Which type of soil is most abundant in the Deccan plateau?
VerifiedAnswer: Black Soil
Explanation:
The Deccan plateau is predominantly covered by black soil, which is one of the most important soil types found in peninsular India. This soil type covers approximately 5.46 lakh square kilometers across the country and forms the agricultural backbone of many states in the Deccan region.
Black soil is also scientifically known as regur soil and gets its characteristic dark color from the high content of iron and aluminum compounds. This soil type was formed through the weathering of volcanic rocks, particularly basalt, which explains why it's so abundant in the Deccan plateau region where extensive volcanic activity occurred millions of years ago.
The key characteristics that make black soil distinctive include its high clay content, which gives it excellent water retention properties. During the monsoon season, this soil becomes sticky and difficult to work with, but during dry periods, it develops deep cracks that allow air and moisture to penetrate deep into the ground. This unique behavior makes it self-plowing to some extent.
Black soil is particularly rich in nutrients like calcium, potassium, magnesium, and iron, making it extremely fertile for agriculture. However, it lacks nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic matter, which farmers often supplement through fertilizers and organic farming practices.
The distribution of black soil in the Deccan plateau covers major parts of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat. This soil type is especially famous for cotton cultivation, earning it the nickname "cotton soil." The climate and soil combination in these regions creates ideal conditions for growing high-quality cotton, making India one of the world's largest cotton producers.
Beyond cotton, black soil supports the cultivation of various other crops including sugarcane, tobacco, wheat, jowar, and bajra. The soil's ability to retain moisture for extended periods makes it suitable for both kharif and rabi crops, contributing significantly to India's agricultural productivity and food security.
