Which of the following statements regarding laterite soils of India ar

Which of the following statements regarding laterite soils of India are correct?

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They are generally red in colour.
They are rich in nitrogen and potash.
They are well-developed in Rajasthan and UP.
Tapioca and cashew nuts grow well on these soils.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

1, 2 and 3

2, 3 and 4

1 and 4

2 and 3 only

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2013

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The correct answer is C) 1 and 4. Statements 1 and 4 regarding laterite soils are correct, while statements 2 and 3 are incorrect.

Laterite soils are formed under conditions of high temperature and heavy rainfall, leading to intense leaching. This process removes silica but leaves behind iron and aluminium oxides, which give the soil its characteristic red colour (Statement 1). These soils are generally poor in nutrients like nitrogen, potash, lime, and organic matter (Statement 2 incorrect). They are found in specific regions experiencing such climate, primarily in the Western and Eastern Ghats, parts of southern Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, etc., not typically Rajasthan and UP (Statement 3 incorrect). Despite being infertile, certain crops like tapioca and cashew nuts grow well on them with appropriate fertilization (Statement 4).

Laterite soil is derived from laterite rock, which is rich in iron and aluminium. The term “laterite” is derived from the Latin word ‘later’ meaning brick, as these soils can harden significantly when dried and are often used for building purposes. Tea and coffee are also important crops grown in regions with laterite soils.

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