Explanation:

Red Soil in India

• They are mainly formed due to the decomposition of ancient crystalline rocks like granites and gneisses and from rock types rich in minerals such as iron and magnesium. The term ‘red soil’ is due to the wide diffusion of iron oxides through the materials of the soil.

• Covers almost the whole of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, S.E. Maharashtra, Chhatisgarh, parts of Orissa, Jharkhand and Bundelkhand.

• Generally deficient in nitrogen, humus and phosphorus, but rich in potash.

• Suitable for rice, millets, tobacco and vegetables (also groundnuts and potatoes at higher elevations).

Black Soil in India

• Also called Regur and is ideal for cotton crop. These soils have been formed due to the solidification of lava spread over large areas during volcanic activity in the Deccan Plateau, thousands of years ago.

• They are black due to compounds of iron and aluminium (also because of titaniferous magnetite).

• Mainly found in Deccan Plateau – Maharashtra, Gujarat, M.P, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu.

• Apart from cotton cultivation, these fertile soils are suitable for growing cereals, oilseeds, citrus fruits and vegetables, tobacco and sugarcane.

• They have high moisture retention level.

• Lack in phosphorus, nitrogen and organic matter.

Laterite Soil in India

• Found in typical monsoon conditions – under conditions of high temperature and heavy rainfall with alternate wet and dry periods. The alterations of wet and dry season leads to the leaching away of siliceous matter and lime of the rocks and a soil rich in oxides of iron and aluminium compounds is left behind.

• Found in parts of Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, Rajmahal hills, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Orissa, West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, etc.

• Poor in nitrogen and minerals.

• Best for tea, coffee, rubber, cinchona, coconut and suitable for rice and millet cultivation if manured