The correct answer is: B) Laterite soil
Laterite soil is a type of soil that is formed in tropical and subtropical regions with high rainfall and warm temperatures. It is characterized by its low fertility and a need for careful nutrient management.
Laterite soil is formed when the primary minerals in the soil, such as feldspars and micas, are weathered by the action of water and acids. This process, known as hydrolysis, releases the minerals’ nutrients into the soil solution. However, the high rainfall in tropical and subtropical regions also leaches these nutrients out of the soil, leaving it infertile.
Laterite soils are also low in organic matter, which is another important nutrient for plant growth. Organic matter helps to improve the soil’s structure and water retention capacity, and it also provides nutrients for plants.
As a result of their low fertility, laterite soils require careful nutrient management. Farmers who grow crops on laterite soils must add fertilizers to the soil to provide their crops with the nutrients they need. They must also take steps to conserve the soil’s organic matter, such as by planting cover crops and mulching.
The other options are incorrect because:
- Red soil is a type of soil that is formed in tropical and subtropical regions with high rainfall and warm temperatures. It is characterized by its reddish color, which is due to the presence of iron oxides. Red soil is generally fertile, but it can be prone to erosion.
- Black soil is a type of soil that is formed in semi-arid and sub-humid regions. It is characterized by its dark color, which is due to the presence of organic matter. Black soil is generally very fertile.
- Sandy soil is a type of soil that is composed of mostly sand particles. It is characterized by its low water retention capacity and its poor nutrient retention capacity. Sandy soil is generally not very fertile.