Question

Name two states in India where Regur soil is formed. In what ways does Regur soil help agriculture?

Answer 1

Hint: These soils are popularly known as Black soil. They are characteristic of the Deccan Trap area. They have high content of certain minerals. They can retain moisture.

Complete answer:
- Black soil, also known as Regur soil, is made up of lava flows and is characteristic of the Deccan trap (Basalt) area spread across the northwest Deccan plateau. They stretch south-east along the Godavari and Krishna valleys, covering the Maharashtra, Saurashtra, Malwa, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh plateaus.
- It's called black cotton soil because it's perfect for growing cotton. They're high in calcium carbonate, magnesium, potash, and lime, among other soil nutrients. The phosphoric content of these soils is typically low. These soils can also be found on several peripheral tracts where fluvial processes have moved the underlying basalt from its original position. Sifting has only resulted in a higher concentration of clastic materials.
- Gujarat and Maharashtra are home to Regur soil. Since it is moisture retentive and high in iron, potash, lime, calcium, magnesium, and humus, it is beneficial to agriculture.

Note: Clayey soils, which are well-known for their ability to retain moisture, make up the black soils. Black soils grow large cracks during the dry season due to their high clay content, but their iron-rich granular composition makes them resistant to wind and water erosion. They have a low humus content but are very moisture-retentive, so they react well to irrigation.