π Topic 04 of 6 Β· Chapter 04 Β· Soils of India
Laterite Soil of India
Distribution, properties, leaching, crops β complete notes for UPSC & PSC exams.
π± Laterite Soil β Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name origin | Latin “Later” = brick; hardens like brick when exposed to air |
| Formation | Intense leaching in high rainfall + high temperature areas; silica washed away; iron and aluminium oxides remain |
| Distribution | Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu (hills), Odisha, Assam, Meghalaya, Rajasthan (Aravalli) |
| Colour | Red to brick-red β due to iron oxide |
| Texture | Coarse; porous; friable |
| Fertility | Poor β leaching removes nutrients; deficient in nitrogen, potash, lime, humus |
| pH | Acidic |
π± Leaching β The Key Process
Leaching = the process by which heavy rainfall washes away soluble nutrients (silica, lime, potash) from the upper soil layers, leaving behind insoluble iron and aluminium oxides. This makes laterite soil infertile.
- Occurs in areas with heavy rainfall + high temperature + alternating wet and dry seasons
- Silica is leached out; iron and aluminium accumulate β red/brick colour
- Laterite soil hardens when exposed to air β used as building material in Kerala
πΎ Crops Grown in Laterite Soil
- Tea β Assam, Darjeeling (WB), Nilgiris (TN) β grows well in acidic laterite soil
- Coffee β Karnataka, Kerala β acidic soil suits coffee
- Cashew β Kerala, Goa, Karnataka
- Rubber, coconut, areca nut
- With heavy manuring and fertilizers, rice and tapioca can be grown
β Key Facts β Laterite Soil:
β’ “Later” (Latin) = brick = hardens like brick when dry
β’ Formed by leaching = heavy rainfall washes away silica and nutrients
β’ Rich in: Iron oxide, aluminium oxide
β’ Deficient in: Nitrogen, potash, lime, humus, silica
β’ Best for: Tea, coffee, cashew (acidic soil crops)
β’ Used as building material in Kerala (hardens when cut and exposed)
β’ “Later” (Latin) = brick = hardens like brick when dry
β’ Formed by leaching = heavy rainfall washes away silica and nutrients
β’ Rich in: Iron oxide, aluminium oxide
β’ Deficient in: Nitrogen, potash, lime, humus, silica
β’ Best for: Tea, coffee, cashew (acidic soil crops)
β’ Used as building material in Kerala (hardens when cut and exposed)