Question

Which of the following soils of India is called 'Brick Soil'?

• A. Alluvium Soil
• B. Laterite Soil
• C. Black Soil
• D. Red Soil

Hint:

In Indian geography, understanding the formation, characteristics, and distribution of different soil types is crucial. Many soils have specific local names or common descriptors that reflect their properties or uses. Remembering these can help in identifying them, e.g., 'Regur' for Black Soil, or 'Brick Soil' for Laterite Soil.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understand the characteristics implied by 'Brick Soil'.
The term 'Brick Soil' suggests a soil type that possesses properties suitable for manufacturing bricks. This typically means the soil hardens considerably upon drying and can be cut into blocks for construction. Step 2: Analyze the properties of each given soil type in Indi(A)
(A) Alluvium Soil: Found in the Indo-Gangetic plains and river deltas. It is highly fertile, well-drained, and rich in humus. While it forms cohesive structures, it does not typically harden to the extent of being called 'Brick Soil' or being used directly as building blocks without significant processing.
(B) Laterite Soil: This soil is formed in areas with high temperatures and heavy rainfall, which leads to intense leaching of silica and accumulation of iron and aluminum oxides. When wet, it is soft, but upon drying, it becomes extremely hard, resembling bricks. This characteristic makes laterite soil ideal for quarrying and using as building blocks, hence it is commonly referred to as 'Brick Soil' or 'Lateritic brick'.
(C) Black Soil (Regur Soil): Predominantly found in the Deccan Trap region. It is rich in clay minerals, highly retentive of moisture, and known for cotton cultivation. It develops deep cracks in dry periods but does not harden into solid, brick-like masses.
(D) Red Soil: Formed from crystalline igneous and metamorphic rocks in low rainfall areas. Its red color is due to the high content of iron oxides. It is generally infertile and coarse-graine(D) While it can be used for some construction purposes, it lacks the distinct hardening property that gives laterite soil the name 'Brick Soil'. Step 3: Identify the soil type that is called 'Brick Soil'.
Based on the properties, Laterite Soil is characterized by its unique property of hardening significantly upon exposure to air and drying, making it suitable for use as building bricks. The final answer is $\boxed{\text{Laterite Soil}}$.