Saline and Alkaline soils are most commonly found in:

Correct option is B

The correct answer is: (b) drought-prone areas

Explanation:

• Saline and alkaline soils (also known as Reh, Usar, or Kallar) are often found in drought-prone and arid/semi-arid areas.

• These soils form due to high evaporation, low rainfall, poor drainage, and accumulation of salts on the surface.

• Over-irrigation with poor-quality water and capillary action also contribute to salinity in these regions.

Information Booster:

• Common in states like Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Maharashtra.

• These soils have high pH and are deficient in nitrogen and calcium.

• Gypsum is often used to reclaim alkaline soils.

• Saline soils are white-crusted, while alkaline soils are hard and compact.

• Affect crop productivity due to poor soil structure and water infiltration.

• Irrigation management and organic matter addition improve soil quality.

Additional Information:

• Deccan Plateau – Mostly has black and red soils, not known for salinity.

• Deltas of Ganga and Godavari – Some salinity issues, but not the most common areas.

• Western Himalayas – Mountain soils; not prone to salinity or alkalinity.