Soils of Sikkim for Sikkim PSC

<<–2/”>a >em>Soils of Sikkim

Sikkim is a small, extremely mountainous state in the Indian Himalayas with sharply defined and extremely steep watersheds.
Although, Sikkim is only about forty miles in width and seventy miles in length, its altitude escalates rapidly from about 300 m above mean sea level in the South to about 8583 m along the Himalayan Kanchenjunga range.
agriculture is mostly concentrated in the lower mountain ranges, primarily in the East and South Districts.
Nomadic high-altitude Legend 6 Livestock herding (primarily goats, sheep and yaks) is found along the borders of Nepal, Bhutan and in the North District approaching the Tibetan Plateau.

Different Series Soil in Scheme (Deep Analysis)

Markong Series (M):

It comprises moderately deep, well-drained loamy skeletal soil with dark brown to dark reddish brown colour.
They have been developed on mica schists.
This soil occurs on strongly sloping (10-15%) hill top with moderate to severe erosion. Soils are under moderately dense forest and pasture land.
The Markong Series is tentatively classified as a member of loamy skeletal mixed thermic family of Topic Haplumbrepts.

Putuli Series (p):

It comprises shallow excessively drained dark brown loamy skeletal soil having some rock particles scattered over the surface.
These are developed on micaceous gneissic parent rock of talus deposits.
These Soils of Sikkim occur on moderately sloping and very steep upper hill slopes.
They are moderately to severely eroded and are susceptible to landslides.

Lingtse Series (L):

It comprises very deep, moderately well-drained fine loamy Soils of Sikkim with dark grayish brown to dark brown colour.
They have been developed on gneissic parent rock. These soils occur on steep low hill slopes and moderately eroded.
The Soils of Sikkim are under terraced cultivation.
The Lingtse Series is tentatively classified as a member of fine loamy mixed thermic family of Typic Dystrochrepts.

Thekabong Series (T):

It comprises moderately deep, moderately well drained loamy skeletal Soils of Sikkim with dark grayish brown in colour.
They have developed on micaceous gneissic parent rock.
These Soils of Sikkim occur in the steep to very steep middle and lower slopes of hill.
Soils of Sikkim are bench terraced for cultivation.
The Soils of Sikkim are moderately eroded and susceptible to severe erosion.

Machong Series (MA):

It comprises moderately deep moderately well-drained, grayish brown fine loamy soils.
They have been formed from the underlain micaschists.
These Soils of Sikkim occur on the moderately steep to steep low hill slopes and piedmont.
The Soils of Sikkim are under terraced cultivation.
Erosion is moderate to severe.

Chatrikhola Series (C):

It comprises deep, moderately well-drained fine loamy soils with very dark grayish brown to dark brown colour.
They are developed on micaceous gneiss parent rock.
These Soils of Sikkim occur on steep to very mid slope of low hill slopes and rare moderately to severely eroded.

Gompa Series (G):

It comprises shallow excessively drained loamy skeletal soils within brown to dark brown colour.
They have been developed on gneissic parent rock.
This soil occurs on moderately sloping and steep to very steep escarpments.
The Soils of Sikkim are under severe to very severe erosion and are susceptible to sliding.

Losep Series (LO):

It comprises deep, moderately well-drained, loamy skeletal soils with grayish brown to yellowish brown colour.
They have been developed on colluvial material over gneissic parent rock.
These Soils of Sikkim occur on steep lower slopes of hills and are moderately to severely eroded.

Namthang Series:

It comprises deep, well-drained, loamy skeletal soils with brown to dark yellowish brown colour developed from phyllite parent rock occurring on moderately sloping to strongly sloping mid hill slopes and are moderately eroded.
Soils of Sikkim are under paddy cultivation.

Simikara Series:

It comprises moderately deep excessively drained coarse loamy, fragmental Soils of Sikkim with yellowish brown to Light olive brown colour and developed on micaschist parent rock.
This soil occurs on very steep escarpment slope and is severely eroded. Soils are under dense forest.

Nandugaon Series:

It comprises well-drained coarse loamy, fragmental soils with brown to dark brown colour, developed from sandstone parent rock.
The soil occurs on steeply sloping mid and upper part of hills are severely eroded.
Soils of Sikkim are under predominantly cultivation maize.

Hilly Series:

It comprises very deep moderately well-drained fine loamy soils with dark reddish brown to reddish brown colour developed on gneissic parent material.
The soil occurs on steeply sloping upper hill slope and is moderately eroded.
Soils of Sikkim are under cultivation.

