available in nature?
Answer. No, resources are not free gifts of nature. They are the result of human activities, including extraction, processing, and utilisation.
Question 6. How do human beings contribute to resources?
Answer. Human beings are essential components of resources as they transform materials in the environment through various activities, such as mining, farming, manufacturing, and more.
Question 7. What are the three criteria for resources to be considered usable?
Answer. The three criteria for resources to be considered usable are technological accessibility, economic feasibility, and cultural acceptability.
Question 8. Can resources be considered independently from human activities?
Answer. No, resources cannot be considered independently from human activities. They are a product of human interactions and interventions in the natural environment.
Question 9. What are biotic resources?
Answer. Biotic resources are resources that come from living organisms, such as plants and animals.
Question 10. What are abiotic resources?
Answer. Abiotic resources are non-living resources, such as minerals and metals.
Question 11. Give an example of a renewable resource.
Answer. Solar energy and wind energy are examples of renewable resources.
Question 12. Name a non-renewable resource.
Answer. Fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) are examples of non-renewable resources.
Question 13. What are individual resources?
Answer. Individual resources are resources owned by individuals, such as personal property.
Question 14. Provide an example of a community resource.
Answer. Public parks are examples of community resources, owned and used collectively by a community.
Question 15. Name a national resource.
Answer. National parks and forests are examples of national resources, owned and managed by a country.
Question 16. Give an example of an international resource.
Answer. International waters, shared and governed by multiple countries, are examples of international resources.
Question 17. What are potential resources?
Answer. Potential resources are resources that are known to exist but are not yet utilised or developed.
Question 18. What are reserved resources?
Answer. Reserved resources are resources that have been identified, surveyed, and are available for use in the future.
Question 19. What are some examples of biotic resources?
Answer. Examples of biotic resources include timber, crops, fish, livestock, and medicinal plants.
Question 20. Can you provide examples of abiotic resources?
Answer. Abiotic resources include minerals like iron, copper, and gold, as well as non-metallic resources like coal, petroleum, and natural gas.
Question 21. What is an example of a potential renewable resource?
Answer. Geothermal energy, which comes from heat stored within the Earth, is an example of a potential renewable resource.
Question 22. Give an example of a highly exhaustible non-renewable resource.
Answer. Uranium, which is used as fuel in nuclear power plants, is an example of a highly exhaustible non-renewable resource.
Question 23. What are common examples of individual resources?
Answer. Individual resources can include personal belongings such as cars, houses, furniture, and electronic devices.
Question 24. Give an example of an international resource.
Answer. The International Space Station (ISS) is an example of an international resource, jointly operated and utilised by multiple countries.
Question 25. What are some examples of developed stock resources?
Answer. Developed stock resources can include cultivated farmland, constructed buildings, and existing infrastructure like roads and bridges.
Question 26. Why are resources essential for human survival and quality of life?
Answer. Resources provide the necessary materials and services that support human survival and enhance the quality of life.
Question 27. What has led to indiscriminate use of resources?
Answer. The belief that resources are free gifts of nature has led to indiscriminate use and exploitation of resources without considering their limitations or long-term consequences.
Question 28. What ecological crises are a result of indiscriminate resource exploitation?
Answer. Indiscriminate exploitation of resources has resulted in global ecological crises such as global warming, ozone layer depletion, environmental pollution, and land degradation.
Question 29. Why is equitable distribution of resources important?
Answer. Equitable distribution of resources is necessary for sustained quality of life and to promote global peace by reducing social and economic disparities.
Question 30. Why is resource planning crucial?
Answer. Resource planning is crucial for the sustainable existence of all forms of life, as it helps in managing and allocating resources efficiently to meet present needs without compromising the needs of future generations.
Question 31. What is sustainable development?
Answer. Sustainable development is a concept that prioritises development without harming the environment, ensuring that present development does not compromise the needs of future generations.
Question 32. What is the goal of sustainable development?
Answer. The goal of sustainable development is to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Question 33. When was the first International Earth Summit held?
Answer. The first International Earth Summit was held in June 1992.
Question 34. Where was the first International Earth Summit held?
Answer. The first International Earth Summit was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Question 35. What was the purpose of the first Earth Summit?
