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Q139
(NDA-II/2024)
Geography › Indian Physical Geography
Official Key
Which one of the following is found in appreciable amount in Laterite soil in India ?
Explanation
Laterite soils are formed in tropical and subtropical regions with high temperature and heavy seasonal rainfall. This climate induces intense leaching, a process where heavy rains wash away lime and silica, leaving the soil rich in iron and aluminium oxides.
- Deficiencies: These soils are generally poor in nitrogen, phosphate, calcium, and organic matter (humus) due to high bacterial activity and leaching.
- Abundance: According to standard NCERT textbooks and Indian geography sources, laterite soils contain an appreciable amount of potash and iron oxide.
The presence of iron oxide gives the soil its characteristic red color. While naturally low in fertility, laterite soils respond well to fertilizers and irrigation, making them suitable for growing plantation crops like tea, coffee, rubber, and especially cashew nuts in states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.
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