Biogeography and soils (physical side)
Soil formation and the soil profile
Practise 1 PYQConcepts to cover
- Soil-forming factors: parent material, climate, relief, organisms, time
- Soil profile: O, A, B, C horizons; leaching and illuviation
- Soil texture (sand, silt, clay) and structure
- Organic matter, humus and water-holding capacity
- Salinisation and alkalinity from irrigation and poor drainage
- Soil as a store of nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, potash, sulphur
Where to study
Resources and Development, Class VIII, chapter 2: Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources (2024-25)
- ch. 2, Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources, p. 1-15 (book pages 7-21)
- ch. 2, Soil, p. 3 (book page 9)
Fundamentals of Physical Geography, Class XI, chapter 5: Geomorphic Processes (Reprint 2026-27)
- ch. 5, Geomorphic Processes, p. 1-11 (book pages 36-46)
- ch. 5, Soil-forming Factors, p. 9 (book page 44)
- ch. 5, humus, p. 9-10 (book pages 44-45)
UPSC Detailed (Micro Topic) Syllabus: Geography (Prelims)
- Soil Characteristics
- Factors Responsible for Soil Formation
- Soil Profiles and Horizons
- Soil textures
- Soil Acidity
- Minerals of Soil
Geography Micro topics
- Soil
Contemporary India II, Class X, chapter 1: Resources and Development (Reprint 2026-27)
- ch. 1, Soil as a Resource, p. 6 (book page 6)