Laterite Soil
Laterite soil, derived from the Latin word later, meaning brick, is typically found in tropical and subtropical regions. It develops under conditions characterized by prolonged wet and dry seasons. Intense leaching due to heavy rainfall alters the soil's composition, generally leading to high acidity (pH < 6.0) and nutrient deficiency. The resultant soil varies from being nutrient-rich in areas with dense forests to nutrient-poor in regions with sparse vegetation. This soil supports diverse flora like deciduous and evergreen forests and can be beneficial for agricultural practices such as tea and coffee plantations when appropriate soil conservation techniques are applied, particularly in regions like Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. However, its exposure on slopes makes it prone to erosion and degradation.