Padamchen Series:

It comprises moderately deep, moderately well-drained, fine loamy soils with brown to yellowish brown colour and developed from gneissic parent material.
This soil occurs on moderately steep to upper hill slope with severe erosion under thin forest vegetation.

Taraku Series:

It comprises very deep, moderately well-drained fine loamy soils with brown to dark colour developed on sand stones.
Soils of Sikkim occur on moderately steep to steep upper and midhill slopes and are moderately eroded.
Soils of Sikkim are under horticultural crops.

Majitar Series:

It comprises deep, well-drained loamy soils with grayish brown to light gray colour.
They are of alluvial and collurial origin.
This soil occurs on gently sloping to moderately sloping uplifted river terraces and is susceptible for river bank erosion and flooding.
Soils of Sikkim are under horticultural crops

Soil is a complex and dynamic natural resource that is essential for life on Earth. It provides a medium for plant Growth, helps to regulate the Climate, and filters and stores water. Soil is also a non-renewable resource, meaning that it takes millions of years to form.

Sikkim is a state in northeastern India that is home to a diverse range of Soil Types. The state’s soils are classified into three major groups: alluvial, hill, and forest soils. Alluvial soils are found in the state’s river valleys and are characterized by their high fertility. Hill soils are found in the state’s mountainous regions and are characterized by their low fertility. Forest soils are found in the state’s forests and are characterized by their high organic matter content.

Sikkim’s soils are under threat from a number of factors, including deforestation, overgrazing, and soil erosion. Deforestation leads to the loss of soil cover, which can lead to soil erosion. Overgrazing can also lead to soil erosion, as well as compaction and nutrient depletion. Soil erosion is the removal of soil from the land by wind or water. It can be caused by a number of factors, including deforestation, overgrazing, and cultivation on steep slopes. Soil erosion can lead to a loss of Soil fertility, a decrease in crop yields, and an increase in the risk of flooding.

There are a number of things that can be done to conserve Sikkim’s soils. These include:

Reforestation: Reforestation is the planting of trees on land that has been deforested. Trees help to protect the soil from erosion by wind and water.
Soil conservation: Soil conservation is the practice of preventing soil erosion and maintaining soil fertility. Soil conservation practices include terracing, contour farming, and mulching.
Soil management: Soil management is the practice of using soil in a way that maintains its productivity and prevents its degradation. Soil management practices include Crop Rotation, cover Cropping, and liming.

Sikkim has a number of laws and regulations in place to protect its soils. These include the Soil Conservation Act, 1954, and the Forest conservation Act, 1980. The Soil Conservation Act is a law that aims to prevent soil erosion and maintain soil fertility. The Forest Conservation Act is a law that aims to protect forests and prevent deforestation.

Sikkim also has a number of research institutions that are working to improve the understanding of soils and soil management. These include the Sikkim Central Soil Conservation Research and Training Institute and the Sikkim University.

Sikkim is also working to raise awareness of the importance of soils and soil conservation. This is being done through a number of initiatives, including school Education programs, public awareness campaigns, and farmer training programs.

The future of Sikkim’s soils depends on the actions that are taken to protect them. By taking steps to conserve and manage its soils, Sikkim can ensure that its soils continue to provide the essential Services that they provide to the state’s people and economy.

Q1. What are the different types of soils found in Sikkim?

A1. The different types of soils found in Sikkim are:

Alluvial soil: This type of soil is found in the river valleys and is very fertile. It is good for growing crops like rice, wheat, and maize.
Red soil: This type of soil is found in the hills and is not very fertile. It is good for growing crops like tea, coffee, and cardamom.
Laterite soil: This type of soil is found in the higher hills and is very acidic. It is not good for growing crops, but is used for making bricks and tiles.
Peat soil: This type of soil is found in the swamps and is very wet. It is not good for growing crops, but is used for making compost.

Q2. What are the factors that affect the type of soil found in Sikkim?

A2. The factors that affect the type of soil found in Sikkim are:

The parent material: The parent material is the material from which the soil is formed. The parent material in Sikkim is mainly rocks and Minerals.
The climate: The climate of Sikkim is temperate. The Average temperature is 15 degrees Celsius and the average rainfall is 3,000 mm.
The topography: The topography of Sikkim is hilly. The average elevation is 2,000 meters.
The vegetation: The vegetation of Sikkim is mainly forests. The forests cover about 70% of the land area.

Q3. What are the uses of soil in Sikkim?

