Question

State any three characteristics of regur soil in India.

Answer 1

Hint: It is more popularly known as ‘Black Cotton Soil’. This is found in the Deccan trap region and it covers the plateau of Maharashtra, Malwa, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and it extends in the South-East direction.

Complete Answer:Black soil is also called Regur soil and the reason why it is called black soil is due to its colour being black. The black soil is also ideal for growing cotton and this soil can be typically seen in the Deccan trap region which has basalt spread over North West Deccan plateau. This kind of soil is made of lava flows. Black soil is rich in iron and nitrogen content. It is highly suitable for growing groundnuts and cotton.

When lava spreads over large areas during volcanic activity it leads to the formation of black soil. This kind of soil is formed due to the withering of lava. Extremely fine clayey material makes up the black soil. Nutrients like calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, potash and lime are found abundantly in this soil.

Phosphoric content is not much in this soil and this soil requires the fertilizer which can supplement this nutrient. The capacity to hold moisture is also one of the best qualities of this soil. Deep cracks are created in this soil during hot weather which helps in the proper aeration of the soil.

Note: The latin word ‘regurgitare’ is the root word for the term ‘regur’. ‘To overflow’ is the meaning of the latin term ‘regurgitare’. A soil which has a mixture of sand, clay and organic material will be considered as a rich soil.