Consider the following statements about Laterite soil found in India :

Join Our Telegram Channel

1. Laterite soil is found in high altitudes of Himalaya.
2. It is a very fertile soil.
3. It is a red colour soil due to presence of iron oxide.
4. It is poor in Nitrogen, Potash and organic matter.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

3 only

2 and 4 only

3 and 4 only

1, 3 and 4

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2023

Download PDF Attempt Online

Statement 3 is correct: Laterite soil is indeed red in colour due to the high content of iron oxides, particularly hydrated iron oxides. Statement 4 is correct: Laterite soils are generally poor in essential plant nutrients like Nitrogen, Potash, Lime, and organic matter because of intense leaching in heavy rainfall areas. Statement 1 is incorrect: Laterite soils are formed under conditions of high temperature and heavy rainfall with alternate wet and dry spells, leading to intense leaching (laterization). These conditions are typically found in the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, North-Eastern India, and parts of Odisha and other states, but not generally in the high altitudes of the Himalayas which have different climatic and soil formation processes. Statement 2 is incorrect: Laterite soil is generally infertile for agriculture due to the removal of most nutrients by leaching. It can support crops like cashew, tea, coffee, and tapioca with the application of manures and fertilizers.

Laterite soils are characterized by intense leaching under hot and humid tropical climates, resulting in iron and aluminium rich composition, redness from iron oxides, and poor fertility due to lack of essential nutrients and organic matter. They are not typically found in high altitudes of the Himalayas.

Laterite soil is derived from the laterite rock, which gets its name from the Latin word ‘later’, meaning brick. These soils are suitable for brick making due to their hardening when exposed to air. Specific crops like cashew nuts, tea, coffee, and tapioca are grown in laterite soils with proper management.

More similar MCQ questions for Exam preparation:-