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.
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Important Questions from Rocks and Soils
Soil, in which nearly all our food grows, is a living resource that takes years to form. Yet it can vanish in minutes. Each year 75 billion tonnes of fertile soil is lost to erosion. That is alarming — and not just for food producers. Soil can trap huge quantities of carbon dioxide in the form of organic carbon and prevent it from escaping into the atmosphere.
On the basis of the above passage, the following assumptions have been made :
1. Large scale soil erosion is a major reason for widespread food insecurity in the world.
2. Soil erosion is mainly anthropogenic.
3. Sustainable management of soils helps in combating climate change.
Which of the above assumptions is/are valid ?
With reference to agricultural soils, consider the following statements :
1. A high content of organic matter in soil drastically reduces its water holding capacity.
2. Soil does not play any role in the sulphur cycle.
3. Irrigation over a period of time can contribute to the salinization of some agricultural lands.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
Which of the following statements regarding laterite soils of India are correct?
1. They are generally red in colour.
2. They are rich in nitrogen and potash.
3. They are well-developed in Rajasthan and UP.
4. Tapioca and cashew nuts grow well on these soils.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Which of the following adds/add nitrogen to the soil?
1. Excretion of urea by animals
2. Burning of coal by man
3. Death of vegetation
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
When you travel in certain parts of India, you will notice red soil. What is the main reason for this colour ?
