Previous Year Question
Which of the following statements is NOT correct?
Black soil is locally called ‘regur’
According to Krabs the regur soil is essentially a mature soil
Black soils are highly retentive to moisture
Black soil is found in Himalayan region
Correct Answer: D
Detailed Solution
Black soil is commonly known as Regur Soil or Black Cotton Soil. It contains a high proportion of clay, which gives it a very high water-holding capacity. It swells and becomes sticky when wet, while on drying it shrinks and may develop deep cracks.
In India, black soil is mainly distributed over the Deccan Plateau. It is particularly widespread in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and parts of Karnataka and other Deccan regions. Over a large area, its development is associated with basaltic rocks of the Deccan Trap.
In contrast, the Himalayan region is not a major natural region of black soil. Owing to differences in relief, altitude, parent material and climate, various types of mountain and forest soils are more characteristic there. Therefore, the statement “Black soil is found in Himalayan region” is NOT correct.