Which one of the following is found in appreciable amount in Laterite soil in India?
Laterite Soil Nutrient Profile in India
Laterite soils are a distinct group of soils found primarily in tropical and subtropical regions, including significant areas in India. They are known for their formation under conditions of high temperature and heavy rainfall, leading to intense weathering and leaching. Understanding the nutrient composition of these soils is crucial for effective agriculture.
Identifying Appreciable Nutrients in Laterite Soil
The question asks which nutrient is found in an appreciable amount in Laterite soil in India. Let's analyze the common nutrient characteristics of Laterite soils:
- Formation Process: Laterite soils form due to the removal of silica and bases (like calcium, magnesium, potassium) by leaching, leaving behind iron and aluminum oxides and hydroxides.
- Nutrient Deficiencies: Typically, Laterite soils are known to be deficient in essential plant nutrients such as Nitrogen (due to rapid decomposition of organic matter in warm climates) and Phosphate (which can be fixed in unavailable forms by iron and aluminum oxides). Calcium and Magnesium are also often leached out significantly.
- Potash (Potassium): While leaching affects base cations, the parent material and weathering processes can sometimes leave Potash (Potassium) in relatively more significant amounts compared to other deficient nutrients like Nitrogen and Phosphate. Although potassium can also be leached, it is often present in Laterite soils in amounts considered more 'appreciable' than nitrogen, phosphorus, or calcium, especially when compared to severely deficient levels.
Analysis of Options
Considering the general characteristics of Laterite soils in India:
- Calcium: Generally found in low amounts due to leaching.
- Phosphate: Often deficient or unavailable.
- Potash: Relatively higher concentration compared to Nitrogen and Phosphate, hence considered appreciable.
- Nitrogen: Typically very deficient.
Conclusion on Soil Nutrients
Based on the typical soil chemistry of Laterite soils, Potash is the nutrient found in the most appreciable amount among the given options, despite potential leaching issues.
Similar Questions
- Quartzite is metamorphosed from which one of the following rocks?
Important Questions from Rocks and Soils
Which of the following statements with reference to Salt Weathering is/are correct? 1. Salt crystallisation is the most effective of all the salt weathering processes. 2. Salt crystal growth is more effective over sedimentary rocks as compared to igneous rocks.
Which of the following statements with reference to Salt Weathering is/are correct?
1. Salt crystallisation is the most effective of all the salt weathering processes.
2. Salt crystal growth is more effective over sedimentary rocks as compared to igneous rocks.- Which one among the following statements regarding igneous rock is correct ?
- Consider the following statements regarding metamorphic rocks :
1. Ortho-metamorphic rocks are formed from igneous rocks.
2. Intense heat of the intruding magmas results in metamorphism of the surrounding rocks, a process known as dynamic metamorphism.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? - Which of the following statements about the Black Soils of India is/are correct ?
1. Black Soils cover most of the Deccan Plateau.
2. Also known as 'Regur', they are generally clayey, deep and impermeable.
3. Since they are impermeable, rainfed crops do not grow well in Black Soils.
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