Answer. The purpose of the first Earth Summit was to address urgent global issues related to environmental protection and socioeconomic development.
Question 36. What declarations were signed at the Rio Earth Summit?
Answer. Leaders signed the Declaration on Global Climatic Change and Biological Diversity at the Rio Earth Summit.
Question 37. What did the Rio Convention endorse?
Answer. The Rio Convention endorsed the global Forest Principles.
Question 38. What is Agenda 21?
Answer. Agenda 21 is a declaration that was signed by world leaders in 1992 at the UNCED in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Question 39. What is the aim of Agenda 21?
Answer. The aim of Agenda 21 is to achieve global sustainable development.
Question 40. What does Agenda 21 focus on combating?
Answer. Agenda 21 focuses on combating environmental damage, poverty, and disease through global cooperation.
Question 41. What are the main principles of Agenda 21?
Answer. Agenda 21 focuses on common interests, mutual needs, and shared responsibilities.
Question 42. What is a major objective of Agenda 21 for local governments?
Answer. A major objective of Agenda 21 is for every local government to create its own local Agenda 21, addressing sustainable development at the local level.
Question 43. Why is planning crucial for the use of resources?
Answer. Planning is crucial for the judicious use of resources, ensuring their sustainable management and optimal utilisation.
Question 44. Does India have diverse availability of resources?
Answer. Yes, India has diverse availability of resources, with regional variations.
Question 45. Are there regional variations in resource availability in India?
Answer. Yes, there are regional variations in resource availability in India. Some regions are rich in certain resources but deficient in others.
Question 46. Are there regions in India that are self-sufficient in resources?
Answer. Yes, there are regions in India that are self-sufficient in resources, while others face shortages.
Question 47. Can you provide examples of resource-rich regions in India?
Answer. Examples of resource-rich regions in India include Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh, which are rich in minerals and coal.
Question 48. Which region in India has abundant water resources but lacks infrastructure?
Answer. Arunachal Pradesh is an example of a region in India that has abundant water resources but lacks infrastructure.
Question 49. Which region in India has ample solar and wind energy but lacks water resources?
Answer. Rajasthan is an example of a region in India that has ample solar and wind energy resources but lacks water resources.
Question 50. Which region in India faces water and infrastructure deficiencies despite its rich cultural heritage?
Answer. Ladakh is an example of a region in India that has a rich cultural heritage but faces water and infrastructure deficiencies.
Question 51. At what levels is balanced resource planning necessary?
Answer. Balanced resource planning is necessary at national, state, regional, and local levels to ensure equitable and sustainable resource management.
Question 52. Why is balanced resource planning important?
Answer. Balanced resource planning helps in ensuring efficient utilisation, equitable distribution, and sustainable development of resources across different regions and levels of governance.
Question 53. What does resource planning in India involve?
Answer. Resource planning in India involves identifying and inventorying resources, utilising appropriate technology and institutions, and aligning plans with national development goals.
Question 54. Since when has India prioritised resource planning?
Answer. India has prioritised resource planning since its First Five Year Plan.
Question 55. Is availability of resources alone sufficient for development?
Answer. No, availability of resources alone is not sufficient for development. Technology and institutions also play a crucial role.
Question 56. Are resource-rich regions in India always economically developed?
Answer. No, resource-rich regions in India can sometimes be economically backward, while resource-poor regions can be economically developed.
Question 57. What attracted foreign invaders during colonisation?
Answer. Rich resources in colonies attracted foreign invaders during colonisation.
Question 58. How did the technological development of colonising countries contribute to resource exploitation?
Answer. The technological development of colonising countries enabled resource exploitation and the establishment of supremacy over colonies.
Question 59. When do resources contribute to development?
Answer. Resources contribute to development when accompanied by appropriate technology and institutional changes.
Question 60. What does development in India require besides resource availability?
Answer. Development in India requires not only resource availability but also technology, quality of human resources, and the historical experiences of the people.
Question 61. What are some factors that play a role in the development of India?
Answer. Besides resource availability, factors such as technology, skilled human resources, and the collective experiences of the people contribute to the development of India.
