Question map
Identify the type of soil on the basis of the given characteristics : 1. They are rich in lime, iron, magnesia and alumina. 2. They are generally clayey, deep and impermeable. 3. They are mainly found in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. Select the correct answer from the given alternatives :
Explanation
The characteristics described correspond to Black soil, also known as Regur or Black Cotton soil. Chemically, these soils are rich in lime, iron, magnesia, and alumina, while being deficient in nitrogen and phosphorus [5]. Physically, they are characterized as being clayey, deep, and impermeable, which gives them a high water-retaining capacity [3]. They are formed from the weathering of basaltic lava rocks of the Deccan Trap [2]. Geographically, black soils are predominantly found in the Deccan plateau region, covering major parts of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat, as well as extending into the Godavari and Krishna river valleys [2]. In contrast, laterite soils are rich in iron and aluminum but poor in lime [5], and red soils are generally loose and friable rather than clayey and impermeable [4].
Sources
- [3] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 6: Soils > Table 6.1 > p. 7
- [5] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 6: Soils > Table 6.1 > p. 8
- [2] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 6: Soils > 3. Black or Regur Soils > p. 11
- [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] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 6: Soils > 9. Grey and Brown Soils > p. 12