- Climate - Temperature and rainfall are the most important climatic factors that lead to the formation of laterite soils. Warm and humid climate accelerates the process of laterisation. It is because, in such climate conditions, the rate of the weathering of rocks and the decomposition of organic matter is fast. Due to high temperature and humidity throughout the year, the process of laterisation continues and laterite soils are formed within few thousand years.
- Parent Rock - Laterite soils are formed from wide varieties of rocks including basalt, granite and gneiss. However, the rocks that are rich in iron and aluminum are more susceptible to laterisation. Such rocks release iron and aluminum during the process of weathering.
- Topography - Topography also plays an important role in laterisation. Laterite soils are generally formed in areas with a gently undulating or flat terrain. This is because, in such areas, water does not flow away quickly and remains stagnant for a long time. This leads to the accumulation of iron and aluminum oxides in the soil.
- Vegetation - Vegetation plays an important role in the formation of laterite soils. The roots of the plants release organic acids that help in the decomposition of rocks and minerals. This process releases iron and aluminum oxides, which are later accumulated in the soil.
