1. The total geographical area of Karnataka is approximately —
A) 1.85 lakh sq km
B) 1.91 lakh sq km
C) 2.05 lakh sq km
D) 1.70 lakh sq km
Answer: B) 1.91 lakh sq km
Explanation: Karnataka covers 1,91,791 sq km, accounting for 5.8% of India’s total area.
2. The soils of Karnataka are broadly classified into how many major types?
A) 3
B) 4
C) 5
D) 6
Answer: C) 5
Explanation: Karnataka has five major soil types — Red, Black, Laterite, Alluvial, and Mixed/Other soils.
3. The classification of soils in Karnataka is based primarily on —
A) Rainfall and temperature
B) Parent rock and climatic conditions
C) River drainage pattern
D) Vegetation type
Answer: B) Parent rock and climatic conditions
Explanation: Soils are formed by the weathering of parent rocks under specific climatic and biological factors.
4. The term “pedology” refers to —
A) Study of rocks
B) Study of climate
C) Study of soils
D) Study of rivers
Answer: C) Study of soils
Explanation: Pedology is the scientific study of soils, their formation, and characteristics.
5. The parent rocks responsible for soil formation in Karnataka are mainly —
A) Igneous and metamorphic rocks
B) Sedimentary rocks only
C) Limestone and sandstone
D) Granite and basalt
Answer: D) Granite and basalt
Explanation: Most of Karnataka’s soils originate from granitic and basaltic rocks of the Deccan plateau.
6. The dominant process of soil formation in Karnataka is —
A) Leaching and laterization
B) Glaciation
C) Deposition
D) Tectonic uplift
Answer: A) Leaching and laterization
Explanation: Due to heavy rainfall in Western Ghats and weathering in dry zones, leaching and laterization are common soil-forming processes.
7. The most widely spread soil in Karnataka is —
A) Black soil
B) Red soil
C) Alluvial soil
D) Laterite soil
Answer: B) Red soil
Explanation: Red soils cover nearly two-thirds of Karnataka, especially the southern and eastern maidan.
8. The most fertile soil in Karnataka is —
A) Red soil
B) Laterite soil
C) Black cotton soil
D) Sandy soil
Answer: C) Black cotton soil
Explanation: Black soils, found in the Krishna basin, are rich in clay and lime, ideal for cotton and sugarcane.
9. The black cotton soil of Karnataka is locally known as —
A) Karimooru
B) Kari mannu
C) Haladi mannu
D) Kemmannu
Answer: B) Kari mannu
Explanation: In Kannada, ‘Kari Mannu’ means black soil, found mainly in northern districts.
10. The red soil of Karnataka is locally called —
A) Kari mannu
B) Kemmannu
C) Maralu mannu
D) Matti
Answer: B) Kemmannu
Explanation: Red soils, locally called Kemmannu, dominate the southern and eastern maidan regions.
11. The process of leaching removes which component from the soil?
A) Iron
B) Calcium and nutrients
C) Nitrogen only
D) Humus
Answer: B) Calcium and nutrients
Explanation: Leaching caused by heavy rainfall removes lime and soluble nutrients, leading to laterite formation.
12. The fertility of soil depends on —
A) Rock hardness
B) Organic matter and mineral content
C) River proximity only
D) Rainfall alone
Answer: B) Organic matter and mineral content
Explanation: Soil fertility is determined by humus, nitrogen, and mineral nutrients available for crops.
13. Laterization is prominent in —
A) Coastal and Malnad regions
B) Northern plateau
C) Eastern dry zone
D) Semi-arid regions
Answer: A) Coastal and Malnad regions
Explanation: Heavy rainfall in the Western Ghats causes laterization, forming iron-rich red soils.
14. The loamy soil suitable for horticulture in Karnataka is found in —
A) Kolar, Bengaluru, and Chikkaballapur
B) Raichur and Ballari
C) Udupi and Dakshina Kannada
D) Kalaburagi and Vijayapura
Answer: A) Kolar, Bengaluru, and Chikkaballapur
Explanation: The loamy soils of the southern maidan are ideal for fruits, vegetables, and floriculture.
15. The most common soil order found in Karnataka is —
A) Alfisols
B) Vertisols
C) Laterites
D) Aridisols
Answer: A) Alfisols
Explanation: Alfisols (red loamy soils) dominate Karnataka, particularly in southern and eastern zones.
