Explanation:

Laterite soils are formed from chemical decomposition of rocks. These soils mainly contain iron oxide which gives them characteristic pink or red color. These soils are found in Central, Eastern and South India. These are residual soils formed from basalt and have high specific gravity.They are well developed in south Maharashtra, parts of Karnatka and kerla. Cashew nuts grow well on these soil.
Black soils are also called as regur soils. Central India and Deccan plateau mainly constitutes this type of soil. The soil is suitable for growing cottons. This type of soil is typically of the Deccan trap region spread over Northwest Deccan plateau and is made from lava flows. They cover the plateaus of Maharashtra, Saurashtra, Malwa, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and extend in South-East direction along Godavari and Krishna valleys. These soils contain essential clay minerals as montmorillonite. They are rich in aluminia, iron, lime and magnesium.
Alluvial soil is also known as riverine soil because it is mainly found in the river basin. Alluvial soil are very fertile. They contain potash, phosphoric acid and lime which are ideal for the growth of sugarcane, paddy, wheat and other cereal and pulse crops.

1. alluvial soil occupies 46% of area (15 lakh sq km acc to class pdf) 2.black soil covered 5.4 lakh sq km (in parts of gujarat, maharashtra, karnataka, telangana) 3. arid soil occupies the area of about 1.5 lakh sq km (mainly in western rajasthan) so, answer should be 4,3,2,1.