Soil Erosion in India

Description: This quiz aims to assess your understanding of soil erosion in India, its causes, consequences, and measures to control it.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: soil erosion pedology of india indian geography
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Which of the following is NOT a major cause of soil erosion in India?

  1. Deforestation

  2. Overgrazing

  3. Contour plowing

  4. Intensive agriculture


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Contour plowing is a soil conservation technique that helps reduce soil erosion by creating ridges and furrows along the contours of the land, which slows down the flow of water and reduces runoff.

Which region in India is most severely affected by soil erosion?

  1. Himalayan region

  2. Gangetic plains

  3. Deccan plateau

  4. Coastal plains


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Himalayan region is highly susceptible to soil erosion due to steep slopes, fragile soils, and heavy rainfall. Deforestation and overgrazing in this region have further exacerbated the problem.

What is the primary consequence of soil erosion?

  1. Loss of soil fertility

  2. Increased flooding

  3. Desertification

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Soil erosion leads to the loss of fertile topsoil, which reduces soil fertility and crop yields. It also increases the risk of flooding by reducing the soil's ability to absorb water. Additionally, soil erosion can contribute to desertification in arid and semi-arid regions.

Which of the following is NOT a measure to control soil erosion?

  1. Contour plowing

  2. Terracing

  3. Mulching

  4. Slash-and-burn agriculture


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Slash-and-burn agriculture is a destructive practice that involves clearing forests by burning vegetation, which exposes the soil to erosion. Contour plowing, terracing, and mulching are all soil conservation techniques that help reduce erosion.

What is the role of vegetation in preventing soil erosion?

  1. Vegetation cover reduces the impact of raindrops on the soil

  2. Vegetation roots bind the soil particles together

  3. Vegetation slows down the flow of water

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Vegetation plays a crucial role in preventing soil erosion by reducing the impact of raindrops on the soil, binding soil particles together with its roots, and slowing down the flow of water. These factors help protect the soil from being washed away.

Which of the following is NOT a government initiative in India to address soil erosion?

  1. National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)

  2. Soil Health Card Scheme

  3. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)

  4. Green Revolution


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Green Revolution was a government initiative aimed at increasing agricultural production in India. While it did lead to increased crop yields, it also contributed to soil erosion due to the intensive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

What is the primary cause of soil erosion in the Gangetic plains?

  1. Deforestation

  2. Overgrazing

  3. Wind erosion

  4. Riverbank erosion


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Riverbank erosion is a major cause of soil erosion in the Gangetic plains. The meandering nature of rivers in this region, combined with heavy rainfall and flooding, leads to the erosion of riverbanks and the loss of fertile soil.

Which of the following is NOT a consequence of soil erosion in the Deccan plateau?

  1. Loss of soil fertility

  2. Increased flooding

  3. Desertification

  4. Reduced groundwater recharge


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Desertification is primarily associated with arid and semi-arid regions, not the Deccan plateau. Soil erosion in the Deccan plateau leads to loss of soil fertility, increased flooding, and reduced groundwater recharge.

What is the primary cause of soil erosion in the coastal plains of India?

  1. Deforestation

  2. Overgrazing

  3. Wind erosion

  4. Coastal erosion


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Coastal erosion is the primary cause of soil erosion in the coastal plains of India. The impact of waves, tides, and storm surges leads to the erosion of coastal land and the loss of soil.

Which of the following is NOT a measure to control soil erosion in the Himalayan region?

  1. Contour plowing

  2. Terracing

  3. Afforestation

  4. Slash-and-burn agriculture


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Slash-and-burn agriculture is a destructive practice that contributes to soil erosion. Contour plowing, terracing, and afforestation are all soil conservation techniques that help reduce erosion in the Himalayan region.

What is the role of contour plowing in reducing soil erosion?

  1. It creates ridges and furrows that slow down the flow of water

  2. It helps retain soil moisture

  3. It improves soil fertility

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Contour plowing creates ridges and furrows that slow down the flow of water and reduce runoff, helping to prevent soil erosion. It also helps retain soil moisture and improve soil fertility by preventing the loss of topsoil.

Which of the following is NOT a consequence of soil erosion in the Deccan plateau?

  1. Loss of soil fertility

  2. Increased flooding

  3. Desertification

  4. Reduced groundwater recharge


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Desertification is primarily associated with arid and semi-arid regions, not the Deccan plateau. Soil erosion in the Deccan plateau leads to loss of soil fertility, increased flooding, and reduced groundwater recharge.

What is the primary cause of soil erosion in the coastal plains of India?

  1. Deforestation

  2. Overgrazing

  3. Wind erosion

  4. Coastal erosion


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Coastal erosion is the primary cause of soil erosion in the coastal plains of India. The impact of waves, tides, and storm surges leads to the erosion of coastal land and the loss of soil.

Which of the following is NOT a measure to control soil erosion in the Himalayan region?

  1. Contour plowing

  2. Terracing

  3. Afforestation

  4. Slash-and-burn agriculture


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Slash-and-burn agriculture is a destructive practice that contributes to soil erosion. Contour plowing, terracing, and afforestation are all soil conservation techniques that help reduce erosion in the Himalayan region.

What is the role of contour plowing in reducing soil erosion?

  1. It creates ridges and furrows that slow down the flow of water

  2. It helps retain soil moisture

  3. It improves soil fertility

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Contour plowing creates ridges and furrows that slow down the flow of water and reduce runoff, helping to prevent soil erosion. It also helps retain soil moisture and improve soil fertility by preventing the loss of topsoil.

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