16. The soils of the coastal region are generally —
A) Black cotton soils
B) Lateritic and alluvial
C) Sandy and saline
D) Red loamy only
Answer: B) Lateritic and alluvial
Explanation: Karavali soils are lateritic on slopes and alluvial near estuaries and deltas.
17. Which district has the highest soil fertility in Karnataka?
A) Raichur
B) Mandya
C) Belagavi
D) Ballari
Answer: C) Belagavi
Explanation: Belagavi has fertile black and red soils, supporting sugarcane, maize, and paddy cultivation.
18. The least fertile soils in Karnataka are —
A) Red loamy soils
B) Laterite soils
C) Alluvial soils
D) Black soils
Answer: B) Laterite soils
Explanation: Laterite soils are acidic, poor in nutrients, and require manure and irrigation for productivity.
19. The best soils for cotton cultivation are —
A) Red
B) Black
C) Lateritic
D) Sandy
Answer: B) Black
Explanation: Black cotton soils (Regur) have high clay content and moisture-holding capacity ideal for cotton.
20. The soils in Karnataka are mainly formed by the weathering of —
A) Sedimentary rocks
B) Granites, gneisses, and basalts
C) Sandstone and limestone
D) Quartzite only
Answer: B) Granites, gneisses, and basalts
Explanation: Karnataka’s plateau consists largely of granitic and basaltic formations, forming red and black soils.
21. Soil texture refers to —
A) Soil color
B) Size of soil particles
C) Soil depth
D) Soil moisture content
Answer: B) Size of soil particles
Explanation: Texture defines sand, silt, and clay proportions that affect soil fertility and drainage.
22. The main factor responsible for red coloration of red soils is —
A) Iron oxide
B) Manganese
C) Nitrogen
D) Phosphorus
Answer: A) Iron oxide
Explanation: Iron oxide coating gives the soil its characteristic red color.
23. Which of the following soils is richest in humus?
A) Alluvial soil
B) Black soil
C) Lateritic soil
D) Red soil
Answer: A) Alluvial soil
Explanation: Alluvial soils contain organic matter and fine sediments, especially near river valleys.
24. The soil that becomes hard on drying and sticky when wet is —
A) Sandy
B) Lateritic
C) Black cotton soil
D) Alluvial
Answer: C) Black cotton soil
Explanation: Due to high clay (montmorillonite) content, black soils show shrink–swell properties.
25. The most extensive soil in northern Karnataka is —
A) Black
B) Red
C) Laterite
D) Sandy
Answer: A) Black
Explanation: The Krishna–Bhima basin in Raichur, Kalaburagi, Vijayapura is covered by deep black cotton soils.
26. The red soils of Karnataka are mainly formed from —
A) Granite and gneiss rocks
B) Basalt rocks
C) Limestone deposits
D) Alluvial sediments
Answer: A) Granite and gneiss rocks
Explanation: Red soils are derived from granitic and gneissic rocks, typical of the southern and eastern maidan regions.
27. The red color of red soil is due to —
A) Nitrogen
B) Iron oxide
C) Manganese
D) Copper
Answer: B) Iron oxide
Explanation: The presence of ferric oxide (Fe₂O₃) imparts the reddish hue to these soils.
28. The red soils cover about what percentage of Karnataka’s area?
A) 25%
B) 35%
C) 45%
D) 55%
Answer: D) 55%
Explanation: Red soils are the most widespread, covering over half of Karnataka’s geographical area.
29. Red soils are dominant in which districts?
A) Mysuru, Mandya, Tumakuru, Kolar, Chitradurga
B) Raichur and Ballari
C) Uttara Kannada and Udupi
D) Belagavi and Dharwad
Answer: A) Mysuru, Mandya, Tumakuru, Kolar, Chitradurga
Explanation: Southern and central maidan districts have extensive red loamy soils derived from granitic rocks.
30. The texture of red soil is usually —
A) Sandy loam to clayey loam
B) Pure clay
C) Silty clay
D) Coarse sand
Answer: A) Sandy loam to clayey loam
Explanation: Red soils vary from light sandy to medium loamy, with moderate permeability.
