1. Introduction to Soil Erosion
MCQs
1. What is soil erosion?
a) Increase in soil fertility
b) The washing away of the top layer of soil
c) The process of soil formation
d) The addition of nutrients to the soil
Answer: b) The washing away of the top layer of soil
Explanation: Soil erosion occurs when the top fertile layer of soil is removed due to wind, water, or human activities.
2. Which of the following natural forces contribute to soil erosion?
a) Wind and water
b) Temperature changes
c) Volcanic eruptions
d) Lightning strikes
Answer: a) Wind and water
Explanation: Wind and water are the primary natural agents that cause soil erosion by carrying away the topsoil.
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2. Types of Soil Erosion
MCQs
3. What is gully erosion?
a) Gradual removal of topsoil by wind
b) Deep channels or gullies formed by running water
c) Erosion caused by volcanic activities
d) Removal of soil due to over-farming
Answer: b) Deep channels or gullies formed by running water
Explanation: Gully erosion occurs when running water cuts through the soil, creating deep gullies, making land unfit for agriculture.
4. In which region of India are ravines, caused by gully erosion, commonly found?
a) Western Ghats
b) Chambal basin
c) Sundarbans
d) Thar Desert
Answer: b) Chambal basin
Explanation: The Chambal region in Madhya Pradesh is known for ravines caused by severe gully erosion.
5. What is sheet erosion?
a) Erosion that occurs in deep channels
b) Removal of a thin layer of soil over a large area
c) Erosion caused by earthquakes
d) Erosion in coastal regions due to tides
Answer: b) Removal of a thin layer of soil over a large area
Explanation: In sheet erosion, water flows as a thin sheet over large areas, washing away the top layer of soil.
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3. Causes of Soil Erosion
MCQs
6. Which human activity is a major cause of soil erosion?
a) Afforestation
b) Deforestation
c) Crop rotation
d) Contour farming
Answer: b) Deforestation
Explanation: Cutting down trees removes the protective vegetation cover, making soil more vulnerable to erosion.
7. Which of the following farming practices can lead to soil erosion?
a) Strip cropping
b) Ploughing up and down the slope
c) Crop rotation
d) Mulching
Answer: b) Ploughing up and down the slope
Explanation: Ploughing along the slope creates channels for water to flow quickly, leading to increased soil erosion.
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4. Soil Conservation Methods
MCQs
8. Which of the following is a method of soil conservation in hilly areas?
a) Terrace farming
b) Overgrazing
c) Construction of roads without vegetation cover
d) Increasing mining activities
Answer: a) Terrace farming
Explanation: Terrace farming prevents soil erosion by slowing down water runoff in hilly regions.
9. What is the role of shelter belts in soil conservation?
a) They increase soil erosion
b) They prevent wind erosion by reducing wind speed
c) They increase desertification
d) They increase soil alkalinity
Answer: b) They prevent wind erosion by reducing wind speed
Explanation: Shelter belts are rows of trees planted to reduce wind velocity and protect soil from erosion.
10. How does contour ploughing help in soil conservation?
a) It speeds up water runoff
b) It prevents water from flowing directly down the slope
c) It increases soil salinity
d) It causes desertification
Answer: b) It prevents water from flowing directly down the slope
Explanation: Contour ploughing slows down water flow, reducing soil erosion on slopes.
