Laterite Soil Suitability for South Indian Plantations
Laterite soils are the primary reason South India's hilly regions are suitable for cultivating tea and coffee.
Why Laterite Soil is Ideal
- Leaching Resistance: Laterite soils are rich in iron and aluminum oxides, making them resistant to leaching, which is crucial in areas with heavy rainfall common in South Indian hills.
- Drainage: These soils generally have good drainage, preventing waterlogging, a condition detrimental to tea and coffee plants.
- Acidity: Laterite soils are often acidic, which suits the specific pH requirements for optimal tea and coffee growth.
- Nutrient Retention: While needing fertilization, they can retain nutrients effectively under plantation management.
Other Soil Types' Limitations
- Alluvial soils are typically found in river valleys and are better suited for grain crops.
- Black soils are ideal for cotton and sugarcane due to their high clay content and water retention capacity.
- Arid soils are found in dry areas and lack the moisture and organic matter needed for these plantation crops.
Therefore, the unique properties of laterite soil make it the most suitable soil type for extensive tea and coffee cultivation in the hilly tracts of South India.
Similar Questions
- Which of the following statements is correct about black soil?
- In dry areas, water from underground comes up through the soil by capillary action and dries quickly, leaving salts behind. These salts form a hard layer called:
- When we travel across the countryside, we see red soils in many regions. What is the reason for its colour?
- Which type of soil is mostly found in eastern coast of India?
- Which soil is the largest available and the most intensively cultivated soil in India?
- Which among the following is the process of covering the soil/ground to create more favourable conditions for plant growth, development and efficient crop production?
- In which soil does cotton grow best?
- Black soil is predominantly found in which one of the following states?
- In which soil does cotton grow best?
- Laterite soil develops in the area with:
Important Questions from Soils
Which of the following statements regarding Regur soil is/are correct?
1. It is a light coloured, clayey and fertile soil.
2. It is developed on Deccan basaltic lava under hot and humid conditions.
3. Cotton is extensively cultivated in this soil.
Select the answer using the code given below:
Which one of the following soils is ideal for growing cotton?
Which one of the following is an organic soil?
The term 'Regur' is used to mean;
Which of the following statements about black soil is INCORRECT?