31. Red soils are generally poor in —
A) Iron
B) Potash and lime
C) Nitrogen, humus, and phosphorus
D) Water content
Answer: C) Nitrogen, humus, and phosphorus
Explanation: Low organic matter and deficient nitrogen make red soils less fertile unless manured.
32. Crops commonly grown on red soils include —
A) Paddy, sugarcane
B) Ragi, groundnut, millets, pulses
C) Cotton and wheat
D) Coffee and cardamom
Answer: B) Ragi, groundnut, millets, pulses
Explanation: Red soils suit rainfed crops like ragi and pulses, typical of the dry maidan.
33. Red loamy soils are best suited for —
A) Sugarcane
B) Fruits, vegetables, and millets
C) Coffee
D) Tea
Answer: B) Fruits, vegetables, and millets
Explanation: With irrigation and organic matter, red loams support horticulture
34. The black soils of Karnataka are derived from —
A) Granite
B) Basalt (Deccan Trap)
C) Sandstone
D) Limestone
Answer: B) Basalt (Deccan Trap)
Explanation: Black soils are formed by weathering of basaltic rocks of the Deccan plateau.
35. Black soils are dominant in which river basin?
A) Cauvery
B) Krishna–Bhima basin
C) Sharavathi basin
D) Netravati basin
Answer: B) Krishna–Bhima basin
Explanation: The Krishna and Bhima basins in northern Karnataka are covered by deep black soils.
36. Black soils occupy approximately what percentage of Karnataka’s area?
A) 10%
B) 15%
C) 20%
D) 25%
Answer: C) 20%
Explanation: Around one-fifth of Karnataka’s total area has black cotton soils.
37. The districts with extensive black soil are —
A) Kalaburagi, Vijayapura, Raichur, Bagalkot
B) Kodagu and Udupi
C) Tumakuru and Kolar
D) Chikkamagaluru and Hassan
Answer: A) Kalaburagi, Vijayapura, Raichur, Bagalkot
Explanation: Northern dry districts in the Krishna–Bhima valley are the main black soil regions.
38. The black soils are rich in —
A) Iron and lime
B) Nitrogen and humus
C) Phosphorus and potash
D) Organic carbon
Answer: A) Iron and lime
Explanation: Black soils contain lime, iron, magnesium, and retain moisture effectively.
39. The main crop grown on black soil is —
A) Cotton
B) Rice
C) Ragi
D) Wheat
Answer: A) Cotton
Explanation: Cotton thrives in moisture-retaining black soils, hence the name “Regur” or cotton soil.
40. Apart from cotton, black soils are also suitable for —
A) Sugarcane and maize
B) Tea and coffee
C) Millets only
D) Rubber
Answer: A) Sugarcane and maize
Explanation: Black soils support cash crops like sugarcane, maize, and oilseeds with irrigation.
41. The shrink–swell property of black soil is due to —
A) High humus content
B) Montmorillonite clay minerals
C) Organic acids
D) Silica sand
Answer: B) Montmorillonite clay minerals
Explanation: These clays expand when wet and crack when dry, affecting building foundations and tillage.
42. Laterite soils are formed due to —
A) High rainfall and leaching of bases
B) Lack of rainfall
C) Glacial deposits
D) Sedimentary accumulation
Answer: A) High rainfall and leaching of bases
Explanation: Laterization occurs under intense rainfall, washing away silica and leaving iron–aluminium oxides.
43. Laterite soils are found predominantly in —
A) Coastal and Malnad regions
B) Northern plateau
C) Eastern dry zone
D) Central Maidan
Answer: A) Coastal and Malnad regions
Explanation: Western Ghats and coastal belts (Karavali) have iron-rich laterite soils.
44. The color of laterite soil is —
A) Black
B) Red to brown
C) Yellow
D) Grey
Answer: B) Red to brown
Explanation: Oxidation of iron gives red or brown color to lateritic soils.
45. The fertility of laterite soil is —
A) High naturally
B) Moderate
C) Poor unless manured
D) Rich in nitrogen
Answer: C) Poor unless manured
Explanation: Leaching removes nutrients, making laterite soils poor, though suitable for crops with manure.