Question 62. What can happen if resources are consumed irrationally and over-utilized?
Answer. Consuming resources irrationally and over-utilizing them can lead to socio-economic and environmental problems.
Question 63. Why is resource conservation important?
Answer. Resource conservation is crucial to overcome the problems caused by irrational consumption and over-utilization of resources.
Question 64. Who emphasised the importance of resource conservation in the past?
Answer. Leaders and thinkers in the past, such as Mahatma Gandhi, emphasised the importance of resource conservation.
Question 65. What did Gandhi believe about resource availability?
Answer. Gandhi believed that there is enough for everybody’s need, but not for anybody’s greed.
Question 66. What did Gandhi identify as the root causes of global resource depletion?
Answer. Gandhi identified greedy and selfish individuals, as well as the exploitative nature of modern technology, as the root causes of global resource depletion.
Question 67. What solution to resource conservation did Gandhi advocate for?
Answer. Gandhi advocated for a shift from mass production to production by the masses as a solution to resource conservation.
Question 68. What is the significance of production by the masses in resource conservation?
Answer. Production by the masses emphasises decentralised and sustainable production methods that can help conserve resources and reduce exploitation.
Question 69. What are the benefits of resource conservation?
Answer. Resource conservation helps in reducing waste, protecting ecosystems, preserving biodiversity, and promoting responsible and efficient use of resources.
Question 70. What role can individuals play in resource conservation?
Answer. Individuals can contribute to resource conservation by adopting sustainable practices, reducing waste, promoting recycling, and making conscious choices in their consumption patterns.
Question 71. What is the significance of land as a natural resource?
Answer. Land is a crucial natural resource that supports various aspects of life, including natural vegetation, wildlife, human activities, and transportation.
Question 72. Why is it important to use land carefully and with proper planning?
Answer. Land is finite, so it is important to use it carefully and with proper planning to ensure sustainable development and avoid overexploitation.
Question 73. What are some of the relief features found in India?
Answer. India has diverse relief features, including mountains, plateaus, plains, and islands.
Question 74. What percentage of land area in India consists of plains?
Answer. Approximately 43% of the land area in India consists of plains, which are suitable for agriculture and industry.
Question 75. How much of India’s total surface area is covered by mountains?
Answer. Mountains make up 30% of India’s total surface area.
Question 76. What are some contributions of mountains in India?
Answer. Mountains contribute to the perennial flow of rivers, tourism, and ecological aspects in India.
Question 77. What percentage of India’s area is covered by plateaus?
Answer. Plateaus cover around 27% of India’s area.
Question 78. What are some resources found in plateaus in India?
Answer. Plateaus in India are rich in mineral reserves, fossil fuels, and forests.
Question 79. Why is the preservation and conservation of land resources important?
Answer. Preservation and conservation of land resources are important to maintain ecological balance, protect biodiversity, support agriculture and industry, and ensure the availability of resources for future generations.
Question 80. What are forests in terms of land utilisation?
Answer. Forests are dedicated land resources covered by trees.
Question 81. What does barren and waste land refer to?
Answer. Barren and waste land refers to unproductive or unused land.
Question 82. Give an example of land put to non-agricultural uses.
Answer. Land put to non-agricultural uses includes land utilised for buildings, roads, factories, etc.
Question 83. What does other uncultivated land refer to?
Answer. Other uncultivated land refers to land that is not used for cultivation.
Question 84. What is the purpose of permanent pastures and grazing land?
Answer. Permanent pastures and grazing land are designated for livestock grazing.
Question 85. What does land under miscellaneous tree crops and groves indicate?
Answer. Land under miscellaneous tree crops and groves refers to land used for tree crops that are not included in the net sown area.
Question 86. What is culturable waste land?
Answer. Culturable waste land is land that has been left uncultivated for more than 5 agricultural years.
Question 87. What are fallow lands?
Answer. Fallow lands refer to agricultural lands intentionally left uncultivated for a certain period of time.
Question 88. What is the current fallow land?
Answer. Current fallow land refers to land left uncultivated for one agricultural year or less.
Question 89. What is “other than current fallow”?
Answer. “Other than current fallow” refers to land left uncultivated for the past 1 to 5 agricultural years.
