Page 327 - New Medley 4 Semester 1

Kerala, Assam and Meghalaya. Laterite soil is less fertile. When manure

is added, it can produce plantation crops, such as tea, coffee, rubber and
coconut.

• Critical thinking
Answer these questions.
1. What materials make soil?
2. What kind of soil is found in the delta of the Godavari?

3. What is the other name of black soil?
4. From which rocks is red soil formed?

Desert Soil

Desert soil is mostly found in the dry areas of
Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana and the Rann of Kachchh

in Gujarat. Desert soil is mostly loose sand with
a small amount of clay. Shortage of water in the

dry regions does not promote cultivation of crops.
Wherever water is available for irrigation, desert soils Desert Soil

can produce wheat, millets, maize, barley, cotton,
pulses, etc.

Mountain Soil

Mountain soil is found on hill slopes which are
covered with forests. Such soil is found in Himalayan

mountains and in the hilly areas of the Southern
Plateaus. This soil is rich in humus. When fertilisers

are added, the mountain soil can produce wheat,
maize, barley and fruits. It is also good for producing Mountain Soil

tea, coffee and spices.

Soil Erosion

Soil fertility varies from place to place and from one type of soil to
another. It can be destroyed by both human and natural factors. We must

prevent the erosion of soil and its fertility. The soil must be conserved

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