(a) Two main characteristics of laterite soil are :
1. It is red in colour with high content of iron oxides.
2. High content of acidity and inability to retain moisture.
(b) Gujarat and Maharashtra are the regions of black soil. Two crops grown on this soil are cotton and sugarcane.
(c) Alluvial soil is formed by the deposition of sediments brought down by the rivers. This soil is agriculturally important because it is more fertile. It is rich in humus, lime and potash.
(d) Two important agents of erosion are :
1. Wind and
2. Running water.
Erosion by wind can be controlled by planting shelter belts perpendicular to the wind direction.
Erosion by running water can be controlled by planting trees, making dams across the river etc.