Question 90. What does the net sown area represent?
Answer. The net sown area represents the physical extent of land where crops are sown and harvested.
Question 91. How is the gross cropped area calculated?
Answer. The gross cropped area is the sum of the net sown area and the area sown more than once in an agricultural year.
Question 92. What are some factors that influence land use in India?
Answer. Land use in India is influenced by physical factors like topography, climate, and soil types, as well as human factors such as population density, technology, and cultural traditions.
Question 93. What percentage of India’s total geographical area has available land use data?
Answer. Land use data is available for 93% of India’s total geographical area, which is approximately 3.28 million square kilometres.
Question 94. Why is the decrease in land under permanent pasture a concern?
Answer. The decrease in land under permanent pasture raises concerns about feeding the large cattle population and its consequences.
Question 95. How does the net sown area vary across states in India?
Answer. The pattern of net sown area varies significantly across states, ranging from over 80% in Punjab and Haryana to less than 10% in Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur, and Andaman Nicobar Islands.
Question 96. What is the impact of the forest area falling short of the desired 33% outlined in the National Forest Policy?
Answer. The forest area falling short of the desired 33% outlined in the National Forest Policy impacts ecological balance and the livelihoods of people living near forests.
Question 97. What does waste land include?
Answer. Waste land includes rocky, arid, and desert areas.
Question 98. What does land put to non-agricultural uses encompass?
Answer. Land put to non-agricultural uses encompasses settlements, roads, railways, and industries:.
Question 99. What is the full form of UNCED?
Answer. The full form of UNCED is “United Nations Conference on Environment and Development
Question 100. What are the repercussions of continuous land use without conservation measures?
Answer. Continuous use of land without conservation measures leads to land degradation, which has severe repercussions for society and the environment.
Question 101. Why is land degradation a concern for society and the environment?
Answer. Land degradation can result in reduced agricultural productivity, loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, and water scarcity, impacting food security, ecosystem services, and overall sustainability.
Question 102. How much of our basic needs does land provide?
Answer. Land provides 95% of our basic needs and is a shared resource with past and future generations.
Question 103. What has caused land degradation?
Answer. Human activities have degraded land and accelerated natural forces like earthquakes, floods, landslides etc causing damage to the land.
Question 104. What activities contribute significantly to land degradation?
Answer. Deforestation, overgrazing, mining, and quarrying contribute significantly to land degradation.
Question 105. What are the effects of abandoned mining sites?
Answer. Abandoned mining sites leave scars and overburdening, leading to severe land degradation.
Question 106. Which states in India experience overgrazing and its consequences?
Answer. States like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra experience overgrazing, which contributes to land degradation.
Question 107. What are the consequences of over-irrigation in certain states?
Answer. Over-irrigation in states like Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh leads to water logging and increased soil salinity.
Question 108. How do industrial activities contribute to land degradation?
Answer. Industrial activities generate dust and effluents, causing pollution and hindering water infiltration into the soil.
Question 109. What are some solutions for land degradation?
Answer. Solutions for land degradation include afforestation, proper grazing management, and planting shelterbelts.
Question 110. How can land and water degradation in industrial areas be reduced?
Answer. Control measures for mining activities and proper disposal of industrial waste can reduce land and water degradation in industrial areas.
Question 111. What measures are essential to address land and water degradation in suburban areas?
Answer. Proper management of waste lands and treatment of industrial effluents are essential to address land and water degradation in suburban areas.
Question 112. What is the role of soil as a natural resource?
Answer. Soil is a vital renewable natural resource that supports plant growth and sustains various living organisms.
Question 113. How long does it take for soil to form?
Answer. It takes millions of years for soil to form, influenced by factors like relief, parent rock, climate, vegetation, and time.
Question 114. What natural forces contribute to soil formation?
Answer. Natural forces such as temperature changes, running water, wind, glaciers, and decomposer activities contribute to soil formation.
Question 115. What changes are significant in the development of soil?
Answer. Chemical and organic changes within the soil are significant in its development.
Question 116. What components make up soils?
Answer. Soils consist of both organic (humus) and inorganic materials.
Question 117. How are the soils of India classified?
