Q. Regarding the "Soils of Assam", consider the following statements based on their chemical and physical characteristics:
1. The soils of Assam are generally characterized by high acidity with pH ranging between 4.2 to 5.8.
2. The Red Loam soils found in parts of Cachar and N.C. Hills are rich in nitrogen and organic matter.
3. The New Alluvial soils in the Charlands are generally less acidic and sometimes neutral or slightly alkaline.
4. Lateritic soils in the Hamren subdivision are dark and finely textured with a deficiency in nitrogen, potash, and lime.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 3 and 4 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
View Answer
Answer: 1, 3 and 4 only
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: Assam soils are typically acidic (pH 4.2-5.8). Statement 3 is correct: New alluvial soils on riverbanks are less acidic/neutral/slightly alkaline. Statement 4 is correct: Lateritic soils (Hamren/NC Hills) are dark, finely textured, and deficient in nitrogen, potash, and lime. Statement 2 is incorrect because while Hill soils are rich in nitrogen/organic matter, Red Loam soils (found in Cachar/Hills) specifically are described as being rich in iron but usually poor in organic matter/nitrogen compared to the general "Hill Soils" description in some contexts, but more specifically, the source notes Red Loamy soils lack nitrogen, phosphoric acid, humus and lime.