CBSE Class 11 Urdu NCERT Solutions: Chapter 6 - Soils

Reviewed by · Updated on

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 11 PDF

CBSE Class 11 Urdu Chapter 6 introduces students to the fascinating world of Soils. This chapter begins by defining soil and exploring the key factors that contribute to its formation, along with the different layers that make up a soil profile. It then addresses the critical issue of soil degradation, detailing its causes and the negative impacts it has. A significant part of the chapter is dedicated to differentiating between Khadar and Bhangar soils, explaining how each is formed and their specific characteristics. Additionally, the text provides an in-depth look at Black Soils, tracing their origin to volcanic rocks and lava flows. The geographical areas in India where these soils are found are discussed, along with their notable features like a high clay content, excellent moisture retention capabilities, and rich mineral composition. These insights aim to equip students with a thorough understanding of soil science for their exams.

Home

Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 11
SubjectUrdu
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 6

Chapter summary

Chapter 6 of the CBSE Class 11 Urdu syllabus focuses on Soils. This section provides NCERT Solutions that explain what soil is, the factors contributing to its formation (like parent material, climate, and time), and the structure of a soil profile (A, B, and C horizons). It also addresses soil degradation and differentiates between newer (Khadar) and older (Bhangar) alluvial soils. A significant portion is dedicated to Black Soils, detailing their formation from volcanic activity, their characteristics, and their prevalence in regions like the Deccan Plateau.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the definition and composition of soil.
  • Identify the key factors responsible for soil formation.
  • Describe the different horizons of a soil profile.
  • Explain the concept and causes of soil degradation.
  • Differentiate between Khadar and Bhangar soil types.
  • Characterize Black Soils, including their formation and properties.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Definition of Soil
  • Factors of Soil Formation
  • Soil Profile Horizons (A, B, C)
  • Soil Degradation
  • Khadar Soil
  • Bhangar Soil
  • Black Soil (Regur Soil)
  • Characteristics of Black Soil
  • Formation of Black Soil
  • Distribution of Black Soil
  • Salinity in Irrigated Lands
  • Topsoil Loss

Important topics

  • Factors of Soil Formation
  • Soil Degradation
  • Black Soil Characteristics
  • Khadar vs. Bhangar
  • Definition of Soil

PDF preview

Read page by page below. PDF is streamed from the official NCERT website — no download button on this page.

Loading document …
Page of
Loading page …

Questions and Solutions

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below: Which one of the following is the most widespread and most productive category of soil?
  1. Alluvial Soil
  2. Laterite Soil
  3. Black Soil
  4. Forest Soil
Solution: The most widespread and highly productive category of soil is Alluvial Soil. This is because alluvial soils are formed from the deposition of silt by rivers, making them rich in nutrients and ideal for agriculture. They cover a vast area of the Indo-Gangetic plains and coastal regions of India.

Answer: (a) Alluvial Soil

2. 'Regur Soil' is another name for the:
  1. Saline Soil
  2. Arid Soil
  3. Black Soil
  4. Laterite Soil
Solution: 'Regur Soil' is the traditional name given to Black Soil. This type of soil is particularly famous for its suitability for growing cotton, hence it is also often referred to as 'Black Cotton Soil'. Its dark colour and rich mineral content contribute to its fertility.

Answer: (c) Black Soil

3. Which one of the following is the main reason for the loss of the top soil in India?
  1. Wind erosion
  2. Water erosion
  3. Excessive leaching
  4. None of these
Solution: The primary reason for the loss of topsoil in India is water erosion. Heavy rainfall, especially in areas with steep slopes or inadequate vegetation cover, can wash away the fertile top layer of the soil. While wind erosion also contributes, water erosion is generally considered more significant in the Indian context.

Answer: (b) Water erosion

4. Arable land in the irrigated zones of India is turning saline due to which of the following reasons?
  1. Addition of gypsum
  2. Over grazing
  3. Over irrigation
  4. Use of fertilizers
Solution: Arable land in irrigated areas often becomes saline due to over irrigation. When excessive water is applied, it raises the water table. As this water evaporates from the surface, it leaves behind dissolved salts, leading to the accumulation of salt in the topsoil, which is detrimental to crop growth.