46. Crops grown on laterite soils include —
A) Coffee, tea, arecanut, coconut
B) Cotton and maize
C) Wheat and barley
D) Pulses and millets
Answer: A) Coffee, tea, arecanut, coconut
Explanation: With irrigation and organic inputs, laterite soils in Malnad and Karavali support plantation crops.
47. Laterite soils are locally used for —
A) Making bricks and tiles
B) Fuel
C) Pottery only
D) Manure
Answer: A) Making bricks and tiles
Explanation: Hard laterite blocks are used in coastal construction and red-tile industries.
48. Alluvial soils of Karnataka are found mainly in —
A) River valleys of Krishna, Cauvery, and Tungabhadra
B) Malnad slopes
C) Coastal plateaus
D) Northern dry zone uplands
Answer: A) River valleys of Krishna, Cauvery, and Tungabhadra
Explanation: Alluvial deposits occur in floodplains and deltas of major rivers.
49. Alluvial soils are generally —
A) Fertile and rich in nutrients
B) Poor and acidic
C) Rocky and saline
D) Sandy and infertile
Answer: A) Fertile and rich in nutrients
Explanation: Alluvial soils are rich in humus, nitrogen, and potash, ideal for paddy and sugarcane.
50. The main crops grown in alluvial soils are —
A) Paddy, sugarcane, banana
B) Cotton, maize, pulses
C) Coffee, cardamom
D) Groundnut and sunflower
Answer: A) Paddy, sugarcane, banana
Explanation: Alluvial tracts in Raichur, Mandya, and Mysuru support paddy and irrigated cash crops.
51. The Northern Dry Zone of Karnataka mainly has —
A) Red loamy soils
B) Black cotton soils
C) Alluvial soils
D) Lateritic soils
Answer: B) Black cotton soils
Explanation: The northern plateau (Raichur, Ballari, Kalaburagi) has deep black soils formed from basaltic rocks, suitable for cotton and sugarcane.
52. The Southern Maidan (Bayaluseeme) region is dominated by —
A) Red loamy and lateritic soils
B) Black soils
C) Sandy soils
D) Alluvial deposits
Answer: A) Red loamy and lateritic soils
Explanation: Mysuru, Mandya, Tumakuru, and Kolar districts have red loamy soils, suitable for ragi and groundnut cultivation.
53. The Coastal (Karavali) region mainly contains —
A) Black soils
B) Laterite and sandy alluvial soils
C) Red clay soils
D) Limestone soils
Answer: B) Laterite and sandy alluvial soils
Explanation: Heavy rainfall and marine influence in Uttara Kannada, Udupi, Dakshina Kannada produce lateritic and sandy soils.
54. The Malnad region has mostly —
A) Lateritic soils
B) Alluvial soils
C) Sandy soils
D) Black soils
Answer: A) Lateritic soils
Explanation: The Malnad hill slopes are covered by iron-rich lateritic soils, suitable for coffee, arecanut, and cardamom.
55. The Eastern Dry Zone soils are —
A) Red and light-textured
B) Black and heavy
C) Lateritic and wet
D) Sandy and saline
Answer: A) Red and light-textured
Explanation: The eastern dry districts (Kolar, Tumakuru, Bengaluru) have light red soils that need irrigation and organic manure.
56. The Western Ghats zone has —
A) Deep black soils
B) Highly leached laterite soils
C) Red sandy soils
D) Loamy alluvium
Answer: B) Highly leached laterite soils
Explanation: Due to heavy rainfall (250–400 cm), the Western Ghats soils are acidic, leached, and iron-rich.
57. The Krishna river basin soils are —
A) Alluvial and black soils
B) Sandy and infertile
C) Red and yellow
D) Lateritic
Answer: A) Alluvial and black soils
Explanation: Krishna–Bhima basin is characterized by black and alluvial soils, supporting sugarcane and cotton.
58. The Cauvery basin soils are primarily —
A) Lateritic
B) Red loamy and alluvial
C) Sandy
D) Black
Answer: B) Red loamy and alluvial
Explanation: The Cauvery basin (Mandya, Mysuru) has fertile red loam and alluvial soils, ideal for paddy and sugarcane.
