Identify the black soil region of India from the following.
Deccan trap
Understanding Black Soil Regions in India
Black soil, also known as Regur soil, is a type of soil found in certain regions of India. It is characterized by its dark colour, high clay content, and ability to retain moisture. This soil is particularly suitable for cultivating crops like cotton, sugarcane, and groundnut.
Geographical Distribution of Black Soil in India
Black soil is predominantly found in specific geological and geographical areas across India. These areas correspond to regions formed by volcanic activity, specifically the Deccan Plateau.
Analyzing the Options for Black Soil Region Identification
Let's examine the provided options to identify the primary black soil region:
- Coastal plains: The coastal plains of India generally consist of alluvial soil (deposited by rivers) or laterite soil in some parts. These areas are not typically known for extensive black soil cover.
- Northern plains: The Northern plains of India are formed by the deposition of silt, clay, and sand by the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra rivers and their tributaries. This results in vast stretches of fertile alluvial soil, not black soil.
- Deccan trap: The Deccan Trap region is a large igneous province located on the Deccan Plateau. This area was formed by successive volcanic eruptions, and the weathering of the basaltic rocks from these eruptions gives rise to black soil. Therefore, the Deccan trap is a major black soil region in India.
- Himalayas: The Himalayan region is a mountain range characterized by various soil types depending on altitude and slope, such as forest soil, mountain soil, and rocky soil. Black soil is not typically found in the Himalayas.
Based on the geographical distribution and formation of black soil, the Deccan trap region is the correct identification for a major black soil area in India.
Key Characteristics of Black Soil
- Colour: Dark grey to black.
- Texture: High clay content, making it sticky when wet and prone to deep cracks when dry.
- Composition: Rich in lime, iron, magnesia, and alumina. It also contains potash but lacks phosphorus, nitrogen, and organic matter.
- Formation: Formed by the weathering of basaltic rocks (lava flows) of the Deccan Trap.
- Crops: Ideal for growing cotton, jowar, bajra, sugarcane, groundnut, tobacco, and oilseeds.
| Region | Predominant Soil Type | Associated Crops |
|---|---|---|
| Coastal Plains | Alluvial, Laterite | Rice, Coconut, Cashew |
| Northern Plains | Alluvial | Wheat, Rice, Sugarcane |
| Deccan Trap | Black Soil (Regur) | Cotton, Sugarcane, Jowar |
| Himalayas | Mountain, Forest | Tea, Fruits, Spices |
In summary, the Deccan trap region, formed from volcanic activity, provides the parent material for the formation of black soil, making it the correct answer among the given options.
Revision Table: Black Soil Region
| Soil Type | Key Region in India | Formation | Key Property |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Soil (Regur) | Deccan Trap (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, parts of South India) | Weathering of Basaltic Rocks | High moisture retention, suitable for cotton |
Additional Information: Soil Types of India
India has diverse soil types influenced by climate, topography, and parent rock. Understanding these soil types is crucial for agriculture and environmental studies.
- Alluvial Soil: Most widespread and fertile, found in the Northern Plains and coastal areas. Deposited by rivers.
- Red and Yellow Soil: Formed from crystalline igneous rocks. Found in areas of low rainfall in the eastern and southern parts of the Deccan Plateau.
- Laterite Soil: Formed under conditions of high temperature and heavy rainfall, due to intense leaching. Found in Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, North-Eastern India.
- Arid Soil: Found in dry regions, lacks moisture and humus. Characteristic of Rajasthan.
- Forest Soil: Found in hilly and mountainous areas, varies with altitude.
Similar Questions
Fertile riverine alluvial soil is best suited for producing ________.
Which of the following is more suitable than the others for the growth of cashew nut?
The method of soil conservation in which stones, grass, soil are used to build barriers along contours and trenches are made in front of the barriers to collect water is called?
The northern plain of India is formed of _________.
_________ influences the rate of weathering and humus in soil formation.
The method of soil conservation in which rocks are piled up to slow down the flow of water which prevents gullies and further soil loss is called?
Which of the following statements about black soil is INCORRECT?
The method of soil conservation in which bare ground between plants is covered with layer of organic matter like straw is called ________
Important Questions from Soils
Match List 1 with List 2 and choose the correct answer form the code given below:
List 1
(Soil Type)
List 2
(States)
(a) Alluvial
1. Kerala
(b) Red
2. Uttarakhand
(c) Laterite
3. Tamil Nadu
(d) Submontane
4. Uttar Pradesh
Soil contains decayed remains of living organisms. This is called ______.
The black cotton soil of India has been formed due to the weathering of
Fertile riverine alluvial soil is best suited for producing ________.
The agricultural practice followed after preparation of the soil is:
