Which Indian soil term is correctly associated with course, basin or associated feature “it is often rich in iron and aluminium oxides but poor in humus”, and also with “with manuring it can support tea, coffee, rubber and cashew”?

Correct Answer: Option C — Laterite Soil. Laterite Soil is correctly identified as it is often rich in iron and aluminium oxides but poor in humus. Laterite Soil is also associated with with manuring it can support tea, coffee, rubber and cashew. 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 A — Arid Soil: Arid Soil is low humus and moisture are common limitations. It is incorrect here because Arid Soil is instead associated with irrigation can make suitable areas productive but may increase salinity if poorly managed. • Option B — Forest and Mountain Soil: Forest and Mountain Soil is texture and humus content change markedly with altitude and slope. It is incorrect here because Forest and Mountain Soil is instead associated with terraced and valley areas may support tea, spices and temperate fruits. • Option D — Saline and Alkaline Soil: Saline and Alkaline Soil is reh, usar and kallar are regional names associated with salt-affected land. It is incorrect here because Saline and Alkaline Soil is instead associated with drainage, leaching and gypsum treatment can aid reclamation where appropriate. Exam Takeaway: Connect Laterite Soil with “it is often rich in iron and aluminium oxides but poor in humus” and “with manuring it can support tea, coffee, rubber and cashew” for revision.