Which one of the following statements is not correct about laterite s...
- Laterite soil is rich in aluminium and iron, formed in wet and hot tropical areas. Almost all laterite soils are red due to the presence of iron oxides. It is prepared by the prolonged and rigorous weathering of the parent rock.
Which one of the following statements is not correct about laterite s...
About Laterite Soils in India
Laterite soils are common in India, especially in the tropical regions with seasonal rainfall. These soils are formed by the leaching of soluble minerals like silica, calcium, and magnesium due to heavy rainfall. The remaining soil is rich in iron and aluminum oxides, which give it a reddish-brown color.
Buchanan first studied these soils in India, and they are well developed on the summits of the Sahyadris and the Eastern Ghats. However, there is one statement that is not correct about laterite soils in India, which is:
- These soils are poor in iron but rich in nitrogen.
This statement is incorrect because laterite soils are actually poor in nitrogen but rich in iron and aluminum oxides. The leaching of soluble minerals by heavy rainfall removes most of the nitrogen from the soil, making it unsuitable for agriculture without fertilization.
Conclusion
In conclusion, laterite soils are an important soil type in India, especially in the tropical regions with seasonal rainfall. They are formed by leaching of soluble minerals due to heavy rainfall, and they are rich in iron and aluminum oxides but poor in nitrogen. Buchanan first studied these soils, and they are well developed on the summits of the Sahyadris and the Eastern Ghats.