Correct option is D
Explanation of the Correct Option (d)
(A) Reduction of iron in waterlogged soil → (III) Gleization
· Gleization occurs under waterlogged and anaerobic conditions.
· Ferric iron (Fe³⁺) is reduced to ferrous iron (Fe²⁺).
· Leads to bluish-grey soil colour, typical of gley soils.
· Hence, this matching is correct.
(B) Leaching of dispersed particles → (IV) Pedoturbation
· Pedoturbation refers to mixing and movement of soil particles.
· Includes biological activity, swelling–shrinking, and movement of dispersed particles.
· Leaching and redistribution of fine particles occur during this process.
· Therefore, (B) correctly matches with (IV).
(C) Intermixing of soil horizon → (II) Podsolization
· Podsolization involves:
· Translocation of organic matter and sesquioxides
· Mixing and differentiation of soil horizons (E and B horizons)
· Hence, intermixing of horizons is associated with podsolization.
(D) Eluviation of oxides of Fe, Al & Humus → (I) Argillation
· Argillation is a soil-forming process involving:
· Eluviation (removal) from upper horizons
· Illuviation (accumulation) in lower horizons
· Oxides of iron, aluminium, and humus are mobilized in this process.
· Thus, this pairing is correct.
Explanation of Other Options
Option (a)
· Incorrect because:
· Gleization is wrongly matched.
· Eluviation of Fe, Al & humus does not represent pedoturbation.
Option (b)
· Incorrect due to:
· Incorrect association of leaching with pedoturbation and gleization.
Option (c)
· Incorrect because:
· Argillation and gleization are mismatched.
· Eluviation is not a characteristic of gleization.
Key Points:
· Gleization → Reduction of iron under waterlogged conditions
· Podsolization → Translocation and horizon differentiation
· Argillation → Eluviation–illuviation of clay and sesquioxides
· Pedoturbation → Mixing and movement of soil materials
English
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