59. The Tungabhadra basin soils are suitable for —
A) Cotton
B) Paddy and sugarcane under irrigation
C) Millets only
D) Coffee and tea
Answer: B) Paddy and sugarcane under irrigation
Explanation: Canal irrigation from Tungabhadra dam supports paddy, banana, and sugarcane cultivation in Raichur and Ballari.
60. The coastal alluvial soils support cultivation of —
A) Cotton and maize
B) Paddy and coconut
C) Pulses and wheat
D) Sugarcane and sunflower
Answer: B) Paddy and coconut
Explanation: High rainfall and fertile coastal soils encourage paddy and coconut plantations in Karavali.
61. Which soil of Karnataka is most suitable for sugarcane cultivation?
A) Black soil
B) Red loam
C) Laterite
D) Sandy
Answer: A) Black soil
Explanation: Deep black soils retain moisture and nutrients, ideal for sugarcane and cotton.
62. The soil best suited for ragi cultivation is —
A) Red loamy soil
B) Lateritic soil
C) Alluvial soil
D) Black soil
Answer: A) Red loamy soil
Explanation: Ragi (finger millet) grows well on well-drained red loamy soils in southern Karnataka.
63. Groundnut cultivation is best suited for —
A) Red sandy soils
B) Black soils
C) Lateritic soils
D) Clayey soils
Answer: A) Red sandy soils
Explanation: Red sandy soils with good drainage and moderate fertility are ideal for groundnut.
64. Coffee and arecanut plantations grow best in —
A) Lateritic soils with heavy rainfall
B) Sandy soils
C) Black soils
D) Red dry soils
Answer: A) Lateritic soils with heavy rainfall
Explanation: Laterite soils in Malnad with humid conditions are perfect for coffee and arecanut.
65. Paddy cultivation in Karnataka is concentrated in —
A) Coastal and irrigated basins
B) Northern dry areas
C) Eastern plateaus
D) Hilly slopes only
Answer: A) Coastal and irrigated basins
Explanation: Paddy requires waterlogged conditions, found in coastal, Cauvery, and Tungabhadra basins.
66. Cotton cultivation is mainly concentrated in —
A) Krishna–Bhima basin
B) Malnad region
C) Coastal belt
D) Kodagu
Answer: A) Krishna–Bhima basin
Explanation: Black cotton soils in Raichur, Kalaburagi, and Vijayapura support cotton cultivation.
67. Red loamy soils are fertile for which horticultural crops?
A) Mango, sapota, banana
B) Tea, coffee
C) Cotton, maize
D) Pulses only
Answer: A) Mango, sapota, banana
Explanation: Red loams, when irrigated and manured, support fruit crops and floriculture.
68. The soil most suitable for horticulture (floriculture and fruits) near Bengaluru is —
A) Red loamy soil
B) Black cotton soil
C) Laterite soil
D) Alluvial soil
Answer: A) Red loamy soil
Explanation: Red loams of Bengaluru and Kolar are ideal for flowers, vegetables, and fruits.
69. The fertility of red soil can be improved by —
A) Adding organic manure and lime
B) Reducing irrigation
C) Adding sand
D) Sun drying
Answer: A) Adding organic manure and lime
Explanation: Lime corrects acidity, and organic matter enhances nutrient and moisture content in red soils.
70. Laterite soils need which nutrient most for improvement?
A) Nitrogen
B) Calcium and organic matter
C) Magnesium
D) Iron
Answer: B) Calcium and organic matter
Explanation: Laterite soils are acidic and poor in calcium, hence require lime and compost for cultivation.
71. The Malnad zone’s main crops based on soil and climate are —
A) Coffee, pepper, arecanut
B) Cotton, maize, jowar
C) Wheat and pulses
D) Sugarcane and banana
Answer: A) Coffee, pepper, arecanut
Explanation: Lateritic soils and humid conditions of Malnad favor plantation crops.
72. The Coastal (Karavali) region mainly grows —
A) Cotton and maize
B) Paddy and coconut
C) Millets and pulses
D) Tea and wheat
Answer: B) Paddy and coconut
Explanation: Sandy alluvial soils and heavy rainfall in Karavali suit wet paddy and coconut farming.
73. The Northern Dry Zone’s main crops are —
A) Jowar, cotton, groundnut
B) Paddy, sugarcane, banana
C) Tea, coffee, pepper
D) Maize, ragi, onion
Answer: A) Jowar, cotton, groundnut
Explanation: Dry climate and black soils favor rainfed crops like jowar and oilseeds.