A3. The uses of soil in Sikkim are:

Agriculture: Soil is used for growing crops. The main crops grown in Sikkim are rice, wheat, maize, tea, coffee, and cardamom.
Construction: Soil is used for making bricks and tiles.
Mining: Soil is used for mining minerals like coal and iron Ore.
Tourism: Soil is used for developing tourist destinations like Nathula Pass and Yumthang Valley.

Q4. What are the challenges faced by the soil in Sikkim?

A4. The challenges faced by the soil in Sikkim are:

Soil erosion: Soil erosion is the process of soil being carried away by wind or water. Soil erosion is a major problem in Sikkim due to the hilly terrain and the heavy rainfall.
Soil Pollution: Soil pollution is the contamination of soil by harmful substances. Soil pollution is a major problem in Sikkim due to the mining and industrial activities.
Soil degradation: Soil degradation is the decline in the quality of soil. Soil degradation is a major problem in Sikkim due to the deforestation and overgrazing.

Q5. What are the measures taken to conserve the soil in Sikkim?

A5. The measures taken to conserve the soil in Sikkim are:

Afforestation: Afforestation is the planting of trees. Afforestation is a major measure taken to conserve the soil in Sikkim.
Soil conservation: Soil conservation is the prevention of soil erosion and degradation. Soil conservation is a major measure taken to conserve the soil in Sikkim.
Soil management: Soil management is the proper use of soil. Soil management is a major measure taken to conserve the soil in Sikkim.

The soil of Sikkim is mainly composed of:
(A) Alluvial soil
(B) Red soil
(C) Laterite soil
(D) Mountain soil
The main crops grown in Sikkim are:
(A) Rice, maize, wheat
(B) Tea, cardamom, ginger
(C) Apple, orange, pear
(D) All of the above
The main forest types in Sikkim are:
(A) Tropical evergreen forest
(B) Subtropical evergreen forest
(C) Temperate broad-leaved forest
(D) Alpine forest
The main rivers in Sikkim are:
(A) Teesta, Rangit, Mahananda
(B) Brahmaputra, Yamuna, Ganga
(C) Indus, Chenab, Sutlej
(D) None of the above
The main tourist attractions in Sikkim are:
(A) Nathu La Pass, Gangtok, Yumthang Valley
(B) Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Sikkim National Park
(C) Tsomgo Lake, Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
(D) All of the above
The main languages spoken in Sikkim are:
(A) Nepali, Sikkimese, Bhutia
(B) Hindi, Bengali, Assamese
(C) English, French, German
(D) None of the above
The main religion practiced in Sikkim is:
(A) Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism
(B) Buddhism-2/”>Buddhism
(C) Christianity
(D) Islam
The capital of Sikkim is:
(A) Gangtok
(B) Namchi
(C) Ravangla
(D) Mangan
The Population of Sikkim is:
(A) 610,000
(B) 620,000
(C) 630,000
(D) 640,000
The Literacy rate of Sikkim is:
(A) 80%
(B) 85%
(C) 90%
(D) 95%
The area of Sikkim is:
(A) 7,096 sq km
(B) 7,296 sq km
(C) 7,496 sq km
(D) 7,696 sq km
The elevation of Sikkim ranges from:
(A) 270 m to 8,848 m
(B) 370 m to 9,002 m
(C) 470 m to 9,164 m
(D) 570 m to 9,326 m
The climate of Sikkim is:
(A) Tropical
(B) Subtropical
(C) Temperate
(D) Alpine
The main exports of Sikkim are:
(A) Tea, cardamom, ginger
(B) Apple, orange, pear
(C) Timber, bamboo, medicinal herbs
(D) All of the above
The main imports of Sikkim are:
(A) Petroleum products, machinery, foodgrains
(B) Consumer goods, building materials, chemicals
(C) Vehicles, electronics, furniture
(D) All of the above
The main Political Parties in Sikkim are:
(A) Sikkim Krantikari Morcha
(B) Sikkim Democratic Front
(C) Sikkim Congress
(D) All of the above
The current Chief Minister of Sikkim is:
(A) Pawan Kumar Chamling
(B) Prem Singh Tamang
(C) P.S. Golay
(D) None of the above
The current Governor of Sikkim is:
(A) Ganga Prasad
(B) Shriniwas Patil
(C) Ramesh Bais
(D) None of the above
The Sikkim National Assembly has:
(A) 32 members
(B) 35 members
(C) 40 members
(D) 45 members
The Sikkim Legislative Council has:
(A) 12 members
(B) 15 members
(C) 18 members
(D) 21 members

The answers are:
1. (A)
2. (D)
3. (