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Difficulty: EasySoil Types, Distribution, and Soil Conservation in Nigeria

In the regional pedological zonation of Nigeria, which soil group is predominantly found within the humid tropical rainforest belt of the south and is heavily leached due to high rainfall?

  1. Ferrallitic soilsAnswer
  2. B
    Regosols
  3. C
    Ferruginous tropical soils
  4. D
    Hydromorphic soils

Answer

Ferrallitic soils are the main soil group occupying the humid tropical rainforest zone of Southern Nigeria, characterized by heavy leaching resulting from high annual rainfall.
Ferrallitic soils (also known as latosols) are the dominant zonal soil type of the humid rainforest belt of Southern Nigeria. Abundant annual rainfall promotes deep chemical weathering and extensive leaching (ferrallitization), leaving behind acidic soils rich in iron and aluminum oxides.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the geographical region and climate zone specified in the stem
The target area is Southern Nigeria, which is defined by high annual rainfall and humid tropical rainforest vegetation.
Soil formation and geographical distribution in Nigeria are heavily influenced by latitudinal climatic gradients.
2
Match the environmental conditions to the corresponding Nigerian zonal soil type
Continuous high rainfall in the southern forest zone causes intense leaching of soluble bases, producing Ferrallitic soils (latosols).
Ferrallitic soils form under intense leaching conditions where silica and bases are washed away, leaving residual iron and aluminum oxides.

Key Concept

Ferrallitic soil distribution in Southern Nigeria
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Topics

Soil Types, Distribution, and Soil Conservation in Nigeria

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