Question

How do diversities in Kerala’s physiography, climate, and ​soil types influence its agricultural diversity? Explain with suitable examples.

Answer 1

Instructions:

• Kerala’s physiography
• Soil and climate
• Major crops

Solution:
Based on the altitude, physiography of Kerala can be classified into three as; ​
Highland, Midland, Lowland.​

• Highland:
  • They are the hilly areas. These regions are situated at more than 75 m above sea level. ​
  • Cool-weather and abundant rainfall prevail here. And well-drained soil helps in ​
  • the growth of tea, coffee, and spices like cardamom, pepper, ginger, ​and turmeric.​
• Midland:
  • The midland is sandwiched between the lowland and the highland. They lie between 7.5 m and 75 m above sea level. Abundant rainfall and alluvial and laterite soil helps grow crops like tapioca, elephant foot yam, rubber, and vegetables.​
• Lowland:
  • These regions lie very close to the sea level. They are situated at a height below 7.5 m above sea level. Alluvial soil deposits in the lowlands are ideal for paddy cultivation, and the saline alluvial soil along the coastal stretches for coconut trees.​
  • So, the diversities in Kerala’s physiology, climate, and soil do influence its ​agricultural diversity.​