Correct Answer: Option A — Laterite Soil. Laterite Soil is correctly identified as a strongly leached soil formed under high temperature and heavy rainfall. Laterite Soil is also associated with found on parts of the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats and northeastern hills. Another identifying fact about Laterite Soil is that it is often rich in iron and aluminium oxides but poor in humus. A further exam-relevant fact about Laterite Soil is that with manuring it can support tea, coffee, rubber and cashew. Why the other options are incorrect: • Option B — Arid Soil: Arid Soil is a sandy soil of arid and semi-arid environments. It is incorrect here because Arid Soil is instead associated with prominent in western Rajasthan and adjoining dry regions. • Option C — Forest and Mountain Soil: Forest and Mountain Soil is a variable soil group formed under mountain vegetation and relief. It is incorrect here because Forest and Mountain Soil is instead associated with found across Himalayan and other highland regions. • Option D — Saline and Alkaline Soil: Saline and Alkaline Soil is a soil containing excessive soluble salts or exchangeable sodium. It is incorrect here because Saline and Alkaline Soil is instead associated with occurs in arid tracts, poorly drained plains and some coastal areas. Exam Takeaway: Connect Laterite Soil with “a strongly leached soil formed under high temperature and heavy rainfall” and “found on parts of the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats and northeastern hills” for revision.
