Correct Answer: Option D — Saline and Alkaline Soil. Saline and Alkaline Soil is correctly identified as drainage, leaching and gypsum treatment can aid reclamation where appropriate. Saline and Alkaline Soil is also associated with a soil containing excessive soluble salts or exchangeable sodium. Another identifying fact about Saline and Alkaline Soil is that reh, usar and kallar are regional names associated with salt-affected land. A further exam-relevant fact about Saline and Alkaline Soil is that drainage, leaching and gypsum treatment can aid reclamation where appropriate. Why the other options are incorrect: • Option A — Peaty and Marshy Soil: Peaty and Marshy Soil is prolonged saturation slows decomposition of plant material. It is incorrect here because Peaty and Marshy Soil is instead associated with an organic-rich soil formed in waterlogged conditions. • Option B — Khadar: Khadar is it is more frequently flooded than the older alluvial terraces. It is incorrect here because Khadar is instead associated with the newer alluvium of active floodplains. • Option C — Bangar: Bangar is it is generally less frequently renewed by floods than khadar. It is incorrect here because Bangar is instead associated with the older alluvium of elevated river terraces. Exam Takeaway: Connect Saline and Alkaline Soil with “drainage, leaching and gypsum treatment can aid reclamation where appropriate” and “a soil containing excessive soluble salts or exchangeable sodium” for revision.