Answer. The soils of India are classified into different types based on factors like soil formation processes, colour, thickness, texture, age, and chemical and physical properties.
Question 118. How do relief and parent rock influence soil formation?
Answer. Relief and parent rock affect factors like drainage, erosion, and the composition of minerals, which in turn impact soil formation.
Question 119. What role does climate play in soil formation?
Answer. Climate affects factors like temperature, precipitation, and the activity of organisms, which influence the rate and type of soil formation.
Question 120. What is humus?
Answer. Humus is the organic component of soil, formed from the decomposition of plant and animal matter.
Question 121. Why is soil considered a valuable resource?
Answer. Soil is considered a valuable resource because it provides a foundation for agriculture, supports biodiversity, filters and stores water, and plays a crucial role in carbon and nutrient cycling.
Question 122. Where is alluvial soil widely spread and significant?
Answer. Alluvial soil is widely spread and highly significant, particularly in the northern plains of India.
Question 123. Which rivers deposit alluvial soil in the northern plains of India?
Answer. The Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra river systems deposit alluvial soil in the northern plains of India.
Question 124. Where else can alluvial soil be found in India?
Answer. Alluvial soil is also found in the deltas of rivers like Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri in the eastern coastal plains.
Question 125. What is the composition of alluvial soil?
Answer. Alluvial soil consists of varying proportions of sand, silt, and clay, with larger soil particles closer to the river valleys.
Question 126. How is alluvial soil classified based on age?
Answer. Alluvial soil can be classified as old alluvial (Bangar) and new alluvial (Khadar) based on age.
Question 127. Which type of alluvial soil is more fertile?
Answer. The old alluvial (Bangar) soil is more fertile and contains more fine particles and kanker nodules.
Question 128. What crops are suitable for alluvial soils?
Answer. Alluvial soils are generally fertile and suitable for crops like sugarcane, paddy, wheat, cereals, and pulses.
Question 129. What is the population density like in regions with alluvial soils?
Answer. Due to their fertility, regions with alluvial soils are intensively cultivated and densely populated.
Question 130. How can drier areas with alluvial soils be productive?
Answer. Soils in drier areas may be more alkaline but can be productive with proper treatment and irrigation.
Question 131. What makes alluvial soils highly suitable for agriculture?
Answer. The fine texture, good drainage, and high fertility of alluvial soils make them highly suitable for agriculture and crop cultivation.
Question 132. What is another name for black soil?
Answer. Black soil is also known as regur or black cotton soil.
Question 133. Which crop is black soil ideal for growing?
Answer. Black soil is ideal for growing cotton.
Question 134. Where is black soil primarily found in India?
Answer. Black soil is primarily found in the Deccan trap (Basalt) region of India.
Question 135. How is black soil formed?
Answer. Black soil is formed due to a combination of climatic conditions and parent rock material, particularly lava flows.
Question 136. Which regions in India are covered by black soil?
Answer. Black soil covers plateaus in Maharashtra, Saurashtra, Malwa, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, extending along the Godavari and Krishna valleys.
Question 137. What is the composition of black soil?
Answer. Black soils are composed of clayey material with fine particles and have high moisture retention capacity.
Question 138. What nutrients are present in black soil?
Answer. Black soils are rich in nutrients like calcium carbonate, magnesium, potash, and lime but generally low in phosphorus content.
Question 139. How do black soils behave during hot weather?
Answer. During hot weather, black soils develop deep cracks that aid in soil aeration.
Question 140. How do black soils behave when wet?
Answer. Black soils become sticky when wet and are challenging to work on unless tilled immediately after the first shower or during the pre-monsoon period.
Question 141. What is the significance of black soil for agriculture?
Answer. Black soil is highly fertile and suitable for a variety of crops like cotton, making it significant for agricultural practices in the regions where it is found.
Question 142. Where is red soil primarily found in India?
Answer. Red soil is primarily found in areas with low rainfall in the eastern and southern parts of the Deccan plateau.
Question 143. Which states in India have red soil?
Answer. Red soil occurs in parts of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, the southern parts of the middle Ganga plain, and along the piedmont zone of the Western Ghats.
Question 144. What gives red soil its reddish colour?