74. The Southern Maidan (Tumakuru, Kolar) specializes in —
A) Ragi, groundnut, pulses
B) Paddy and sugarcane
C) Coffee
D) Cotton
Answer: A) Ragi, groundnut, pulses
Explanation: The red loamy soils of the southern maidan support millets and legumes under rainfed farming.
75. The Cauvery basin (Mandya, Mysuru) is known for —
A) Irrigated paddy and sugarcane
B) Cotton and ragi
C) Pulses and onion
D) Coffee and pepper
Answer: A) Irrigated paddy and sugarcane
Explanation: Cauvery basin alluvium and canal irrigation make this region the rice–sugarcane belt of Karnataka.
76. The major cause of soil erosion in Karnataka is —
A) Heavy rainfall in Malnad and deforestation
B) Industrial pollution
C) Volcanic activity
D) Urbanization
Answer: A) Heavy rainfall in Malnad and deforestation
Explanation: High rainfall, coupled with deforestation and slope cultivation in the Western Ghats, accelerates soil erosion.
77. The type of soil erosion most common in the hilly areas of Karnataka is —
A) Wind erosion
B) Sheet and gully erosion
C) Glacier erosion
D) Marine erosion
Answer: B) Sheet and gully erosion
Explanation: In the Malnad and Western Ghats, surface runoff causes sheet and gully erosion.
78. Wind erosion is mainly seen in —
A) Northern Dry Zone (Ballari, Raichur, Vijayapura)
B) Coastal region
C) Kodagu
D) Malnad
Answer: A) Northern Dry Zone (Ballari, Raichur, Vijayapura)
Explanation: Strong winds in dry, bare fields of northern Karnataka cause wind erosion of topsoil.
79. Soil erosion due to running water is high in —
A) Hilly and high rainfall regions
B) Arid plains
C) Irrigated command areas
D) Urban belts
Answer: A) Hilly and high rainfall regions
Explanation: Slope, rainfall, and vegetation loss in the Ghats and Malnad lead to runoff erosion.
80. The loss of soil fertility due to nutrient removal and leaching is called —
A) Salinization
B) Degradation
C) Laterization
D) Denudation
Answer: B) Degradation
Explanation: Soil degradation occurs when nutrients and organic matter are lost, reducing fertility.
81. The soil erosion rate is highest in which part of Karnataka?
A) Western Ghats
B) Northern dry zone
C) Coastal plains
D) Central Maidan
Answer: A) Western Ghats
Explanation: The steep slopes, heavy rains, and deforestation in the Ghats cause severe erosion and landslides.
82. Salinity and alkalinity in soils are common in —
A) Tungabhadra command area
B) Coastal laterite zone
C) Kodagu coffee plantations
D) Malnad forests
Answer: A) Tungabhadra command area
Explanation: Over-irrigation and poor drainage in Tungabhadra canals cause waterlogging and salinity.
83. Soil erosion affects Karnataka mainly by —
A) Reducing crop yield and fertility
B) Increasing soil pH
C) Increasing rainfall
D) Decreasing evaporation
Answer: A) Reducing crop yield and fertility
Explanation: Loss of topsoil removes nutrients, directly reducing productivity and soil health.
84. The major causes of soil degradation in Karnataka are —
A) Deforestation, overgrazing, and unscientific agriculture
B) Volcanic eruption
C) Glacier movement
D) Urban flooding
Answer: A) Deforestation, overgrazing, and unscientific agriculture
Explanation: These human-induced activities accelerate erosion, compaction, and nutrient loss.
85. The process of converting fertile land into desert-like conditions is called —
A) Salinization
B) Desertification
C) Denudation
D) Aridification
Answer: B) Desertification
Explanation: Desertification occurs due to overexploitation and climate change, visible in north Karnataka.
86. The main aim of soil conservation is to —
A) Stop soil erosion and maintain fertility
B) Increase urban areas
C) Grow industrial crops
D) Promote mining
Answer: A) Stop soil erosion and maintain fertility
Explanation: Soil conservation ensures sustainable agriculture and prevention of erosion and nutrient loss.
