Write a Short Note on Laterite Soil
By BYJU'S Exam Prep
Updated on: November 9th, 2023
Laterite Soil is one of the most nutrient-rich soils available with several uses. A wide range of soil types and varieties are available throughout our country. This includes Laterite soil, Black soil, Alluvial soil, Sandy soil, Silt soil, Laterite soil, Loamy soil, and Clay soil. The word ‘laterite’ has been derived from the Latin word ‘later’, which means brick.
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Laterite Soil Short Notes
It is widely believed that laterite, a soil and rock type rich in iron and aluminum, originated in hot, humid tropical regions. Because they contain a lot of iron oxide, nearly all laterites are rusty-red in color.
When there exist conditions of high temperatures and significant rainfall, with alternate wet and dry intervals, they grow via intensive and extended weathering of the parent rock beneath. Laterite soil is an important resource for several industries and has multiple uses in construction, landscaping, and mining.
Properties of Laterite Soil
Let’s learn more about laterite soil and its properties that make it ideal for growing crops.
- Color: The color of laterite soil is perhaps the easiest way to identify it. Since laterite soil is rich in iron and has a high iron dioxide content, it is typically a rusty-red to yellowish color.
- Formation: Laterite soil is believed to have formed in wet tropical areas due to the parent rock’s intensive and long weathering processes. Moreover, it is formed under heavy rainfall conditions and high temperatures that lead to soil leaching, leaving only iron and aluminum oxides.
Uses of Laterite Soil
The uses of Laterite Soil are as follows:
- Laterite soil is one of the best building materials. It cuts efficiently with the help of a spade, and it hardens quickly when exposed to air.
- With the help of proper irrigation and fertilizers, laterite soil becomes ideal for growing many crops like coffee, coconut, rubber, tea, etc.
- Laterite soil is also used in sewers, cisterns, flagstones, moles, and quays.
- Laterite soil is used as a base material for building roads and highways in many parts of India.
Summary:
Write a Short Note on Laterite Soil
Laterite soil is generally formed in wet tropical areas and contains high quantities of iron and iron oxide that give it a yellowish to rusty red color. It is used for growing various crops and as a building material due to its many properties and texture. Lastly, some of the crops that can be grown on laterite soil include coffee, tea, rubber, and coconut.
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