Black Soil, Origin, Formation, Geographical Distribution, Characteristics

Black soil, also known as Regur soil or Black cotton soil, is one of the most important soil types of India. It is especially suitable for cotton cultivation and is mainly found in the Deccan Plateau region.

Black Soil Origin and Formation

• Black Soil is primarily formed by the weathering of basaltic rocks of the Deccan Trap region which were formed by volcanic eruption  during the Cretaceous period.

Black Soil Geographical Distribution

• Black soil is the third most common soil in India. It covers nearly 16–18% of India’s total geographical area.
• Black soil is mainly found over the Deccan Plateau.
• Major states include Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. It is also found in parts of Chhattisgarh and along the Narmada and Tapi river valleys.

‹ ›

Black Soil Characteristics

• Colour: Black Soil is dark black in colour due to the presence of organic matter and iron and aluminium. 
• Texture: Black Soil is fine grained and clayey in nature.
• High Water Holding Capacity: Black Soil has a very high water holding capacity, making it suitable for rain-fed agriculture in semi- arid regions. Moisture remains available to crops even during dry spells. 
• Self-Ploughing: Due to high clay content, black soil shrinks and develops deep, wide cracks during hot, dry seasons. These cracks allow for significant aeration and natural mixing of soil particles, effectively “ploughing” itself without human intervention. 
• Rich in lime (calcium carbonate), iron, magnesium, and alumina. 
• Poor in nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic matter.
• Crops: Black soil is famous for cotton farming, but it is also suitable for soybean, groundnut, sunflower, jowar, maize, pulses, sugarcane, pulses, and some fruits. It supports both Kharif and Rabi crops due to moisture retention capacity.

UPSC CSE Previous Year Question (2021) 

Q: The black cotton soil of India has been formed due to the weathering of

1. Brown forest soil
2. Fissure volcanic rock
3. Granite and schist
4. Shale and limestone

Ans: 2