Geography question from JKAS Prelims, 2023 by JKPSC
Consider the following statements:
• Assertion (A): Many savannah areas have poor lateritic soils, incapable of supporting intense crops.
• Reason (R): Torrential rain and dry seasons lead to soil leaching and soil moisture evaporation in the savannah region.
Correct answer:
Last updated Jun 24, 2026
Correct Answer:
Option A —
A and R both correct and R is correct explanation of A
Breakdown of the Logic
Assertion (A) is correct: Savannah regions (tropical grasslands) are often characterized by lateritic soils (or Laterites). These soils are acidic, low in organic matter, and deficient in essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphate, and calcium. This makes them naturally poor for intensive agriculture without heavy fertilization.
Reason (R) is correct: The Savannah climate is defined by distinct alternating wet and dry seasons.
During the wet season, torrential rains cause heavy leaching, where water percolates down and washes away soluble minerals and nutrients (like silica), leaving behind insoluble iron and aluminum oxides (which give the soil its red color).
During the dry season, intense heat leads to high evaporation, which can cause the soil to bake into a hard, brick-like crust.
Why (R) explains (A)
The Reason describes the exact physical and chemical process that creates the "poor" quality of the soil mentioned in the Assertion. Because the nutrients are constantly being washed away by rain (leaching) and the soil structure is degraded by extreme evaporation, the resulting lateritic soil becomes "incapable of supporting intense crops."
Subject Context: Biogeography & Pedology
Answer verified by Quintessence Classes faculty — Karan Nagar, Srinagar.
