Formation: The soils are formed due to mechanical weathering caused by snow, rain, temperature variation, etc. Characteristics/Features : (i) These soils are heterogeneous in nature, and their character changes with mountainous environment and altitude. (ii) The soils are very rich in humus, but are deficient in potash, phosphorus and lime. (iii) The soils are especially suitable for plantation of tea, coffee, spices and tropical fruits. (iv) The soil is loamy and silty in valley sides and coarse grained in the upper slopes. It is acidic with low humus content in the snow covered areas. It is fertile in the lower parts of the valleys.