Statement I : Typical laterite soils in India are generally fertile. Statement II : Laterite soils generally experience leaching.

Statement I is false because typical laterite soils in India are generally infertile and poor in plant nutrients [2]. They are characterized by low fertility due to the intense leaching of silica and essential bases like lime, potash, and nitrogen [3]. While they can be made productive with heavy manuring and irrigation for crops like cashew nuts, tea, and coffee, their natural state is nutrient-deficient [3]. Statement II is true as laterite soil formation is fundamentally driven by intense leaching (desilication) under tropical and subtropical climates with alternating wet and dry seasons [1]. This process, occurring in areas of heavy rainfall, washes away soluble minerals and silica, leaving behind a residue rich in iron and aluminum oxides [4]. Thus, while leaching is the primary cause of their formation, it results in low fertility rather than high fertility, making Statement II a true statement but Statement I false.

Sources

1. [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. [2] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 6: Soils > 6. Laterite Soils > p. 12
3. [3] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 6: Soils > Table 6.1 > p. 8
4. [4] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 25: Agriculture > L,aterization: > p. 368