Question

What is ‘Desilication’ or ‘Leaching’?

Answer 1

Desilication (also called leaching) is the process by which silica and other soluble substances (and with them many plant nutrients) are washed out of the topsoil by heavy rainfall or percolating water. The soluble silica, lime and alkalis move downward, leaving behind iron- and aluminum-rich residues; this process makes the topsoil poorer in nutrients and more acidic and is a major cause of laterite (leached) soils.