red-to-yellow soil

Red soils are a group of soils that develop in warm, temperate, moist climates under forests. They are characterized by thin organic layers above a leached yellowish-brown layer, which rests on an illuvial red layer. These soils typically form from iron-rich sedimentary rock.12

The red color of these soils is due to the presence of iron oxides, which are chemical compounds of iron and oxygen. These iron oxides form as a result of chemical weathering. In tropical climates, these weathered soils are often referred to as laterites or Ferralsols, and their colors range from yellow and brown to red, indicating an accumulation of metal oxides, particularly iron and aluminum.345

Red soils are generally poor for growing crops, as they are low in nutrients and humus, making them difficult to cultivate. However, they can be suitable for certain tree crops like oil palm, rubber, or coffee.15