If monsoon rainfall occurs with long gaps, what effect will it have on soil moisture?

Correct answer: Soil moisture may decrease

The direct answer is A: soil moisture may decrease. Soil moisture is the water held in soil and available to plant roots. If monsoon rain is separated by long dry gaps, water continues to leave the soil through evaporation from the surface and transpiration through plants. Plants also absorb water for growth. When this loss continues and is not replaced by rain, the soil becomes drier and available moisture falls. Crops may then wilt, grow slowly, or experience water stress, depending on soil type, temperature, crop stage, and the length of the gap. Option A is correct because it says moisture may decrease, not that it must fall equally everywhere. Option B is wrong because long gaps do not keep soil permanently water-filled. Option C is wrong because crops do not ripen automatically without suitable water and care. Option D is meaningless: soil colour cannot become latitude. Memory cue: rainfall breaks create dry spells, and dry spells reduce soil moisture.