Energy & Environment Management Multiple Choice Questions on “Soil and its Pollution”.
1. In which temperature soil develops slowly?
a) Summer
b) Wind
c) Rainy
d) Cold
Answer: d
Clarification: Climate and time play an important role in the development of soils. In extremely dry or cold climates, soils develop very slowly, while in humid and warm climates soil develop more rapidly due to favourable climatic conditions.
2. Under ideal climatic conditions how many cms of soil is developed?
a) One
b) Two
c) Three
d) Four
Answer: a
Clarification: Under ideal climatic conditions, soft parent material may develop into 1 cm of soil within 15 years. Under poor climatic conditions, hard parent material may require hundreds of years to develop into the soil.
3. What is called for the matured soils which are arranged in a series of zones?
a) Soil zones
b) Soil layers
c) Soil horizons
d) Soil benches
Answer: c
Clarification: Mature soils are arranged in a series of zones called soil horizons. Each horizon has a distinct texture and composition that varies with the different types of soil. This soil horizon helps to discriminate different types of soils.
4. What is soil profile?
a) A cross sectional view of the horizons in a soil
b) A front view of the horizons in a soil
c) A cross sectional view of the horizons in rocks
d) A front view of the horizons in rocks
Answer: a
Clarification: A cross-sectional view of the horizon in a soil is called a soil profile. This soil profile can able to identify the special characteristics present in the soils and this can be used as a referral while studying a soil pollution causing by different soils.
5. How many horizons are there in soils?
a) One
b) Two
c) Three
d) Four
Answer: d
Clarification: There are four horizons in soils. The top layer is known as O-horizon. The uppermost layer of soil called as the A-horizon. The B-horizon called the subsoil, it contains less organic material. The area below the subsoil is called as the C-horizon.
6. A–horizon soil consists of partially decomposed organic matter.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: The uppermost layer of the soil, called the A-horizon. It consists of partially decomposed organic matter and some inorganic mineral particles. This layer consists of a large amount of bacteria, fungi and other small insects, which form complex food webs in the soil.
7. Which horizon helps to determine the pH of the soil?
a) A
b) B
c) C
d) O
Answer: c
Clarification: The chemical composition of the C-horizon helps to determine the pH of the soil and also influences the soil’s rate of water absorption and it also C-horizon helps in the process of retention of water.
8. What is called for the mixture of all the contents of soil?
a) Erosion
b) Sublimation
c) Degradation
d) Loams
Answer: d
Clarification: Soil varies in their content of clay, silt, sand and gravel. The relative amounts of the different sizes and types of mineral particles determine the soil texture. Soils with an approximately equal mixture of clay, sand, slit and humus are called loams.
9. Why area treatment is important for soil?
a) To reduces the impact of raindrops on the soil
b) To maximize surface run-off
c) Not treating the upper catchment and proceeds towards an outlet
d) Not storing surplus rainwater
Answer: a
Clarification: Area treatment in soil reduces the impact of raindrops on the soil. The treatment measures are to develop vegetation cover on non-arable land. It effects in minimum disturbance and displacement of soil particles.
10. What is called for the movement of surface litter and topsoil from one place to another?
a) Soil submerge
b) Soil degradation
c) Soil erosion
d) Soil pollution
Answer: c
Clarification: Soil erosion is a natural process, it is often caused by wind and flowing water. It is greatly accelerated by human activities such as farming, construction, over grazing by livestock and burning of grass cover and deforestation.
11. Why continuous contour trenches are used?
a) To decrease the infiltration of air
b) To enhance the infiltration of air
c) To decrease the infiltration of water
d) To enhance the infiltration of water
Answer: d
Clarification: Continuous contour trenches can be used to enhance the infiltration of water. It also used to reduce the run-off and check soil erosion. In areas with steep slopes where bunds are not possible, continuous contour benches are used for the same purpose.
12. What is used to convert wastelands into agricultural lands?
a) Check dams
b) Water purifier
c) Rain harvesters
d) Gradonies
Answer: d
Clarification: Gradonies can be used to convert wastelands into agricultural lands. In this, narrow trenches with buds on the downstream side are built along contours in the upper reaches of the catchment to collect run-off and to conserve moisture from the trees.
13. Organic agriculture advocates avoiding the use of_____________________
a) Organic manure
b) Stored water
c) Modern technologies in harvesting
d) Chemical fertilizers
Answer: d
Clarification: Organic agriculture advocates avoiding the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. This chemical fertilizers cause soil pollution and it also harms the health of organisms including humans which depend on plants for food.
14. Integrated pest management reduces the excess use of fertilizers.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: One of the ways to reduce the use of fertilizers and pesticides is by integrated pest management. This is a technique that uses a complete understanding of all the ecological aspects of a crop and the particular pests to which it is susceptible.