In the soil-forming regime, which one of the following occurs in a region where evapotranspiration exceeds precipitation significantly ?

Calcification is a pedogenic (soil-forming) process that occurs in arid and semi-arid regions where evapotranspiration significantly exceeds precipitation. In these dry climates, there is insufficient rainfall to leach soluble minerals deep into the soil. Instead, dissolved calcium carbonate is brought upward by capillary action or moves downward only slightly before the water evaporates. This leads to the accumulation of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in the soil profile, often forming a hard layer called 'caliche'.

• Laterization occurs in hot, humid tropical climates with heavy rainfall, leading to intense leaching.
• Podsolization occurs in cool, moist climates (e.g., coniferous forests) where high precipitation leaches bases and organic matter.
• Gleization occurs in waterlogged, poorly drained environments where anaerobic conditions prevail.