Question
Define laterite soils. Where are they found?

Answer

Laterite soil is formed by intense leaching due to heavy rainfall. It forms in hot and tropical regions where the climate is humid.
Humus content of this soil is low on because most of the micro-organisms, particularly the decomposers, like bacteria get destroyed due to high temperature. These soils are rich in iron oxides, and are suitable for cultivation with adequate doses of manures and fertilisers. In the regions where there is sufficient humus, we find evergreen forests.

In India, laterite soils are basically found in southern states, Western Ghats of Maharashtra, Odisha, some of the regions of West Bengal and northeastern regions. Tea and coffee are grown in the laterite soils of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Laterite soils of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala are more suitable for cashew crops.

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