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Consider the following statements regarding laterite soils of India : 1. Laterite soils are generally red in colour 2. Laterite soils are rich in nitrogen and potash 3. Laterite soils are well developed in Rajasthan and UP 4. Tapioca and cashew nuts grow well in this soil Which of the statements given above is / are correct?
Explanation
Laterite soils in India are generally red in colour due to the presence of iron oxides [3]. They develop in tropical and subtropical climates with alternate wet and dry seasons, leading to intense leaching [1]. Consequently, these soils are poor in nitrogen, potash, potassium, and organic matter, making statement 2 incorrect [2]. Geographically, laterite soils are well-developed in the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, and parts of Odisha and the North-east, rather than Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, which are dominated by desert and alluvial soils respectively [4]. Statement 3 is therefore incorrect. However, statement 4 is correct as laterite soils, particularly in southern states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu, are suitable for tree crops such as cashew nuts and tapioca when managed with fertilizers [2]. Thus, only statements 1 and 4 are correct.
Sources
- [3] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 6: Soils > 6. Laterite Soils > p. 12
- [1] 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] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 6: Soils > Table 6.1 > p. 8
- [4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_soil_deposits_of_India