Question

Assertion A: Sodic or alkali soils can be reclaimed by application of calcium carbonate (CaCO\(_3\)).
Reason R: Removal of excess salts to a desired level in the rooting zone is the basic principal of reclamation of saline soils.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. Both A and R are correct and R is not the correct explanation of A
• B. A is correct but R is not correct
• C. A is not correct but R is correct
• D. Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A

Hint:

Sodic soils: reclaimed with gypsum.
Saline soils: reclaimed with leaching.
CaCO\(_3\) is not effective for sodic soils.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Sodic soils and saline soils have different reclamation methods.
Calcium carbonate is used for specific soils.

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
No specific formula.
Need to understand soil reclamation principles.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Assertion A: Sodic soils are reclaimed by applying gypsum (CaSO\(_4\)), not calcium carbonate.
Calcium carbonate is not effective for sodic soils.
So, A is not correct.
Reason R: Removal of excess salts is the basic principle for saline soil reclamation.
This is correct.
Thus, A is not correct but R is correct.

Step 4: Final Answer:
A is not correct but R is correct.
Hence, the correct option is (C).