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

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

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

1. 1, 2 and 3
2. 2, 3 and 4
3. 1 and 4
4. 2 and 3 only

Explanation

1 is correct

• Laterite soils are characteristically reddish-brown due to the presence of iron oxides, particularly hematite. These soils are mostly the end products of weathering. They are formed under conditions of high temperature and heavy rainfall with alternate wet and dry periods.

2 is incorrect

• Heavy rainfall promotes leaching (nutrients get washed away by water) of soil whereby lime and silica are leached away, and soil rich in oxides of iron and aluminium compounds is left behind.
• Laterite soils are rich in bauxite or ferric oxides.
• They are very poor in lime, magnesia, potash, and nitrogen.
• Sometimes, the phosphate content may be high in the form of iron phosphate

3 is incorrect

• Laterite soils cover an area of 2.48 lakh sq km.
• The continuous stretch of laterite soil is found on the summits of Western Ghats at 1000 to 1500m, Eastern Ghats, the Rajmahal Hills, Vindhyan, Satpuras, and Malwa Plateau.
• They are well developed in south Maharashtra, parts of Karnataka, etc., and are widely scattered in other regions.

4 is correct

• Crops such as Tapioca and cashew nuts are relatively tolerant of acidic and low-nutrient soils like laterite. Also, their deep roots allow them to access moisture stored deeper in the soil.

Answer: (c) 1 and 4; Difficulty Level: Hard