The soils of the Shivalik Hills region in Punjab are generally:

The correct answer is: a) Fertile alluvial soils.

The Shivalik Hills region in Punjab is located in the Indo-Gangetic Plain, which is a vast alluvial plain formed by the deposition of sediments from the Indus and Ganges rivers. The alluvial soils in this region are very fertile and are ideal for agriculture. The soils are rich in nutrients and have a good water retention capacity. This makes them ideal for growing a variety of crops, including rice, wheat, sugarcane, and maize.

The other options are incorrect because:

• Sandy and less fertile soils are found in the Thar Desert region of Rajasthan.
• Black cotton soils are found in the Deccan Plateau region of India.
• Laterite soils are found in the tropical regions of India.

I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.