Agricultural Soils and Soil Properties

EnvironmentSoil science and fertilityStatement-based● MediumStatic

Question

With reference to agricultural soils, consider the following statements:

1A high content of organic matter in soil drastically reduces its water holding capacity.

2Soil does not play any role in the sulphur cycle.

3Irrigation over a period of time can contribute to the salinization of some agricultural lands.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1.
A high content of organic matter in soil drastically reduces its water holding capacity
2.
Soil does not play any role in the sulphur cycle
3.
Irrigation over a period of time can contribute to the salinization of some agricultural lands

Options

1 and 2 only

3 only

Answer

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect because organic matter in soil dramatically increases water-holding capacity, not decreases it. Organic matter acts like a sponge, retaining water and nutrients that would otherwise leach away. Statement 2 is incorrect because soil plays a crucial role in the sulphur cycle—microorganisms in soil transform sulphur compounds, making them available for plants and animals. Statement 3 is correct: excessive irrigation can lead to salt accumulation in soil (salinization) when water evaporates, leaving behind dissolved salts. This is a well-documented problem in arid and semi-arid irrigated regions. Only statement 3 is accurate.

Key insight: Organic matter improves soil water retention; soil is central to nutrient cycling including sulphur; irrigation-induced salinization is a real agronomic threat.

Answer: (b).

Question details

Year

2018

Paper

GS Paper 1

Question

Q82

Subject

Environment

Sub-topic

Soil science and fertility

Type

Statement-based

Difficulty

Medium

Nature

Static

Source hint

Soil Science, NCERT Environmental Science

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