Question

Mention two differences between Alluvial Soil and Black Soil.

Answer 1

Hint: The difference lies in their parent material, climate, the process of formation, location, texture, distribution, the proportion of organic and mineral composition, physical and chemical characteristics, their fertility, time, etc.

Complete answer:
On the basis of formation:
Alluvial Soil- These are formed by sediments brought down by rivers, which are rich in nutrients and so these are also called riverine soil. These soils are very fertile and suitable for agriculture. These are a mixture of sand, silt, and clay called loam.
Black Soil-These soils are black in color and are also called regur soil. The formation of these soils depends on the climate condition and parent rock. It is clayey in texture and is well known for its capacity to hold moisture.
On the basis of location:
Alluvial Soil- It is widespread in Northern plains majorly found in river basins. It drains down through narrow corridors in Rajasthan and Gujarat. In the Peninsular region, these are found in eastern coastal plains particularly in deltas of the Godavari, the Mahanadi, the Kaveri, and the Krishna.
Black Soil- It covers most of the Deccan plateau mainly Andhra Pradesh Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Saurashtra, Malwa, Chhattisgarh, and parts of Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra and extends to the Godavari and the Krishna river valleys.

Note: Alluvial soil is rich in potash, phosphoric acid, and lime which are ideal for the growth of sugarcane, paddy, wheat, and pulse crops. Black soil is rich in calcium carbonate, potash, and lime but has poor phosphoric content. Black soil is ideal for the growth of cotton and thus it is also called black cotton soil.