Understanding Acidic Soils in High Rainfall Areas
The question asks to identify the type of soil that is characterized by its acidic nature and is typically found in regions experiencing high rainfall. Let's analyze the properties of the different soil types mentioned in the options.
Laterite Soil Properties
Laterite soil is known for its distinct characteristics:
- Formation: It forms under conditions of high temperature and high rainfall. The high rainfall causes intense leaching, where soluble materials like silica and bases (calcium, magnesium, potassium) are washed away, leaving behind iron oxides and aluminum compounds.
- Acidity: Due to the leaching of essential bases, laterite soils tend to be acidic. The pH level is typically below 7.0, often ranging between 4.0 and 6.5.
- Location: These soils are predominantly found in regions with heavy rainfall, such as the Western Ghats of India, parts of the Eastern Ghats, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia.
- Appearance: They often have a brick-red color due to the high content of iron oxides.
Analysis of Other Soil Types
Let's consider why the other options are less likely:
- Red soil: While found in areas with varying rainfall, red soils are generally less acidic than laterite soils and are formed from the weathering of crystalline and metamorphic rocks. They can sometimes be acidic but are not exclusively defined by high rainfall conditions like laterite soils.
- Alluvial soil: These soils are formed by the deposition of sediments carried by rivers and are generally found in river valleys and plains. They are typically neutral to slightly alkaline and are known for their fertility, not acidity or specific high-rainfall formation processes.
- Black soil: Also known as Regur or Black Cotton Soil, these are formed from volcanic rocks and are rich in clay. They are typically alkaline to neutral in reaction and are excellent for growing cotton due to their high moisture-retention capacity. They are not primarily associated with high rainfall or acidity.
Conclusion
Based on the defining characteristics of being acidic and forming in high rainfall areas due to intense leaching, Laterite soil is the correct identification.
Important Questions from Soils
The soil that is present over the piedmont plains such as Chos and Duars is
Which of the following statements regarding Soil is/are FALSE?
1. Fertile soil supports plant growth by providing plants with nutrients, acting as a water holding body and serving as the substrate to which plants anchor their roots.
2. Vegetation, tree cover and forest prevents soil degradation and desertification by stabilizing the soil, maintaining water and nutrient cycling.
3. Grass found on pasture lands cannot protect the soil against soil erosion and also inhibits the soil biological activities.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:With reference to the different types of soil found in India, identify the pairs which is/are wrongly matched.
1. Submontane soil - These are formed by the deposition of eroded material and are found in the Tarai region stretching from Jammu and Kashmir to Assam.
2. Karewa soil - These are the lacustrine deposits found in the Kashmir valleys and Bhadarwah Valley.
3. Peaty and Marshy soil - These are typical soils of the monsoon climate characterised by seasonal rainfall and is deficient in organic matter.
4. Laterite soil - These soils are rich in humus and organic matter.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:Match List I with List II.
List – I (Pedogenic Process) List – II (Description) A. Podzolization I. It is associated with humid cold mid-latitude climates and coniferous vegetation B. Laterization II. It is associated with soils found in tropical and subtropical environments C. Calcification III. It is associated with warm, semi-arid environments, usually in grassland vegetation where evapotranspiration exceeds precipitation D. Gleization IV. It is associated with poorly drained and water logged areas of cold climates and peat is found in the upper portion of the soil Which of the following features are associated with Regur Soils in India?
1. It develops on crystalline igneous rocks as a result of intense leaching.
2. It is rich in Iron, Potash and Phosphoric contents.
3. It is typically found in north-west region of Deccan plateau and made up of lava flows.
4. It is rich in calcium carbonate, magnesium, potash and lime.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
