There are several main types of soil described in the document. Black soil is dark grey to black in color with high clay content. It is found in India and suitable for cotton. Red soil forms from weathered rocks and is rich in iron but low in nutrients. Laterite soil forms in hot, wet climates and contains iron and aluminum oxides. Desert soil is sandy with low moisture and nutrients. Mountain soil is rich in humus but low in nutrients. Other soil types include saline/alkaline soils, peaty/marshy soils, loam, clay, glacial drift soil deposited by glaciers, and alluvial soil deposited by rivers.