Question

Which soil is formed by weathering of solidified lava?
 (A) Red
 (B) Laterite
 (C) Alluvial
 (D) Black

Answer 1

Hint: This soil is also known as the Regur soil and is found in the Deccan plateau region of the country. It is one of the most suitable soils for growing rain-fed crops. Among all the crops grown here, the most famous one is cotton. This soil is best known for its capacity to retain water which is one of its prominent features.

Complete step by step answer: Black soil also known as Regur soil or black cotton soil is formed by weathering of the solidified lava. It is known to be formed due to the volcanic activity that occurred in the Deccan plateau region during which the lava had spread on the land and cooled down, weathering of which formed black soil. It is clayey in texture and is deep and imperishable. This soil swells and becomes sticky during the time of the rainy season and shrinks in the dry summer.

Characteristics of black soil:
1. This soil is wind resistant and also decreases water erosion.
2. It retains moisture for a longer time as compared to other soils.
3. It is rich in minerals such as lime, potash, iron, alumina and manganese.
4. It lacks humus content and is also deficient in minerals such as nitrogen and phosphorus.

So the correct answer is (D) Black. Black soil is formed by solidification of lava.

Additional information: This soil is mainly found in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. In the upper reaches of Krishna and Godavari and northwestern parts of the Deccan plateau, it is very deep.

Note: This soil is also known as self-plowed soils. The crops grown here apart from cotton are wheat, jowar, sunflower, millets, etc. The color of the soil ranges from deep black to grey.