Which of the following statements with reference to saline soil in India is/are correct ? 1. They are rich in nitrogen. 2. They occur in arid and semi-arid regions, and in waterlogged and swampy areas. Select the answer using the code given below :

Saline soils in India, also known as 'Usar' or 'Reh', are characterized by high concentrations of sodium, potassium, and magnesium, making them infertile. Statement 1 is incorrect because these soils are notably deficient in nitrogen and calcium [1]. Statement 2 is correct as saline soils primarily occur in arid and semi-arid regions where evaporation exceeds precipitation, leading to salt accumulation via capillary action [2]. They also develop in waterlogged and swampy areas, particularly in canal-irrigated tracts and coastal regions where the groundwater table is high or sea water ingression occurs [2]. In such conditions, salts like sodium chloride and sodium sulphate form a white crust on the surface [2]. These soils are prevalent in states like Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh, as well as coastal areas of Gujarat and Maharashtra [1].

Sources

1. [1] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 6: Soils > 11. Saline and Alkaline Soils > p. 13
2. [2] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 6: Soils > iv) Saline and Alkaline Soils > p. 19