Which of the following types of soil covers about 40% of the total area of India?

Correct option is C

Alluvial soil covers about 40% of India's total land area, mainly in the Indo-Gangetic plains, making it the most fertile and agriculturally important soil type in India.

Information Booster

1. Found in regions like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar.
2. Formed by the deposition of sediments brought by rivers.
3. Rich in potash and lime but deficient in nitrogen and phosphorus.
4. Suitable for crops like wheat, rice, sugarcane, and pulses.
5. Divided into khadar (new alluvium) and bangar (old alluvium).

Additional Knowledge

• Black soil (a): Found in Deccan plateau; suitable for cotton.
• Laterite soil (b): Found in areas with high rainfall; supports plantation crops.
• Red and yellow soils (d): Found in peninsular India; supports coarse grains and pulses.