Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

Geographical Distribution: Alluvial soils are the most widely spread soils in India. They cover the entire northern plains, deposited by three Himalayan river systems — the Indus, the Ganga, and the Brahmaputra. They also extend through a narrow corridor in Rajasthan and Gujarat, and are found in the eastern coastal plains in the deltas of the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri rivers.

Why Agriculturally Most Productive: These soils contain adequate proportions of potash, phosphoric acid, and lime, making them ideal for growing sugarcane, paddy, wheat, and pulses. Their high fertility supports intensive cultivation and dense populations.

Limitations: Soils in drier areas tend to be alkaline and require proper treatment and irrigation before cultivation.

Source: Resources and Development, Classification of Soils — Alluvial Soils

---

• Distribution earns ~1 mark: name the northern plains + rivers + Rajasthan/Gujarat corridor + eastern coastal deltas.
• Productivity earns ~1 mark: mention specific nutrients (potash, phosphoric acid, lime) and the crops.
• Limitation earns ~1 mark: alkalinity in drier areas is the key point from the passage. Don't invent limitations not in the text (e.g., flooding — not stated here).
• Keep answers tightly linked to the passage; examiners check for textbook terminology.