Home PYQs UPPSC UPPSC MCQs Prelims 2001 (GS Paper I)

Question

Which one of the following statements is not true for laterite soils?

  1. They are the soils of the humid tropical regions
  2. They are highly leached soils
  3. Their fertility is low
  4. They are rich in lime

Answer:

Option D: They are rich in lime

Detailed Solution:

The correct answer is “They are rich in lime”.

The statement that is not true for laterite soils is: (4) They are rich in lime.

1) Laterite soils are commonly found in regions with high temperature and heavy rainfall, typical of humid tropical climates.

2) Laterite soils undergo intense leaching due to heavy rainfall, leading to the removal of soluble nutrients and leaving behind insoluble iron and aluminum oxides.

3) Laterite soils are generally infertile due to the leaching process, which removes nutrients necessary for plant growth.

4) Laterite soils are not rich in lime; instead, they are often acidic due to the leaching of basic nutrients.