Consider the following statements regarding the Laterite soils of India: 1. They are formed under conditions of high temperature and heavy rainfall with alternate wet and dry periods. 2. They are highly fertile soils ideal for large-scale intensive cereal cultivation without fertilizers. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Laterite soils form under conditions of high temperature and heavy rainfall through intense leaching that washes away soluble silica. While they are rich in iron and aluminum oxides, they lack essential nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and organic matter, rendering them generally poor for intensive agriculture without heavy manuring. These soils are predominantly found in regions like the summits of the Eastern Ghats, Western Ghats, and parts of Odisha.