The name of the soil Laterite is based on the Latin ‘Later,’ meaning brick. When moist, the laterite soil is as smooth as butter; however, they become rigid and clumpy when dry. As a result, they are commonly cut into bricks to be used in house construction. Owing to the existence of iron oxide, these soils are red. 

Lateritic soil in India is more common on high flat eroding slopes. The recurring dry and wet months cause the siliceous substance of the rocks to drain away, leaving the aluminum and iron compounds. 

Areas in India Where Laterite Soil is Found

Laterite soil in India is common, accounting for more than 10% of the entire geographic region. An uninterrupted tract of this soil may be encountered between 1000 and 1500 meters above sea level on the peaks of the Eastern Ghats, the Western Ghats, Vindhyan, Satpuras, the Rajmahal Hills, and the Malwa Plateau. It can also be found at lower elevations and in valleys of other regions of the nation. 

They are firmly established in south Maharashtra, sections of Karnataka, and other areas and are commonly dispersed in other areas.Moreover, it is also prevalent in Maharashtra’s Ratnagiri, Malabar Coastal Plains, as well as some parts of Andhra Pradesh. Moreover, these soils are widespread in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, and the hilly regions of Orissa and Assam.

Features of Laterite Soils 

Some of the essential features of laterite soil in India are as follows:

  • Rain washes away silica and lime, leaving soils rich in aluminum and iron oxide compounds. Furthermore, microorganisms that flourish at high temperatures quickly deplete the soil’s humus component.
  • Because of the high temperature, the organic matter in the soil will be swiftly eliminated by bacteria, and trees and shrubs can readily absorb humus. As a result, the humus concentration is low.
  • These soils result from the breakdown and are often poor in fertility.
  • These soils are deficient in organic matter, phosphate, nitrogen, and calcium but abundant in iron oxide and potash.
  • Laterites are distinguished by their pebbly crust, which forms due to the alternation of dry and wet periods.
  • Because of leaching, these soils have an acidic quality. Therefore, fertilizers and manure must be applied to these soils for them to be cultivable.

Appropriate Crops Grown in Laterite Soils

This soil is deficient in fertility as a result of extensive leaching. Laterite is thought to have originated in hot and humid tropical environments. Because of the high iron oxide concentration, almost all laterites are rusty-red in color. Laterite soil is very useful for growing rubber, wheat, rice cultivation, pulse cultivation, and coconut farming. In addition, because of the high iron content, this soil is frequently utilized to create bricks. 

This soil is especially good for growing coffee and tea if good soil conservation practices are used, notably in hilly parts of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Also, Laterite soil is very useful for growing cashew nuts in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. However, these soils are typically appropriate for growing the majority of dryland crops. It is mainly planted with arecanut, banana, vegetables, tapioca, yams, pineapple, pepper, fruit trees, etc.

Laterite’s Chemical Composition

These soils are formed due to high leaching. Ferric oxides and Bauxite are abundant in laterite soil. They are highly deficient in lime, magnesia, potash, and nitrogen. Phosphate concentration in the iron phosphate form might be considerable at times. Humus concentrations may be greater in rainy areas.

Economic Value

Laterite soil is excellent for agriculture when fertilized with dung and sand. In addition, laterite and lateritic soils are excellent construction materials. Laterites may be readily cut into standard-sized blocks with a shovel when damp. 

This soil is extracted while soft and wet, as it is below sea level. When exposed to air, the moisture between flat clay granules dries. Because it is the terminal result of weathering, this cannot be damaged further and is exceptionally durable.

The distinction between Laterite and Red Soil

  • In low-rainfall locations, red soil forms atop crystalline igneous rocks. Whereas laterite soil forms in hot, humid climates with a lot of rain.
  • Red soil may be found in sections of Odisha and Chhattisgarh and the southern reaches of the Ganga plain and throughout the Western Ghats’ piedmont zone. However, this soil is found mainly in Kerala, Karnataka, and hilly portions of Assam and Odisha.
  • Red soil gets its crimson color from iron diffusion in crystalline and metamorphic rocks. But the humus level of the soil is relatively low.

Conclusion

Laterite soil has a rough appearance and is erodible and absorbent. Laterites vary greatly depending on their location, environment, and depth. We have covered all of the essential facts to understand these soils in-depth. You can get it all here, from the types of crops grown to their chemical composition. If you want any concerns about the topic, you may look at the questions below.