Given below are two statements: One is labeled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R):

Assertion (A): Laterite soil is formed under the conditions of high temperature and high rainfall with alternate wet and dry periods.
Reason (R): The laterite soils swell greatly and become sticky when wet in the rainy season and are also known as ‘Self ploughed’.

In the light of the above Statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

Correct option is C

• Assertion (A) is correct:

  • Laterite soil forms in hot and humid climates with high temperature and heavy rainfall.
  • The alternate wet and dry conditions cause leaching, which removes silica and enriches the soil with iron and aluminum oxides.
  • This process is called laterization, and the resulting soil is hard, porous, and poor in nutrients.
  • Found in Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Assam, and Odisha.

• Reason (R) is incorrect:

  • Laterite soil does not swell or become sticky when wet.
  • The characteristic of swelling and stickiness applies to black soil (Regur soil), which has high clay content and shrinks and cracks in dry weather.
  • Self-ploughing is a property of black soil, not laterite soil.

Since (A) is correct but (R) is incorrect, option (c) is correct.

• Rich in iron and aluminum oxides, giving it a reddish color.
• Highly leached and less fertile, requiring fertilizers for agriculture.
• Hardens irreversibly when exposed to air, making it useful for brick-making.
• Supports crops like tea, coffee, and cashew nuts.