Describe features of laterite soil. Mention the places where they are found in India.

Laterite soil: (a) Features: (i) Laterite has been derived from the Latin word ‘later’ which means brick. It develops in areas with high temperature and heavy rainfall.
(ii) Humus content of the soil is low.
(iii) They lack in elements of fertility and are of low value for crop production.
(iv) They are composed of little clay and much gravel of red sandstones.
(v) They are suitable for cultivation with manures and fertilizers.
(b) Places: (l) They are found in Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh and hilly areas of Orissa and Assam.
(ii) 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.
(iii) Red laterite soil in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala are more suitable for crops like cashew nut.