Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement (I): The total number of land capability classes are nine.
Statement (II): Land capability classes from I to IV are suitable for arable land use.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.

• A. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are correct.
• B. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are incorrect.
• C. Statement (I) is correct but Statement (II) is incorrect.
• D. Statement (I) is incorrect but Statement (II) is correct.

Hint:

Remember the division of the 8 Land Capability Classes:
- ______I to IV (Arable):______ Cultivation is possible (limitations increase from I to IV).
- ______V to VIII (Non-Arable):______ Restricted to pasture, forestry, and wildlife (limitations increase from V to VIII).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Land Capability Classification (LCC) is a systematic grouping of soils based on their limitations, risk of damage when used, and response to management.
It is widely used to plan sustainable land-use systems and prevent soil erosion.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze both statements:
- Statement (I): The total number of land capability classes are nine.
This is incorrect. Under the standard USDA Land Capability Classification system, there are exactly ______eight______ land capability classes, designated by Roman numerals from Class I to Class VIII.
- Statement (II): Land capability classes from I to IV are suitable for arable land use.
This is correct. The eight classes are divided into two broad land-use groups:
1. ______Suitable for Cultivation (Arable Land):______ Classes I, II, III, and IV. These lands can be safely used for annual crops with appropriate conservation practices.
2. ______Unsuitable for Cultivation (Non-arable Land):______ Classes V, VI, VII, and VIII. These lands have extreme limitations and should be restricted to permanent pasture, forestry, wildlife, or recreation.
Therefore, Statement (I) is incorrect, but Statement (II) is correct.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct option is (D) because Statement (I) is incorrect and Statement (II) is correct.