87. The best method of soil conservation on steep slopes is —
A) Terracing and contour bunding
B) Strip cropping
C) Windbreaks
D) Mulching only
Answer: A) Terracing and contour bunding
Explanation: Contour farming reduces runoff and erosion in hilly and high-rainfall areas.
88. The best soil conservation measure in dry zones is —
A) Afforestation and shelter belts
B) Drip irrigation
C) Soil sterilization
D) Quarrying
Answer: A) Afforestation and shelter belts
Explanation: Tree belts act as wind barriers, preventing soil erosion and moisture loss in dry regions.
89. The “Ridge and Furrow” method helps in —
A) Preventing soil erosion and conserving moisture
B) Irrigation canal building
C) Soil compaction
D) Deforestation
Answer: A) Preventing soil erosion and conserving moisture
Explanation: Ridges trap rainfall, reducing runoff and increasing soil moisture retention.
90. The “Bench terracing” technique is used in —
A) Western Ghats and hilly areas
B) Coastal plains
C) Northern dry plains
D) Irrigated paddy fields
Answer: A) Western Ghats and hilly areas
Explanation: Bench terraces help reduce slope gradient and control soil wash in Malnad hills.
91. The process of planting grasses to stabilize soil on slopes is called —
A) Strip cropping
B) Grassing
C) Vegetative bunding
D) Reclamation
Answer: C) Vegetative bunding
Explanation: Grass roots bind the soil, preventing erosion and increasing water infiltration.
92. Contour bunding is practiced mainly in —
A) Semi-arid areas
B) Coastal regions
C) Rainforest zones
D) Urban areas
Answer: A) Semi-arid areas
Explanation: Contour bunds help retain rainfall and minimize runoff in dry farming regions.
93. The main soil conservation crops used as cover crops are —
A) Grasses and legumes
B) Cotton and maize
C) Paddy and wheat
D) Sugarcane and banana
Answer: A) Grasses and legumes
Explanation: Cover crops like legumes reduce erosion, fix nitrogen, and improve fertility.
94. Shelterbelts are mainly used to —
A) Protect soil from wind erosion
B) Increase soil salinity
C) Reduce humidity
D) Encourage rainfall
Answer: A) Protect soil from wind erosion
Explanation: Trees planted in rows act as windbreaks, reducing soil loss in northern Karnataka.
95. The “Bhoomi” project in Karnataka is related to —
A) Digitization of land records
B) Organic farming
C) Soil reclamation
D) Irrigation canals
Answer: A) Digitization of land records
Explanation: Bhoomi Project digitizes land ownership and soil data for efficient agricultural management.
96. The “Bhoo Chetana” program was launched to —
A) Increase soil fertility through micronutrients
B) Promote cotton exports
C) Manage urban waste
D) Construct check dams only
Answer: A) Increase soil fertility through micronutrients
Explanation: Bhoo Chetana (2009) enhances soil health using micronutrient application and farmer training.
97. The “Krishi Bhagya” scheme in Karnataka focuses on —
A) Water conservation and farm ponds in dryland farming
B) Fertilizer subsidy
C) Hybrid seed distribution
D) Irrigation canal building
Answer: A) Water conservation and farm ponds in dryland farming
Explanation: Krishi Bhagya helps dryland farmers create farm ponds (Krishi Honda) for rainwater harvesting.
98. The “Raitha Siri” program promotes —
A) Organic farming and millets
B) Cash crops
C) Mining activities
D) Urban horticulture
Answer: A) Organic farming and millets
Explanation: Raitha Siri Yojane encourages organic and millet-based farming to improve soil health.
99. The “Watershed Development Programme” aims to —
A) Conserve soil and water resources in rainfed areas
B) Promote mining
C) Urban forest planting
D) Highway construction
Answer: A) Conserve soil and water resources in rainfed areas
Explanation: The Watershed Programme integrates soil conservation, afforestation, and rainwater harvesting.
100. The long-term goal of Karnataka’s “Greening Mission” is —
A) Increase forest and vegetation cover to 33%
B) Promote urban construction
C) Expand industrial zones
D) Replace agriculture with forestry
Answer: A) Increase forest and vegetation cover to 33%
Explanation: The Greening Karnataka Mission (2015) aims to restore degraded lands and expand green cover for ecological balance.