Question

What are the main constituents of soil in the mountainous regions?

Answer 1

HintThe soils are formed from the deposition of organic matter and sediment that are found on the forest beds of various mountainous regions. The mountain soils can be characterized into various types based on the zone and elevation of source along with the climatic conditions.

Complete step-by-step solutionSoils are vital for human well-being at all levels, creating a swarm of ecosystem services, including those that are life-supporting, regulating, provisioning, or cultural. Soils must be managed in an appropriate manner regardless of what kind of vegetation or plantation it is being used for. Apart from being available at a higher elevation, these soils exist in lower elevations that have an adequate amount of rainfall. These soils are formed by the accumulation of several organic matters (including rocks) that are found on the forest beds. The soils require a great number of fertilizers for plantations of tea, coffee, spices, and tropical fruits as they are rich in humus, but are lacking in potash, phosphorus, and lime. These soils occupy approximately 8.7% of the entire terrestrial range of the country, as well as the Himalayan region of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttaranchal, and correspondingly some parts of the Western and Eastern Ghats and the Peninsular plateau. Some fragments of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala conjointly contain these soils.

Note As mentioned above, although the question is about the elements found in soils in mountainous regions, these soils are also found in the non-mountainous regions of the country but they are not as useful since the weather conditions are not as favorable for the plantation of various vegetation.