Red, Yellow and Laterite Soils

• Soils are generally poor in phosphoric content.
• They develop deep cracks during hot weather, which aids in aeration.
• These soils become sticky when wet and are difficult to work with unless tilled immediately after the first shower or during the pre-monsoon period.

Red and Yellow Soils

• Red soil develops on crystalline igneous rocks.
• Found in areas of low rainfall in the eastern and southern parts of the Deccan plateau.
• Yellow and red soils can be found in parts of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, southern parts of the middle Ganga plain, and along the piedmont zone of the Western Ghats.
• These soils develop a reddish color due to diffusion of iron in crystalline and metamorphic rocks.
• Appears yellow when in a hydrated form.
• Dry soil has a red color.

Laterite Soil

• The term "laterite" comes from the Latin word "later," which means brick.
• Laterite soil develops under tropical and subtropical climates with alternating wet and dry seasons.
• This soil results from intense leaching due to heavy rain.
• Lateritic soils are mostly deep to very deep, acidic (pH < 6.0), and generally deficient in plant nutrients.
• Occurs mostly in southern states, the Western Ghats region of Maharashtra, Odisha, and some parts of West Bengal and North-east regions.
• In areas with deciduous and evergreen forests, these soils are rich in humus but under sparse vegetation and in semi-arid environments, they are generally poor in humus.
• Prone to erosion and degradation.
• With appropriate soil conservation techniques in hilly areas of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, this soil is useful for growing tea and coffee.
• Red laterite soils in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala are more suitable for crops such as cashew nut.

Arid Soils

• Arid soils range from red to brown in color.
• Generally sandy in texture and saline in nature.
• Salt content is very high in some areas, and common salt is obtained by evaporating the water.
• Due to the dry climate and high temperature, evaporation is faster.
• Lacks humus and moisture.
• Lower horizons often contain Kankar due to increasing calcium content downwards.
• Kankar layer formations restrict water infiltration.
• With proper irrigation, these soils can become cultivable.

Forest Soils

• Found in hilly and mountainous areas where sufficient rain forests are available.
• Soil texture varies according to the mountain environment.
• Loamy and silty in valley sides; coarse-grained in the upper slopes.