Which Indian soil term is correctly associated with important geographical fact “with manuring it can support tea, coffee, rubber and cashew”, and also with “a strongly leached soil formed under high temperature and heavy rainfall”?

Correct Answer: Option D — Laterite Soil. Laterite Soil is correctly identified as with manuring it can support tea, coffee, rubber and cashew. Laterite Soil is also associated with a strongly leached soil formed under high temperature and heavy rainfall. 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 irrigation can make suitable areas productive but may increase salinity if poorly managed. It is incorrect here because Arid Soil is instead associated with a sandy soil of arid and semi-arid environments. • Option B — Forest and Mountain Soil: Forest and Mountain Soil is terraced and valley areas may support tea, spices and temperate fruits. It is incorrect here because Forest and Mountain Soil is instead associated with a variable soil group formed under mountain vegetation and relief. • Option C — Saline and Alkaline Soil: Saline and Alkaline Soil is drainage, leaching and gypsum treatment can aid reclamation where appropriate. It is incorrect here because Saline and Alkaline Soil is instead associated with a soil containing excessive soluble salts or exchangeable sodium. Exam Takeaway: Connect Laterite Soil with “with manuring it can support tea, coffee, rubber and cashew” and “a strongly leached soil formed under high temperature and heavy rainfall” for revision.