What is a characteristic of lateritic soils?a)They are shallow and roc...
Lateritic soils are primarily the result of intense leaching caused by heavy rainfall in tropical and subtropical climates with alternating wet and dry seasons. This leaching process removes essential nutrients from the soil, making it less fertile. However, these soils are typically deep due to the weathering of underlying rock.
What is a characteristic of lateritic soils?a)They are shallow and roc...
Understanding Lateritic Soils
Lateritic soils are unique types of soils formed under specific climatic conditions, primarily in tropical regions. Their characteristics are largely influenced by the processes of weathering and leaching.
Formation through Leaching
- Lateritic soils are predominantly formed in regions with high rainfall and temperature.
- The intense weathering leads to a process known as leaching, where water filters through the soil, dissolving and removing soluble minerals and nutrients.
- This process results in the soil becoming relatively poor in nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus.
Characteristics of Lateritic Soils
- Deep but Poor Fertility: Lateritic soils can be deep, but due to leaching, they often lack the fertility necessary for agriculture.
- Iron and Aluminum Rich: They are typically rich in iron and aluminum oxides, giving them a reddish color and making them hard when dry.
- Low Organic Content: The leaching process also means that organic material is not retained well, leading to low organic content in these soils.
Conclusion
In summary, lateritic soils are mostly deep but result from leaching processes that strip away nutrients, rendering them less fertile for agricultural purposes. This characteristic is what distinguishes lateritic soils from other types, making option 'C' the correct answer.