Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement I: Traditionally Indian soils are divided into four major groups.
Statement II: The Indian land surface is predominantly covered with red soils followed by black soils.

In light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. Both Statement I and Statement II are true
• B. Both Statement I and Statement II are false
• C. Statement I is true but Statement II is false
• D. Statement I is false but Statement II is true

Hint:

To remember the sequence of major soil types in India by area of predominance:
Alluvial ($43\%$) $>$ Red ($18.6\%$) $>$ Black ($15.2\%$) $>$ Laterite ($3.7\%$).
Mnemonic: "A Red Black Lady"

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Soil geography and classification in India help determine regional agricultural practices.
Understanding both traditional classifications and modern spatial distribution percentages is essential.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate both statements:
Statement I:
Historically and traditionally, Indian soils have been classified into four broad primary groups:
1. Alluvial soils
2. Red soils
3. Black (Regur) soils
4. Laterite soils
While modern classifications (like the USDA Soil Taxonomy adopted by ICAR) are much more detailed, this traditional four-group classification remains a standard geographical reference.
Thus, Statement I is true.
Statement II:
According to scientific land surveys of India:
- Alluvial soils cover the largest geographical area, accounting for approximately 43.4% of the country's total land area.
- Red soils occupy the second largest area, covering about 18.6% of the land surface.
- Black soils are the third most widespread, covering approximately 15.2% of the area.
Statement II asserts that the Indian land surface is predominantly covered by red soils, which is incorrect because alluvial soils are the most widespread.
Thus, Statement II is false.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Statement I is true, but Statement II is false.
Therefore, the correct option is (C).