Which of the following characteristics is associated with red and yellow soils in India? 1. It develops on crystalline igneous rocks in area of heavy rainfall. 2. It develops a reddish colour due to diffusion of iron in crystalline and metamorphic rocks 3. It develops yellow colour in hydrated forms 4. It develops red and yellow colour due to iron and Sulphur in dry conditions. How many of the statements given above are correct

Red and Yellow soil

• Also known as the “omnibus group”.
• It covers about 18.5 % of the total land area of the country.
• It is found in regions of low rainfall (eastern and southern parts of the Deccan Plateau). Along the piedmont zone of the Western Ghats, a long stretch of area is occupied by red loamy soil. This soil is also present in parts of Odisha and Chattisgarh and in the southern parts of the Middle Ganga Plain. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
• The red colour is due to the presence of iron in crystalline and metamorphic rocks. The soil appears yellow when it is in hydrated form. Hence, statement 2 and 3 are correct and 4 is incorrect.
• The fine-grained red and yellow soil is usually fertile while the coarse-grained soil is less fertile.
• This type of soil is generally deficient in nitrogen, phosphorus and humus.
• Wheat, cotton, oilseeds, millets, tobacco, and pulses are mainly cultivated in red and yellow soil.