Consider the following statements about Laterite soil found in India: 1. Laterite soil is found in high altitudes of Himalaya. 2. It is a very fertile soil. 3. It is a red color soil due to presence of iron oxide. 4. It is poor in Nitrogen, Potash and organic matter. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Laterite soil is formed under tropical and subtropical climates with alternate wet and dry seasons, resulting from intense leaching due to heavy rainfall [2]. Statement 1 is incorrect as laterite soils are primarily found in the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, and parts of the Northeast, while Himalayan regions are dominated by forest or mountain soils [1][4]. Statement 2 is incorrect because laterite soils are generally infertile and deficient in plant nutrients due to leaching, though they respond to manuring [2][3]. Statement 3 is correct; the soil exhibits a red color due to the presence of iron oxide [3]. Statement 4 is correct as these soils are poor in nitrogen, potash, and organic matter [1]. While some laterite soils under dense forests may be humus-rich, they are generally considered deficient in organic matter in semi-arid or sparse vegetation environments [2].

Sources

1. [2] NCERT. (2022). Contemporary India II: Textbook in Geography for Class X (Revised ed.). NCERT. > Chapter 1: The Rise of Nationalism in Europe > Laterite Soil > p. 11
2. [1] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 6: Soils > Table 6.1 > p. 8
3. [4] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/mountain-soils
4. [3] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 6: Soils > 6. Laterite Soils > p. 12