Social Science (087) — CBSE Class 10 board question

Alluvial Soil is the most widespread and important soil of India. Its main features are:

1. Distribution: It covers the entire Northern Plains, deposited by the Indus, Ganga and Brahmaputra river systems. It also extends through a narrow corridor in Rajasthan and Gujarat, and in the eastern coastal deltas (Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri).

1. Composition: It consists of various proportions of sand, silt and clay. Soil particles are coarser near piedmont plains (Duars, Chos, Terai) and finer towards the river valleys.

1. Types: Based on age, it is classified as Bangar (old alluvial — more kankar nodules, less fertile) and Khadar (new alluvial — finer particles, more fertile).

1. Fertility: Very fertile; contains adequate potash, phosphoric acid and lime — ideal for sugarcane, paddy, wheat, and pulses.

1. Population: Regions with alluvial soil are intensively cultivated and densely populated. Soils in drier areas are alkaline and become productive after irrigation.

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

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• Examiners expect 5 distinct points for a 5-mark answer — one point per mark is the safe strategy.
• Always mention distribution, types (Bangar/Khadar), composition, fertility, and crops — these are the standard sub-topics tested.
• Avoid writing vague lines like "it is very good soil." Use specific terms: kankar, potash, phosphoric acid, piedmont plains.
• The answer above is ~120 words — ideal for 5 marks.