Step 1: Understanding Laterite soil.
Laterite soil is rich in iron and aluminum and undergoes desiccation (drying out) under high temperature and low rainfall conditions.
Step 2: Analysis of other options.
- (A) Incorrect: Laterite soil is not clayey but rather coarse in texture.
- (B) Incorrect: Laterite soil is not moisture-retentive; it is usually dry due to its nature.
- (C) Incorrect: Laterite soil is not particularly rich in calcium, but it contains iron and aluminum.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (D), as Laterite soil undergoes desiccation in dry conditions, leading to its hardened structure.
Final Answer: It undergoes desiccation.