Given below are two statements:

Statement (I): Alluvial soils are the largest group of soils in India.

Statement (II): Alluvial soils are rich in nitrogen but deficient in potassium.

In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.

Correct option is C

Explanation of the Correct Option (c): Statement (I) is correct, but Statement (II) is incorrect
Why Statement (I) is CORRECT:
· Alluvial soils cover the largest area in India.
· They are widespread in:
· Indo-Gangetic plains
· River valleys and deltas
· Formed by deposition of sediments by rivers.
· Hence, statement (I) is correct.
Why Statement (II) is INCORRECT:
· Alluvial soils are generally:
· Poor in nitrogen
· Moderate to rich in potassium
· Deficiency is more common for nitrogen and phosphorus, not potassium.
· Therefore, the statement wrongly mentions nitrogen-rich and potassium-deficient.
Explanation of Other Options
Option (a): Both statements are correct
· Incorrect because:
· Statement (II) is false.
Option (b): Both statements are incorrect
· Incorrect because:
· Statement (I) is correct.
Option (d): Statement (I) incorrect, Statement (II) correct
· Incorrect because:
· Statement (II) is false.
Key Points:
· Alluvial soils → Largest soil group in India
· Generally deficient in nitrogen and phosphorus
· Potassium content is usually adequate
· Highly fertile and suitable for:
· Rice
· Wheat
· Sugarcane