The largest geographical area of India is covered by which one of the

The largest geographical area of India is covered by which one of the following types of soils?

Join Our Telegram Channel

Inceptisols

Entisols

Alfisols

Vertisols

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-2 – 2020

Download PDF Attempt Online

According to the USDA soil taxonomy, Inceptisols cover the largest geographical area of India.

Inceptisols are young soils with minimal profile development, but they show the beginning of horizon formation. In India, these soils are widespread, particularly in the vast alluvial plains (like the Ganges and Brahmaputra plains) where fresh sediments are deposited and young soils develop, and also in parts of plateaus and hills.

Entisols are even younger soils with little to no horizon development, found in areas of very recent deposition (e.g., floodplains, dunes). While significant, they cover a smaller area than Inceptisols. Alfisols (typically found in areas with red soils) and Vertisols (black cotton soils) are also important soil orders in India but cover smaller total areas compared to Inceptisols. Estimates vary slightly, but Inceptisols are generally cited as covering the largest percentage of India’s land area.

More similar MCQ questions for Exam preparation:-