lateríticos

Lateríticos refers to soils and rocks that are rich in iron and aluminum oxides and hydroxides. The name originates from the Latin word "later" meaning brick, due to the characteristic reddish-brown color often associated with these materials. Lateritic soils typically form in hot, wet tropical and subtropical climates where intense weathering leaches away soluble minerals like silica, potassium, and magnesium, leaving behind the more resistant iron and aluminum compounds. This process is known as laterization.

These soils are often found in areas with distinct wet and dry seasons. During the wet season, the soil becomes saturated and weathering is accelerated. In the dry season, the upper layers can dry out and harden, sometimes forming a crust. This hardened layer, known as a laterite crust or hardpan, can be very durable and has historically been used as a building material, particularly in regions where other stone is scarce. Examples include ancient structures in India and Southeast Asia.

Lateritic soils are generally infertile for agriculture due to their low organic matter content and nutrient availability. However, some plants have adapted to grow in these conditions. The presence of high concentrations of aluminum can also make these soils toxic to many plant species. Geologically, laterites can be important sources of iron, aluminum, and nickel ores. The extraction of bauxite, the primary ore of aluminum, often involves lateritic deposits.