Chapter -7

Our soils

Back exercise question

Question 1: How is soil formed?

Answer 1: Soil is formed when large rocks break into smaller pieces. These pieces are further broken down into sand and silt. This is carried to different places by running water and wind.

Question 2: What are the different types of soil found in India. Write two crops grown on each type of soil.

Answer 2: The different types of soil found in India are alluvial soil, black soil, red soil, laterite soil, mountain soil and desert soil.

Two crops grown on each type of soil are as follows.

1. Alluvial soil – rice, wheat, jute, vegetables (Accept any two of these)

2. Black soil – cotton, sugarcane, wheat, oilseeds (Accept any two of these).

3. Red soil – cotton, wheat, rice, millets, pulses (Accept any two of these)

4. Laterite soil- tea, coffee, rubber, coconut, fruits (Accept any two of these)

5. Mountain soil – wheat, maize, fruits, coffee, tea (Accept any two of these)

6. Desert soil – wheat, millets, barley, pulses, cotton (Accept any two of these)

Question 3: Why is black soil also called black lava soil?

Answer 3: Black soil is also called black lava soil because it is black. Moreover, it has been formed from lava rocks.

Question 4: In which states is desert soil found?

Answer 4: Desert soil is found in Rajasthan and Gujarat.

Question 5: How can we prevent soil erosion?

Answer 5: We can prevent soil erosion by following these steps.

1. Not cutting trees

2. Planting more trees

3. Not keeping the fields barren

4. Stopping overgrazing of land

5. Using manure or natural fertilizers instead of artificial fertilizers.

Think and answer

Question: Why is cotton cultivated in Gujarat and Maharashtra?

Answer: Gujarat and Maharashtra have black soil. This soil is suitable for cotton cultivation as it can hold a large amount of moisture. Thus, cotton is cultivated in Gujarat and Maharashtra.