Question 29
MediumOriginal questionLaterite soil forms under which conditions?
Show the answer and explanation
CorrectNot quiteAnswer C
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Laterite forms where high temperature and heavy seasonal rain wash the soluble minerals out of the soil.
What is left behind is rich in iron and aluminium oxides, which gives laterite its red colour and its hardness.
It is poor in nitrogen, lime and organic matter, so it needs heavy manuring before it will farm well.
Worth noting
Weathering of basalt lava produces black soil, not laterite — that is the option worth reading twice.
- Concept
- How laterite soil forms
- Typical timeTypical
- 40 s
- Your timeYours
- —
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Ten questions from India: Geography & Environment, at your own pace.