AI-generated practice question — model-generated for extra practice, not a previous-year CBSE board question.
Upper slopes of mountains have coarse-grained (gravelly) texture, are acidic with low humus content, and are less fertile due to denudation in snow-covered areas.
Valley sides have loamy and silty texture with moderate humus, while soils on river terraces and alluvial fans (lower valley parts) are fertile.
Reason for differences: On upper slopes, heavy denudation and cold temperatures slow decomposition, reducing humus. Lower valley soils receive sediment deposition and better organic matter accumulation, making them more fertile.
Source: Resources and Development, Forest Soils section
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The passage directly states: "loamy and silty in valley sides and coarse grained in the upper slopes" and "soils in snow-covered areas are acidic with low humus content" and "soils found in the lower parts of the valleys particularly on the river terraces and alluvial fans are fertile." Examiners expect you to quote these three zones clearly with all three parameters (texture, humus, fertility) and briefly explain why differences exist. Don't over-explain — link it to denudation/deposition and decomposition rates.