Concept:
- When several clues are given, the fastest method is to pick the clue that eliminates the most options and apply it first.
- Here the words “dry climate” do most of the work.
Step 1: Apply the climate clue.
Clue (3) states plainly that the soil lacks humus because the climate is dry. Laterite soil forms under heavy rainfall and forest soil forms where forests grow, and forests need rain.
Options (A) and (B) are removed by this single clue.
Step 2: Apply the texture clue to the remaining two.
Clue (1) says the soil is sandy. Black soil is made of extremely fine clayey material and holds moisture well, which is the opposite of sandy.
Option (D) is removed.
Step 3: Confirm with the colour clue.
Clue (2) says red to brown. Arid soil is described exactly this way, while black soil would not be called red to brown at all.
Step 4: Add the region where it is found.
Arid soil occurs in the dry western parts of the country, chiefly in Rajasthan. Where it can be irrigated and the salt content reduced, as in western Rajasthan, it becomes cultivable.
Final Answer: (C) Arid soil