characteristics of alluvial soil, black soil, red and yellow soil, laterite soil, arid soil and forest soil

Dear Student,

The following is the answer to your question.

Alluvial soil- It is a loose form of soil that consists of sediments made up of eroded rock material. Silt, clay, sand and gravel are some of the constituents of alluvial soil. It is very fertile in nature and suitable for agriculture, particularly crops like rice.

Black soil- It consists of large amount of clay and humus and is formed from basic rocks like basalt and in places of lava deposits. This type of soil is suitable for cotton cultivation. In India, it is found in the Deccan Plateau region.

Red Soil- This type of soil is rich in iron oxide content that fives it a reddish tinge. It is formed by breakdown of igneous and metamorphic rocks. THis type of soil is also found in the Deccan Plateau region in India. It is also known as yellow soil.

Laterite soil- This type of soil is rich in alumunium and iron content and is formed in wet and tropical areas. It is formed through the process of tropical weathering or leaching. The ions formed as a result of hydrolysis during leaching are brought to surface and form salt compounds which are washed away by rains. This soil is not very fertile.

Arid soil- This type of soil is sandy and saline and is found in arid regions, particularly deserts. The soil lacks humus and moisture due to dry climate and rapid evaporation. The calcium content in this type of soil increases downwards.

Forest soil- It is rich in dead organic matter and humus content caused by their decomposition. Thus, the soil is rich in nutrients.

Hope this resolves your query.

Best wishes