2016 · Q7
Consider the following statements regarding laterite soils of India:
- 1Laterite soils are generally red in colour
- 2Laterite soils are rich in nitrogen and potash
- 3Laterite soils are well developed in Rajasthan and UP
- 4Tapioca and cashew nuts grow well in this soil Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
General KnowledgeGeography
- A1 only
- B2, 3 and 4
- C1 and 4 only
- D1, 2 and 4
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: laterite soils are generally red because of the high content of iron and aluminium oxides left after intense leaching. Statement 2 is wrong: laterites are deficient in nitrogen, potash, lime and magnesia, being leached soils, though rich in iron oxide and potash-poor. Statement 3 is wrong: laterites develop in high-rainfall areas such as the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Odisha and Madhya Pradesh, not in arid Rajasthan or most of UP. Statement 4 is correct: tapioca and cashew nuts grow well in laterite soils. Only 1 and 4 are correct, option (C).