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Question

Which one among the following statements with reference to the black cotton soils of India is NOT correct?

This question was previously asked in
NDA 2 2024 GAT Question Paper (01-Sep-2024)
The correct answer is
These soils have less clay factor
and hence can support a wide
variety of crops and vegetables

Understanding Black Cotton Soils of India

Black cotton soils, also known as Regur soils, are a significant soil type found predominantly in the Deccan Plateau and other parts of India. They are famous for their suitability for growing cotton, hence the name 'black cotton soil'. Let's analyze each statement provided regarding these soils to identify the incorrect one.

Analysis of Statements about Black Cotton Soils

  • Statement 1: "The black cotton soils are also called 'Regur'".

    This statement is correct. The term 'Regur' is widely used as a synonym for black cotton soil in India. It originates from the Telugu word 'rēgadi', which refers to ploughed land.

  • Statement 2: "They are highly moisture retentive".

    This statement is correct. Black cotton soils are known for their exceptional ability to retain moisture. This property is attributed to their fine texture and high clay content, which allows them to absorb and hold large amounts of water, benefiting crops during dry periods.

  • Statement 3: "They are rich in lime".

    This statement is correct. Black cotton soils are generally fertile and rich in essential nutrients like lime, potassium, magnesium, and iron. However, they tend to be deficient in phosphorus, nitrogen, and organic matter.

  • Statement 4: "These soils have less clay factor and hence can support a wide variety of crops and vegetables".

    This statement is NOT correct. Black cotton soils are characterized by a high clay factor, often making up a significant percentage of their composition (sometimes over 50%). This high clay content causes the soil to swell considerably when wet and develop deep, wide cracks when it dries out. While these soils are fertile and support specific crops like cotton, sugarcane, and certain pulses and millets, the premise that they have a 'less clay factor' is factually wrong. The high clay content can also limit the types of crops that can be grown easily without proper management.

Identifying the Incorrect Statement

Based on the analysis, the statement that is factually incorrect regarding the characteristics of black cotton soils of India is the one claiming they have a 'less clay factor'. The defining characteristic of these soils is actually their high clay content.

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Similar Questions

  1. Which one of the following is an example of both an igneous as well as a metamorphic rock?

  2. Which one of the following is correct?
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Important Questions from Rocks and Soils

  1. Soil, in which nearly all our food grows, is a living resource that takes years to form. Yet it can vanish in minutes. Each year 75 billion tonnes of fertile soil is lost to erosion. That is alarming — and not just for food producers. Soil can trap huge quantities of carbon dioxide in the form of organic carbon and prevent it from escaping into the atmosphere. 

     On the basis of the above passage, the following assumptions have been made : 

    1. Large scale soil erosion is a major reason for widespread food insecurity in the world. 

    2. Soil erosion is mainly anthropogenic. 

    3. Sustainable management of soils helps in combating climate change. 

    Which of the above assumptions is/are valid ?

  2. With reference to agricultural soils, consider the following statements : 

    1. A high content of organic matter in soil drastically reduces its water holding capacity. 

    2. Soil does not play any role in the sulphur cycle. 

    3. Irrigation over a period of time can contribute to the salinization of some agricultural lands. 

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

  3. Which of the following statements regarding laterite soils of India are correct? 

    1. They are generally red in colour. 

    2. They are rich in nitrogen and potash. 

    3. They are well-developed in Rajasthan and UP. 

    4. Tapioca and cashew nuts grow well on these soils. 

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

  4. Which of the following adds/add nitrogen to the soil? 

    1. Excretion of urea by animals 

    2. Burning of coal by man 

    3. Death of vegetation 

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

  5. When you travel in certain parts of India, you will notice red soil. What is the main reason for this colour ?

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