Question

Consider the following statements:
1. Self-ploughing is a phenomenon associated with it.
2. They are formed by the denudation of volcanic rocks.
3. They are deep and impermeable
Identify the type of soil with the above features ?

• A. (a) Black Soil
  
• B. (b) Laterite Soil
  
• C. (c) Peat Soil
  
• D. (d) Arid Soil
  

Answer 1

The correct option is A (a) Black Soil


Answer: a
The black soil is very deep. These soils are also known as the Regur Soil or the Black Cotton Soil. The black soils are generally clayey, deep and impermeable. They swell and become sticky when wet and shrink when dried. So, during the dry season, these soil develop wide cracks. Thus, there occurs a kind of self-ploughing.
Because of this character of slow absorption and loss of moisture, the black soil retains the moisture for a very long time, which helps the crops, especially, the rain fed ones, to sustain even during the dry season. Black soils are formed by the denudation of volcanic rocks. Chemically, the black soils are rich in lime, iron, magnesia and alumina. They also contain potash. But they lack in phosphorous, nitrogen and organic matter. The colour of the soil ranges from deep black to grey.