Question

Assertion (A): Laterite soils are rich in alumina and iron oxide, but are infertile.

Reason (R): Soluble plant food like potash are leached into the soil.

Options

• Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

• Both A and R are true but R does not explain A.

• A is true but R is false.

• A is false but R is true.

Answer 1

Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

Explanation:

Laterite soils are rich in alumina and iron oxide, giving them a red color, but are infertile because soluble plant nutrients like potash get leached away due to heavy rainfall, leaving behind mostly alumina and iron oxide. This leaching removes soluble plant foods, causing infertility.