Answer. The reddish colour of red soil is a result of iron diffusion in crystalline and metamorphic rocks.
Question 145. How does red soil appear when in a hydrated form?
Answer. When red soil occurs in a hydrated form, it appears yellow in colour.
Question 146. What are the characteristics of red soil?
Answer. Red soil is generally well-drained and sandy, with low fertility and water-holding capacity.
Question 147. Is red soil suitable for agriculture?
Answer. Red soil is suitable for growing certain crops like millets, pulses, oilseeds, and fruits. However, it requires appropriate soil management practices and irrigation.
Question 148. What are the challenges of farming on red soil?
Answer. Farming on red soil can be challenging due to its low fertility, low water-holding capacity, and susceptibility to erosion.
Question 149. How can the fertility of red soil be improved?
Answer. The fertility of red soil can be improved by adding organic matter, using appropriate fertilisers, and implementing soil conservation measures.
Question 150. Are red soils acidic or alkaline?
Answer. Red soils can be acidic, neutral, or slightly alkaline, depending on the region and specific conditions.
Question 151. What are the economic activities associated with red soil regions?
Answer. In red soil regions, agriculture is the primary economic activity, supplemented by activities like horticulture, animal husbandry, and forestry.
Question 152. What is the origin of the name “laterite soil”?
Answer. Laterite soil derives its name from the Latin word ‘later,’ meaning brick.
Question 153. In which regions does laterite soil develop?
Answer. Laterite soil develops in tropical and subtropical regions with alternating wet and dry seasons.
Question 154. What is a significant factor in the formation of lateritic soil?
Answer. Intense leaching caused by heavy rainfall is a significant factor in the formation of lateritic soil.
Question 155. How would you describe the depth and acidity of laterite soils?
Answer. Laterite soils are deep to very deep and acidic, with a pH of less than 6.0.
Question 156. Where are laterite soils predominantly found in India?
Answer. Laterite soils are predominantly found in southern states, the Western Ghats region of Maharashtra, Odisha, parts of West Bengal, and the northeastern regions of India.
Question 157. How does the presence of vegetation affect lateritic soils?
Answer. The presence of deciduous and evergreen forests enriches lateritic soils with humus, while sparse vegetation and semi-arid conditions lead to lower humus content.
Question 158. What are some challenges associated with laterite soils?
Answer. Laterite soils are susceptible to erosion and degradation, especially due to their location.
Question 159. In which hilly areas is laterite soil suitable for tea and coffee cultivation?
Answer. Laterite soil is suitable for tea and coffee cultivation in hilly areas of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, where soil conservation techniques have been implemented.
Question 160. Which cash crop is well-suited for red laterite soils in certain states?
Answer. Red laterite soils in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala are well-suited for cashew nut crops.
Question 161. Are laterite soils fertile for agriculture?
Answer. Laterite soils are generally nutrient-deficient and require appropriate soil management practices, such as adding fertilisers and organic matter, to enhance their fertility for agriculture.
Question 162. What range of colours do arid soils exhibit?
Answer. Arid soils exhibit a range of colours from red to brown.
Question 163. What is the texture of arid soils?
Answer. Arid soils have a sandy texture.
Question 164. What is the characteristic nature of arid soils?
Answer. Arid soils tend to be saline in nature.
Question 165. What can be obtained through water evaporation in some areas with arid soils?
Answer. In some areas, the salt content in arid soils is high, and common salt can be obtained through water evaporation.
Question 166. How does the arid climate affect the humus and moisture content of arid soils?
Answer. Arid climates with high temperatures lead to faster evaporation, resulting in a lack of humus and moisture in the soil.
Question 167. What is the calcium-rich layer found in the lower horizons of arid soils?
Answer. The lower horizons of arid soils contain Kankar, a calcium-rich layer.
Question 168. How does the presence of Kankar affect water infiltration in arid soils?
Answer. The presence of Kankar hinders water infiltration in arid soils.
Question 169. Which region in India has demonstrated the possibility of making arid soils cultivable with proper irrigation?
Answer. Western Rajasthan has demonstrated the possibility of making arid soils cultivable with proper irrigation.
