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Q120 (IAS/2010) Geography › Indian Physical Geography › Indian soil types Answer Verified

When you travel in certain parts of India, you will notice red soil. What is the main reason for this colour ?

Result
Your answer: —  Â·  Correct: C
Explanation

Red soils in parts of India owe their colour to ferric (iron) oxides. Weathering of crystalline rocks leaves iron minerals that, when oxidized to haematite and limonite, coat grains and impart a red hue [1]. Oxidation in aerated conditions promotes formation of these ferric oxides, producing the characteristic red (or yellow when hydrated) colour; reduced conditions turn the colour greenish/grey [2]. Textbooks also note that red soils are deficient in humus and phosphates, so accumulated humus or high phosphate content cannot explain the red colour—rather ferric oxides are the primary cause [3].

Sources

  1. [1] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 6: Soils > 9. Grey and Brown Soils > p. 12
  2. [2] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 6: Geomorphic Movements > Oxidation and Reduction > p. 91
  3. [3] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 6: Soils > 2. Red Soils > p. 10
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SIMILAR QUESTIONS

CDS-II · 2011 · Q23 Relevance score: 1.59

Which of the following statements regarding red soils of India is/are correct ? 1. The colour of the soil is red due to ferric oxide content. 2. Red soils are rich in lime, humous and potash. 3. They are porous and have friable structure. Select the correct answer using the code given below :

CDS-II · 2013 · Q48 Relevance score: 0.12

Red soil colour is caused by :

CDS-I · 2016 · Q7 Relevance score: -1.79

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?

IAS · 2013 · Q87 Relevance score: -1.81

Which of the following statements regarding laterite soils of India are correct? 1. They are generally red in color. 2. They are rich in nitrogen and potash. 3. They are well-developed in Rajasthan and UP. 4. Topioca and cashew nuts grow well on these soils. Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

IAS · 2021 · Q74 Relevance score: -3.71

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