Question

What are the characteristics of laterite soils? Describe its distribution in India.

Answer 1

• The laterite soils are of brick colour.
• These are shallow, acidic and less fertile.
• These are less fertile due to leaching of soil.
• These are poor in nitrogen, potash but very rich in iron.
• These are found in Tamil Nadu, Western Ghats, Rajmahal hills, Vindhyas, Satpuras and Malwa plateau. These soils cover 7.5% area of the country
• Some areas of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Karnataka, Jharkhand also have laterite soils.
• These are suitable for cultivation of Rubber, Tea, Coffee and Coconut.