Soil that has a high content of aluminium and iron oxides is also commonly known by which name?

Introduction / Context:
Different soil types are classified based on their composition, colour, structure, and the climatic conditions under which they form. In particular, the presence of certain minerals such as aluminium and iron oxides can strongly influence soil properties and colour. This question asks you to identify the term used for soils rich in aluminium (Al) and iron (Fe) oxides, linking basic soil science with standard classification terminology.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The soil described has a high content of aluminium and iron oxides.
• The options include meadow soil, pedalfer soil, chernozem soil, and podzol soil.
• We assume the question is referring to broad soil groups used in classical soil classification.

Concept / Approach:
In an older but still useful classification, soils are divided into pedalfers and pedocals. Pedalfer soils form in humid regions where leaching removes calcium and other base cations, leaving behind aluminium and iron oxides. The word pedalfer comes from pedon (soil), Al (aluminium), and Fe (iron). Pedocals, by contrast, are rich in calcium carbonate. Chernozem is a dark, humus rich steppe soil, and podzol is an acidic, leached soil common under coniferous forests in cool climates. Meadow soil is a more general term and does not specifically denote high aluminium and iron content.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1. Note that the key clue in the question is high content of aluminium and iron oxides.2. Recognise that the term pedalfer is constructed from Al and Fe, indicating soils rich in these oxides.3. In humid climates, intense leaching removes soluble bases, leaving behind aluminium and iron compounds that can give soils a reddish or yellowish colour.4. Chernozem refers to black earth soils high in organic matter, not specifically in aluminium and iron oxides.5. Podzol soils are highly leached and have distinct horizons with organic acids, but the key naming in this question points more directly to pedalfer.6. Meadow soil is not a standard chemico mineralogical category in this context.7. Therefore, soil with high aluminium and iron oxide content is called pedalfer soil.

Verification / Alternative check:
Soil science references describe pedalfer soils as typical of humid regions where rainfall exceeds evaporation. They highlight that these soils are rich in aluminium and iron and often have a reddish colour. In contrast, chernozems are associated with grassland regions and very fertile black soils, while podzols have bleached horizons and accumulation of organic matter and iron at depth but are not named specifically for aluminium and iron presence. The direct inclusion of Al and Fe in the name pedalfer reinforces its suitability as the answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A, meadow soil, is a descriptive term for soils found in meadow environments and does not specifically indicate high aluminium and iron content. Option C, chernozem soil, refers to black steppe soils rich in organic matter rather than in aluminium and iron oxides. Option D, podzol soil, is characteristic of cool, wet climates under coniferous forests and is named for its ashy, leached surface horizon, not for aluminium and iron content directly.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse different soil names because they all sound unfamiliar. Another pitfall is to guess based on colour associations without understanding the underlying chemistry. A helpful memory aid is to see Al and Fe in the middle of the word pedalfer, reminding you that these soils are rich in aluminium and iron. Knowing that pedocals are the contrasting class rich in calcium can also help keep the terms straight.

Final Answer:
Soil with a high content of aluminium and iron oxides is known as pedalfer soil.