Question

(i) Formed by the lateralization process ; (ii) Acidic ($<$6.0), with low CEC (iii). Deficient in almost all nutrients but can be managed well (iv). Occur in about 18 million ha in the southern states, Western Ghats of Maharashtra, Orissa, some part of West Bengal and north-east regions_____is called:
(A). Alluvial Soils
(B). Black Soils
(C). Desert Soils
(D). Laterite and Lateritic Soils
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• (D) only.
• (A) and (B) only.
• (B) and (C) only.
• (B) only.

Hint:

The word "Laterite" is derived from the Latin word "Later," meaning brick.
These soils are rich in iron oxides, which give them a deep red color and cause them to harden like bricks upon drying.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Soils are formed through pedogenic processes influenced by climate, parent material, topography, organic activity, and time.
Lateralization is a typical soil-forming process in warm, humid tropical and subtropical regions.
It involves intense leaching of silica and basic cations, leaving behind insoluble iron and aluminum oxides in the upper soil horizons.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze the diagnostic features provided in the question:
- Pedogenic process: Lateralization is the specific process that forms Laterite and Lateritic soils.
In highly weathered environments, rain leaches silica out of the profile, causing a concentration of sesquioxides (\( \text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3 \) and \( \text{Al}_2\text{O}_3 \)).
- Chemical properties: These soils are highly acidic (pH \( < 6.0 \)) due to the loss of basic cations (calcium, magnesium, potassium).
They are dominated by kaolinite clay and iron/aluminum oxides, which have low cation exchange capacity (CEC).
- Nutrient status: Intense leaching renders these soils highly deficient in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and organic matter.
However, with proper management (liming, balanced fertilization, organic manure addition), they can support productive crops like cashew, tea, coffee, and rubber.
- Geographical distribution: Laterite soils occupy about 18 million hectares in India, primarily along the Western Ghats (Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka), Odisha, West Bengal, and parts of the North-Eastern states.
This description perfectly matches Laterite and Lateritic Soils.
Therefore, only statement (D) is correct.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The soils described are Laterite and Lateritic Soils, which corresponds to option (A).