Describe any two characteristics of laterite soil.

(i) The laterite soil develops under tropical and subtropical climate with alternate wet and dry season.

(ii) This soil is the result of intense leaching due to heavy rain.

(iii) Lateritic soils are mostly acidic and deficient in plant nutrients.

(iv) It occurs mostly in southern states, Western Ghats region of Maharashtra, Odisha, some parts of West Bengal and North-east regions.

(v) This soil supports deciduous and evergreen forests because it is humus rich.

(vi) Under sparse vegetation and in semi-arid environment, it is generally humus poor.

(vii) After adopting appropriate soil conservation techniques particularly in the hilly areas of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, this soil is very useful for growing tea and coffee.

(viii) Red laterite soils in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala are more suitable for crops like cashew nut.