Which of the following soil types predominantly covers the steep slopes and middle altitudes of the temperate forest zones in Uttarakhand?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Brown forest soils, rich in organic matter derived from dense coniferous and broad-leaved forest litter, are characteristic of the temperate zones of Uttarakhand. Alluvial soils are mostly restricted to river valleys and the Terai region, while laterite soils are found in tropical regions with high leaching. Black cotton soils are typical of the Deccan basaltic plateau. Forest soils in mountain regions are sensitive to erosion and land use changes.