Question

Due to the excess of which soil particle, is crop cultivation not possible in some Diara areas?

• A. Gravel
• B. Sand
• C. Silt
• D. Clay

Hint:

Diara land is also known as "Riverine land." Farmers in these areas often practice "Diara Cultivation" specifically for cucurbits (like watermelons and cucumbers) because their long taproots can reach the lower water table beneath the sandy surface.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Diara lands are flood-prone areas located in the river basins. While these areas are often fertile due to annual silt deposition, some specific zones become unfit for cultivation due to an excess of sand particles. Large deposits of coarse sand reduce the soil's water-holding capacity and nutrient retention, making it difficult for most crops to survive.
Step 1: Analyze the options.
(A) Gravel: While present in some riverbeds, gravel is less common than sand in the vast stretches of Diara floodplains.
(B) Sand: High sand content (sandy diara) leads to poor soil structure and excessive drainage, which is the primary reason for cultivation failure in these specific riverine areas.
(C) Silt: Silt is actually beneficial for agriculture; Diara lands are famous for their high silt content which usually makes them very productive.
(D) Clay: Excessive clay can cause waterlogging, but in the context of Diara areas, the "wasteland" portions are typically dominated by sand deposits left after heavy floods.
Step 2: Conclusion.
The presence of excess sand is the limiting factor for agriculture in unproductive Diara patches. Hence, the correct answer is (B).
Final Answer: \[ \boxed{(B) \, \text{Sand}} \]