Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement I: Vertisol is the common soil order for the red soils.
Statement II: Brackish water has nitrate salts.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the given below:

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

Hint:

Exam Tip: For soil science questions, remember the major soil orders of India. Vertisols are black soils (cotton soils). Red soils are typically Alfisols or Ultisols. For water chemistry, remember that brackish water has high chloride and sulfate content, not nitrate.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question tests knowledge of soil classification and the chemical composition of different types of water. We need to evaluate each statement based on established scientific facts.

Step 2: Evaluating Statement I:
Vertisol is a soil order characterized by its high clay content, deep cracks during dry periods, and self-mulching behavior.
Red soils, on the other hand, are typically classified under the soil order Alfisols or Ultisols, depending on their development and climate.
The common soil order for red soils is not Vertisol.
Therefore, Statement I is false.

Step 3: Evaluating Statement II:
Brackish water is water that has a salinity level between freshwater and seawater.
The predominant dissolved salts in brackish water are sodium chloride (NaCl) and other chloride and sulfate salts of calcium and magnesium.
Nitrate salts are not the primary salts in brackish water. Nitrate is a nutrient and is typically found in much lower concentrations.
Therefore, Statement II is false.

Step 4: Final Answer:
Since both Statement I and Statement II are false, the correct option is (B).