Question 170. What are some challenges associated with arid soils?
Answer. Arid soils face challenges such as high salinity, low humus content, and water scarcity.
Question 171. What is the potential for agriculture in arid soils with proper irrigation?
Answer. With proper irrigation, arid soils can become cultivable and support agricultural activities.
Question 172. Where are mountain soils primarily found?
Answer. Mountain soils are primarily found in hilly and mountainous regions with abundant rain forests.
Question 173. How does the texture of mountain soils vary?
Answer. The texture of mountain soils varies based on the mountain environment in which they are formed.
Question 174. What is the texture of mountain soils in valley sides?
Answer. In valley sides, mountain soils tend to be loamy and silty.
Question 175. How does the texture of mountain soils differ in the upper slopes?
Answer. In the upper slopes, mountain soils are coarse-grained.
Question 176. What is the impact of snow-covered areas on mountain soils in the Himalayas?
Answer. Mountain soils in snow-covered areas of the Himalayas undergo denudation and have low humus content, making them acidic.
Question 177. Where are fertile mountain soils typically found?
Answer. Fertile mountain soils are typically found in lower parts of the valleys, especially on river terraces and alluvial fans.
Question 178. What is the significance of humus content in mountain soils?
Answer. Humus content is essential for nutrient availability and fertility in mountain soils.
Question 179. How does abundant rainfall contribute to the formation of mountain soils?
Answer. Abundant rainfall in mountainous regions contributes to weathering and soil formation processes.
Question 180. What are some challenges associated with mountain soils?
Answer. Challenges associated with mountain soils include erosion, steep slopes, and nutrient leaching.
Question 181. How do mountain soils support biodiversity?
Answer. Mountain soils provide a habitat for diverse plant and animal species, contributing to the overall biodiversity of mountain ecosystems.
Question 182. What is soil erosion?
Answer. Soil erosion refers to the denudation and washing down of the soil cover.
Question 183. What are some natural forces that can cause soil erosion?
Answer. Natural forces like wind, water, and glaciers can cause soil erosion.
Question 184. How do human activities contribute to soil erosion?
Answer. Human activities such as deforestation and mining can disturb the balance between soil formation and erosion.
Question 185. What are gullies?
Answer. Gullies are deep channels formed by soil erosion caused by running water.
Question 186. What is sheet erosion?
Answer. Sheet erosion occurs when water flows as a sheet over large areas and washes away the topsoil.
Question 187. What is wind erosion?
Answer. Wind erosion occurs when loose soil is blown off flat or sloping land.
Question 188. How can ploughing methods affect soil erosion?
Answer. Defective farming methods, such as ploughing up and down slopes, can lead to channel formation and soil erosion.
Question 189. What is contour ploughing?
Answer. Contour ploughing involves ploughing along the contour lines of a slope to slow down water flow and reduce erosion.
Question 190. How does terrace cultivation help prevent soil erosion?
Answer. Terrace cultivation involves cutting steps on slopes to create terraces, which helps restrict erosion.
Question 191. What are some methods of soil conservation to prevent erosion?
Answer. Methods of soil conservation include strip cropping, planting shelterbelts of trees, and implementing terrace farming.
Question 192. What is strip cropping?
Answer. Strip cropping involves leaving strips of grass between crops to break up the force of the wind and reduce erosion.
Question 193. How can planting trees help prevent soil erosion?
Answer. Planting lines of trees as shelter belts can help stabilise the soil by reducing wind speed, trapping sediment, and improving the overall soil structure.
Question 194. What are the benefits of mulching in soil conservation?
Answer. Mulching, which involves covering the soil with a protective layer of organic material, helps retain moisture, reduce erosion caused by wind and water, and improve soil fertility.
Question 195. How can terracing be used to control soil erosion?
Answer. Terracing involves creating flat areas on sloping land to create steps or terraces. This method helps slow down water runoff, reduces soil erosion, and conserves water by promoting infiltration.
Question 196. What role does vegetation play in soil conservation?
Answer. Vegetation, such as grasses, plants, and trees, plays a crucial role in soil conservation. Their roots bind the soil, preventing erosion, while their canopy helps reduce the impact of raindrops on the soil surface.