Question

Which geographical factors are responsible for the evolution of black soil? Why is it considered the most suitable for growing cotton?

Answer 1

Hint: The black soil found in India is mostly referred to as Regur Soils or Black Cotton Soils. Black soils are formed from the weathering of the igneous rocks.

Complete Answer: According to prior study from the reconnaissance soil study, these soil comprise 21.4 percent of the absolute geological region of the nation. Geographical factors of black soil are as follows:
- Black soils can form on erosional porches framed on calcareous rocks or on older patios of marly sediments.
- The parent rock is a volcanic rock which is formed when the molten lava cools and starts to solidify the moment it reaches the surface of the earth and forms small crystals. Black soil is shaped straightforwardly through the weathering of parent rock and hence are mostly found in the regions which experience or once experienced volcanic activities.
- Another significant geographical factor of dark soil is that it is a self aerating soil which has cracks in it. These cracks are created in dry seasons and permit air to deep sub soil layers. In addition, these cracks additionally play out another function by retaining water and moisture of the soil. The black soil is fertile because of its origin and does not require manuring of the field.

This soil is most suitable for growing cotton because of its moisture holding capacity. During the dry season, it creates cracks and during the rainy season, it becomes clayey and sticky. This clayey nature helps the soil in retaining water and moisture. Soil which has higher moisture retention capacity is mostly suitable for growing cotton as it requires more moisture to develop. Nutrients, namely, calcium carbonate, iron contents and magnesium carbonate are found in abundance in this type of soil. It is also rich in the beidellite and montmorillonite group of minerals, hence making it even more suitable for the cultivation of cotton in this type of soil.

Note: Black is mostly found in the lava plateaus of India and the Deccan trap regions of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. It can also be found along the Krishna and Godavari valleys.