Question

Rohan and Vikas are farmers who grow cotton in their respective farms in a village in Gujarat. Since the soil is rich and dark with decomposing roots and residual plant matter, they enjoy a good crop yield.

1. Which type of soil indicator has been referred to above? [1]
2. One year, the standing crops in the farms of Rohan and Vikas were washed away completely in torrential rains. Rohan was disappointed and decided to migrate to the city for a job, but Vikas decided to wait for the soil to rejuvenate and be healthy again.
   Mention any two soil indicators that would enable Vikas to resume farming. Give a suitable reason for your answer. [3]

Answer 1

1. Soil Indicator Referred to above:
   • Indicator: Soil colour and organic matter content.
   • Explanation: Rich, dark soil containing decomposing roots and residual plant matter indicates a high level of soil organic matter (SOM).
2. Indicators to Resume Farming: Vikas can monitor the following two soil indicators to determine when the soil has rejuvenated:
   • Soil Aggregation and Structure: Torrential rains compact the earth and destroy soil structure. The reappearance of crumbly, granular soil aggregates indicates that the soil is regaining its structure. This structure allows critical air and water movement required for cotton roots to grow.
   • Earthworm Count or Microbial Activity: Flooding drowns soil organisms and depletes oxygen. The return of earthworms and beneficial microbes signifies that the soil food web is recovering. These organisms actively decompose organic matter to cycle essential nutrients back into the ground.