Question

Explain the formation and important features of laterite soil

Answer 1

Answer:

Laterite soil is formed when the top fertile layer of the soil is washed away by rains etc.

Answer 2

Answer:

Formation : It develops in areas with high temperature and heavy rainfall. The laterite soil is a result of intense leaching owing to heavy tropical rains.

Features :

(i) The soils are acidic in nature, coarser and crumbly in texture.

(ii) Due to lack of nitrogen, potassium and organic elements, the laterite soils lack fertility, and are not suitable for cultivation. But when the soils are manured and irrigated, some crops can be cultivated.

(iii) As the soils are indefinitely durable, so they provide valuable building materials.