Session 1: Soil and Field Preparation
Unit 3: Field Preparation and Transplanting in Solanaceous Crops
Textual Question-Answers
Check Your Progress
Fill in the Blanks
1. The word ‘soil’ is derived from a Latin word…………
Ans: solum
2. Soil develops as a result of …………… processes.
Ans: weathering
3. The pH of black soil is……………
Ans: neutral to slightly alkaline
4. Laterite soils are mostly found in……………
Ans: high rainfall areas
5. Soil sample is collected at a depth of…………
Ans: 15 cm
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Black soil is……………
(a) poor in nitrogen
(b) rich in organic matter
(c) rich in phosphate
(d) poor in potash
Ans: (a) poor in nitrogen
2. Red soil has which of the following character?
(a) water stagnant
(b) marshy
(c) porous
(d) infertile
Ans: (c) porous
3. Lateritic (laterite) soil is …………… in nature.
(a) alkaline
(b) acidic
(c) neutral
(d) saline
Ans: (b) acidic
4. Which of the following is a characteristic of alluvial soil?(a) poor quality soil
(b) non-productive
(c) infertile
(d) productive
Ans: (d) productive
5. Desert soil is found in……………
(a) low rainfall areas
(b) average rainfall areas
(c) high rainfall areas
(d) all of the above
Ans: (a) low rainfall areas
Descriptive Questions
1. What is soil? Briefly describe the properties of soil.
Ans: Soil is the uppermost layer of the earth’s crust which supports plant growth. It is formed by the weathering of rocks and contains minerals, organicmatter, water, and air. The main properties of soil are texture, structure, colour, water-holding capacity, aeration, fertility, and soil reaction (pH). Theseproperties influence plant growth and crop productivity.
2. What is the importance of soil in relation to plant growth?
Ans: Soil provides physical support to plants and supplies essential nutrients, water, and air required for growth. It helps in root development, stores moisture, supports beneficial microorganisms, and regulates plant temperature. Healthy soil is essential for good crop yield and sustainableagriculture.
3. Classify the soils of India.
Ans: The classification of soils of India:
The major soils of India are:
Black soil
Red soil
Lateritic soil
Alluvial soil
Desert soil
Forest and hilly soil
Peat and marshy soil
4. What do you understand by soil testing? Why is soil testing requiredand how is it done?
Ans: Soil testing is the scientific analysis of soil to determine its nutrient content, pH, and fertility status. It is required to know the nutrient deficienciesor excesses and to recommend appropriate fertilizers and soil amendments. Soil testing is done by collecting soil samples from the field, drying them, andanalysing them in a soil testing laboratory.
5. How is field preparation done for solanaceous crops?
Ans: Field preparation for solanaceous crops involves deep ploughing toloosen the soil, followed by harrowing and leveling. Organic manure likefarmyard manure is added to improve soil fertility. Proper drainage is ensured, and ridges and furrows are prepared before transplanting seedlings.
6. Write short notes on:
(a) Soil Health Card Scheme
Ans: The Soil Health Card Scheme is a government initiative to assessthe nutrient status of soil. Farmers are provided with soil health cardscontaining information on soil fertility and recommendations for fertilizeruse, which helps in improving crop productivity and maintaining soil health.
(b) Nutrients required by solanaceous crops
Ans: Solanaceous crops require major nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for growth and yield. They also need secondary nutrients suchas calcium and magnesium, and micronutrients like zinc, boron, and iron forproper development and fruit quality.
Match the Columns
Soil type
1. Black soil
2. Red soil
3. Lateritic soil
4. Alluvial soil
5. Desert soil
6. Forest and hilly soil
7. Peat and marshy land
Characteristics
(a) highly acidic and black
(b) rich in potash, calcium
(c) sandy soil found in low rainfall areas
(d) stony and infertile
(e) low water holding capacity
(f) coastal regions
(g) poor in nitrogen, phosphate and lime
Ans:
1. Black soil – (b) rich in potash, calcium
2. Red soil – (g) poor in nitrogen, phosphate and lime
3. Lateritic soil – (e) low water holding capacity
4. Alluvial soil – (f) coastal regions
5. Desert soil – (c) sandy soil found in low rainfall areas
6. Forest and hilly soil – (d) stony and infertile
7. Peat and marshy land – (a) highly acidic and black