Answer: (c) Over irrigation

Short Answer Questions (about 30 words)

5. (i) What is soil?
Solution: Soil is the uppermost layer of the Earth's crust, composed of a mixture of minerals, organic matter, water, air, and living organisms. It is a vital natural resource that supports plant growth and sustains terrestrial ecosystems.
5. (ii) What are the main factors responsible for the formation of soil?
Solution: The main factors responsible for soil formation are: relief (topography), parent material (the rock from which soil develops), climate (temperature and rainfall), vegetation and other life-forms, and time. Human activities can also significantly influence soil formation.
5. (iii) Mention the three horizons of a soil profile.
Solution: A soil profile typically consists of three main horizons:
  1. Horizon A: The topmost layer, rich in organic matter and minerals, crucial for plant growth.
  2. Horizon B: The middle layer, containing leached minerals from above and some material from below.
  3. Horizon C: The lowest layer, composed of partially weathered parent material.
5. (iv) What is soil degradation?
Solution: Soil degradation refers to the decline in the quality and productivity of soil. This occurs due to improper use of land for purposes like agriculture, grazing, industrial activities, or infrastructure development, leading to loss of fertility and structure.
5. (v) What is the difference between Khadar and Bhangar?
Solution: Khadar is the newer alluvial soil deposited by rivers during recent floods, characterized by fine silt and high fertility, making it excellent for cultivation. Bhangar is older alluvial soil, found further from the river floodplains, and often contains calcareous concretions known as 'Kankars'.

Long Answer Questions (not more than 125 words)

6. What are black soils? Describe their formation and characteristics.
Solution: Black soils, also known as 'Regur Soil' or 'Black Cotton Soil', are primarily formed from the weathering of volcanic rocks and lava flows. They are predominantly found in the Deccan Plateau, covering areas like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. These soils are characterized by their deep, clayey texture, which makes them impermeable and capable of retaining moisture for extended periods, even during dry seasons. Their colour ranges from deep black to grey. Chemically, they are rich in lime, iron, magnesium, and potash but are deficient in phosphorus, nitrogen, and organic matter.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing the characteristics of different soil types.
  • Not clearly distinguishing between soil formation factors.
  • Misunderstanding the process and causes of soil degradation.
  • Incomplete descriptions of soil horizons.

Revision tips

  • Focus on understanding the factors of soil formation and their impact.
  • Memorize the key characteristics and differences between soil types like Khadar, Bhangar, and Black Soil.
  • Pay attention to the definition and causes of soil degradation.
  • Review the descriptions of soil horizons (A, B, C) for clarity.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Which soil category is recognized as the most widespread and highly productive?

Q2. What is the alternative name for 'Regur Soil'?

Q3. What is identified as the primary cause of topsoil loss in India?

Q4. The salinization of arable land in irrigated Indian zones is primarily attributed to:

Q5. Which of the following is NOT a major factor in soil formation?

Frequently asked questions

What is soil according to the NCERT solutions for Class 11 Urdu?

Soil is defined as a complex mixture of minerals, organic matter, gases, liquids, and living organisms that collectively support life on Earth.

What are the main factors that influence soil formation?

The primary factors influencing soil formation include the nature of the parent material, climate conditions, topography (relief), the presence of vegetation and other life forms, and the passage of time. Human activities also play a role.

Can you explain the difference between Khadar and Bhangar soils?

Khadar refers to new alluvial soil deposited by rivers during floods, known for its fertility and suitability for intensive cultivation. Bhangar represents older alluvial soil found away from floodplains, often containing calcareous concretions called Kankars.

What is soil degradation and what causes it?

Soil degradation is the decline in soil quality due to improper use, such as for agriculture, grazing, or infrastructure development. Causes include erosion, salinization from over-irrigation, and unsustainable land management practices.

What are the key characteristics of Black Soil?

Black soil, also known as Regur soil, is typically clayey, deep, and impermeable. It is rich in lime, iron, magnesium, and potash but lacks phosphorus, nitrogen, and organic matter. It has a remarkable ability to retain moisture.

How do these NCERT solutions help in preparing for exams?

These solutions provide clear, concise answers to all questions from the NCERT textbook, explaining concepts like soil formation, types, and degradation in detail. They help students understand the subject matter thoroughly and revise effectively for their exams.

Important links

Content reviewed by the NCERT Help team. Editorial Team and update policy

NCERT Solutions PDF PDF on NCERT Help. URL unchanged for search indexing.