UPSC CSE Prelims 2013
Laterite soils typically exhibit a red to reddish-brown colour, primarily attributed to the high concentration of iron oxides within their composition.
These soils are suitable for the cultivation of crops such as tapioca and cashew nuts, particularly in regions like Kerala, Karnataka, and parts of Maharashtra.
Laterite soils are generally deficient in essential plant nutrients such as nitrogen and potash. However, they are often rich in iron and aluminium oxides.
Laterite soils are not extensively developed in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. Their formation is characteristic of humid tropical and subtropical regions experiencing high rainfall and high temperatures, leading to intense leaching. They are prominently found in areas like the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, parts of the North-Eastern region, and plateau regions of Odisha, West Bengal, and Assam.