Question

Give reasons for the following.

Alluvial soil is also called ‘Riverine soil’.

Answer 1

1. Formation by river deposition Alluvial soil (alluvium) consists of sediments (silt, sand, clay) brought down and laid down by rivers during their course.
2. Found in river basins, floodplains, and deltas these soils predominate in areas shaped by rivers (plains, deltas and coastal alluvium).
3. Transported (ex‑situ) origin unlike residual soils, alluvial soils are transported and deposited by running water, so their association with rivers gives the name “riverine.”
4. Regular replenishment by floods newer, finer, more fertile layers (khadar) near rivers during floods, reinforcing the river soil link.
5. Fertility linked to river-borne minerals nutrients and fine sediments supplied by rivers make these soils especially productive, further justifying the term “riverine soil.”