1ICAR-National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, Regional Centre, Bangalore, 560024
2ICAR-National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, Amravati Road, Nagpur, 440033
*Corresponding Author email: anilsoils@yahoo.co.in
Online published on 17 February, 2017.
Influence of climatic variations on characteristics of red and lateritic soils formed towards west and east of Western Ghats spread over Kerala and Karnataka was studied by selecting nine pedons, 6 in Kerala and 3 in Karnataka. The formation of diverse group of soils could be attributed to the effect of topography, vegetation and climate leading to various pedogenic processes. Variation in soil characteristics and land qualities are attributed to total, frequency and distribution of rainfall, potential evapo-transpiration, which have significantly influenced the active pedogenic processes and results in profound changes in soil characteristics. The soil constraints due to climatic influence can be reduced through effective management practices.
Red soils, Lateritic soils, Pedogenic process, Climate, Soil characteristics and Land use
