Consider the following statements regarding laterite soils of India :
- 1. Laterite soils are generally red in colour
- 2. Laterite soils are rich in nitrogen and potash
- 3. Laterite soils are well developed in Rajasthan and UP
- 4. Tapioca and cashew nuts grow well in this soil
Which of the statements given above is / are correct?
1 only
2, 3 and 4
1 and 4 only
1, 2 and 4
Answer is Right!
Answer is Wrong!
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-1 – 2016
1. Laterite soils are generally red in colour: Correct. They are reddish-brown due to the presence of iron oxides.
2. Laterite soils are rich in nitrogen and potash: Incorrect. Laterite soils are typically poor in nitrogen, potash, phosphorus, lime, and organic matter due to intense leaching of bases in areas with high rainfall and high temperatures. They are rich in iron and aluminium oxides.
3. Laterite soils are well developed in Rajasthan and UP: Incorrect. Laterite soils are primarily found in areas with high rainfall and alternating wet and dry periods, which promote leaching. They are well developed in the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, parts of Odisha, West Bengal, Karnataka, Kerala, Assam, and Meghalaya. Rajasthan and UP are generally not areas where laterite soils are widespread.
4. Tapioca and cashew nuts grow well in this soil: Correct. Despite being infertile for most crops due to leaching, laterite soils, with proper management like irrigation and fertilization, are suitable for specific crops such as cashew nuts, tapioca, coffee, tea, and rubber.