Tropical Red Latosols Flashcards
(11 cards)
Where are Tropical Red Latosols typically found?
Under tropical rainforests, mainly between 23.5°N and 23.5°S, such as the Amazon Basin, Congo Basin, and Southeast Asia.
How deep can Tropical Red Latosol soils get, and why?
They can reach 30–40 metres deep due to rapid chemical weathering in hot, humid climates.
Why is the A horizon of Tropical Red Latosol thin?
Because nutrients from leaf litter are quickly absorbed by dense vegetation.
What happens to nutrients in Tropical Red Latosol due to heavy rainfall?
They are leached due to rainfall exceeding evapotranspiration.
Why is the B horizon of Tropical Red Latosol red?
Because of iron and aluminium oxides left behind after leaching.
What is the laterite layer in Tropical Red Latosol?
A layer rich in iron that is soft when wet and hard when dry, often used in construction.
Why is Tropical Red Latosol soil low in fertility?
Because nutrients are rapidly leached, making it poor for long-term farming.
How does deforestation affect Tropical Red Latosol soils?
It increases exposure, leading to more leaching and soil degradation.
What is slash-and-burn farming, and how does it affect the soil?
A traditional method that adds nutrients from ash; land is left fallow to recover.
What is the impact of commercial farming on Tropical Red Latosol?
It clears large areas, giving no recovery time, which causes permanent soil damage and reduced productivity.
How is laterite soil used in construction?
When dried, it becomes strong and durable, making it a useful building material.
