UPSC Prelims 2013 · GS Paper I
Question 62: Geography
Which of the following statements regarding laterite soils of India are correct?
- 1.They are generally red in colour.
- 2.They are rich in nitrogen and potash.
- 3.They are well-developed in Rajasthan and UP.
- 4.Tapioca and cashew nuts grow well on these soils.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).
Laterite forms in hot, wet climates, where heavy rain leaches out silica, nitrogen, potash and lime and leaves iron and aluminium oxides, which give it a red colour. It is therefore poor in nitrogen and potash. It is found in the Western Ghats, Karnataka, Kerala, Odisha and Assam, not in dry Rajasthan or Uttar Pradesh. Tapioca and cashew nuts grow well on it. So statements 1 and 4 are correct.
- 1. Iron oxides make laterite red.
- 2. Leaching leaves it poor in nitrogen and potash.
- 3. It is found in high-rainfall regions, not Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
- 4. Tapioca and cashew suit laterite soils.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 2 is not correct, (a), (b) and (d) go: each of them includes 2.
What you needed to know: Leaching leaves it poor in nitrogen and potash.
Only (c) is left. You didn’t need statements 1, 3 or 4.
Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong. Laterite is poor in nitrogen, and not well developed in Rajasthan or Uttar Pradesh.
- (b) Wrong. Statements 2 and 3 are false.
- (c) Correct. Laterite is red, and tapioca and cashew grow well on it.
- (d) Wrong. Statements 2 and 3 are both false.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2013, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.