Which Indian soil term is correctly associated with important geographical fact “it supports crops such as rice, wheat, sugarcane and jute”, and also with “a transported soil deposited mainly by rivers”?

Correct Answer: Option D — Alluvial Soil. Alluvial Soil is correctly identified as it supports crops such as rice, wheat, sugarcane and jute. Alluvial Soil is also associated with a transported soil deposited mainly by rivers. Another identifying fact about Alluvial Soil is that it commonly contains varying proportions of sand, silt and clay. A further exam-relevant fact about Alluvial Soil is that it supports crops such as rice, wheat, sugarcane and jute. Why the other options are incorrect: • Option A — Black Soil: Black Soil is its high moisture retention makes it especially suitable for cotton. It is incorrect here because Black Soil is instead associated with a clay-rich soil also called regur or black cotton soil. • Option B — Red and Yellow Soil: Red and Yellow Soil is it is generally deficient in nitrogen, phosphorus and humus. It is incorrect here because Red and Yellow Soil is instead associated with a soil whose colour is linked mainly to iron compounds. • Option C — Laterite Soil: Laterite Soil is with manuring it can support tea, coffee, rubber and cashew. It is incorrect here because Laterite Soil is instead associated with a strongly leached soil formed under high temperature and heavy rainfall. Exam Takeaway: Connect Alluvial Soil with “it supports crops such as rice, wheat, sugarcane and jute” and “a transported soil deposited mainly by rivers” for revision.