Which of the following geochemical and pedogenic processes involves the upward capillary movement of groundwater rich in dissolved calcium carbonate and other soluble salts in arid or semi-arid climates, leading to the precipitation of a hard calcareous horizon known as caliche?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Calcification is the pedogenic process dominant in arid and semi-arid environments where evaporation exceeds precipitation, causing upward or restricted downward movement of soil water that precipitates calcium carbonate within the B horizon to form a cemented layer called caliche or kankar. Laterization occurs in hot, wet tropical zones with intense leaching of silica. Podzolization takes place in cold, humid coniferous forests under acidic litter conditions. Gleization operates in waterlogged, anaerobic environments.