Which of the following statements regarding laterite soils of India are correct? 1. They are generally red in color. 2. They are rich in nitrogen and potash. 3. They are well-developed in Rajasthan and UP. 4. Topioca and cashew nuts grow well on these soils. Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

Laterite soils in India are generally red in color due to the high concentration of iron oxides [3]. They develop under tropical and subtropical climates with alternate wet and dry seasons, leading to intense leaching [2]. Consequently, these soils are poor in nitrogen, potash, potassium, lime, and organic matter [1]. Geographically, they are well-developed in the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, and parts of Odisha, Kerala, and the North-east, rather than Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, which are dominated by arid and alluvial soils [2]. While naturally low in fertility, laterite soils respond well to manuring and are particularly suitable for the cultivation of plantation crops such as cashew nuts, tapioca, tea, coffee, and rubber [3]. Therefore, statements 1 and 4 are correct, while statements 2 and 3 are incorrect.

Sources

1. [1] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 6: Soils > Table 6.1 > p. 8
2. [3] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 6: Soils > 6. Laterite Soils > p. 12
3. [2] NCERT. (2022). Contemporary India II: Textbook in Geography for Class X (Revised ed.). NCERT. > Chapter 1: The Rise of Nationalism in Europe > Laterite Soil > p. 11