Question

In which of the following states is black soil found?
A). Jammu and Kashmir
B). Gujarat
C). Rajasthan
D). Jharkhand

Answer 1

Hint: Based on genesis, colour, composition and location, the soils in India have been categorised into the following—Alluvial soils, Black soils, Red soils, Laterite soils, Desert soils, Saline soils and Forest soils. Black soil is formed by the weathering of igneous rocks and solidification of lava from volcanic eruptions which is why they have not transported away from the parent rocks. They are rich in lime, iron, magnesia and alumina and have a clayey, deep and impermeable nature.

Complete answer: Option A: is incorrect. Forest Soil is found in Jammu and Kashmir. They experience denudation and are acidic with low humus content. They support the growth of deciduous forests which are found in the foothills of the Himalayas.
Option B: is correct. In India, black soil covers almost the entire Deccan Plateau which includes the states Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh. Black soils are generally clayey and deep and they are also known as Regur Soil. They provide very favourable conditions for the growth of cotton.
Option C: is incorrect. Arid or Desert soil is present in Rajasthan due to the climatic conditions in the Thar Desert. The area receives very little precipitation and is characterised by extremes of climate warm during the day and cold at night. The plant cover is sparse but diverse with specific features that help them adapt to the climatic conditions and the lack of water.
Option D: is incorrect. Red soil is found in the Chota Nagpur region of India which covers the states of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Odisha. The name of the soil is so because of the colour it develops due to the diffusion of iron in crystalline and metamorphic rocks. only the fine-grained soils are fertile in the region.

Hence, The correct answer is Option B.

Note: Unlike alluvial soil which is transported down river banks, black soil is not transported too far from the parent rock and is thus categorised under in-situ soil.