Consider the following statements about black soil of India : 1. Black soil becomes sticky when it is wet. 2. Black soil contains adequate nitrogen as well as phosphorus required for the growth of plants. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Black soil, also known as regur or black cotton soil, is characterized by its high clay content and unique physical properties. Statement 1 is correct as these soils become extremely sticky when wet and develop deep cracks when dry, making them difficult to manage unless tilled immediately after the first rain [3]. This behavior is primarily due to the presence of montmorillonite clay minerals [5]. Statement 2 is incorrect because, while black soils are rich in minerals like calcium carbonate, magnesium, potash, and lime, they are consistently deficient in nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic matter [4]. These deficiencies are a common characteristic of Indian black soils, which are otherwise fertile for crops like cotton and sugarcane due to their high moisture retention capacity [2]. Therefore, only the first statement regarding its stickiness is accurate.

Sources

1. [3] NCERT. (2022). Contemporary India II: Textbook in Geography for Class X (Revised ed.). NCERT. > Chapter 1: The Rise of Nationalism in Europe > Black Soil > p. 11
2. [4] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 6: Soils > Table 6.1 > p. 7
3. [1] NCERT. (2022). Contemporary India II: Textbook in Geography for Class X (Revised ed.). NCERT. > Chapter 1: The Rise of Nationalism in Europe > Black Soil > p. 9
4. [2] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 6: Soils > 3. Black or Regur Soils > p. 11