Question

Consider the following statements regarding laterite soils:

1. These soils are the result of high leaching under tropical rains.

2. They are unsuitable for cultivation of crops like cashew, rubber and coffee.

• A. 1 only
• B. 2 only
• C. Both 1 and 2
• D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer 1

Answer:

A. 1 only

• Correct Answer: Option A) 1 only

• Laterite soils are a specific type of soil formation found in tropical regions with distinctive characteristics:

• Statement 1: These soils are the result of high leaching under tropical rains" - Correct. Laterite soils form in areas with high rainfall and high temperatures typical of tropical and subtropical regions.

• The intense rainfall causes extensive leaching (washing away) of soluble minerals and organic matter from the upper layers of soil.

• During this process, silica is removed, and the soil becomes enriched with insoluble iron and aluminum oxides, giving laterite soils their characteristic reddish or reddish-brown color.

• This leaching process is fundamental to laterite soil formation and is accurately described in statement 1.

• Statement 2: They are unsuitable for cultivation of crops like cashew, rubber and coffee- Incorrect

• Contrary to this statement, laterite soils are actually well-suited for growing tree crops like cashew, rubber, and coffee.

• While laterite soils may be less fertile for many food crops due to leaching of nutrients, they provide good drainage and aeration that tree crops like cashew, rubber, and coffee prefer.

• These plantation crops have adapted to thrive in laterite soil conditions, and many major rubber and coffee plantations are established in areas with laterite soils, particularly in states like Kerala and Karnataka.

• In fact, cashew, rubber, and coffee are among the recommended crops for laterite soil regions in India.