Black soils are known as-

The correct answer is Regur soils.

Key Points

• Black soils are commonly referred to as Regur soils, derived from the Marathi word "Regur," meaning cotton-growing soil.
• These soils are rich in calcium carbonate, magnesium, potash, and lime, making them highly fertile.
• Black soils are formed due to the weathering of volcanic rocks and are predominantly found in the Deccan Plateau region of India.
• They have a high capacity to retain moisture, making them suitable for cotton cultivation, hence also called "cotton soils."
• These soils exhibit a characteristic feature of developing wide cracks during dry seasons, enabling aeration of the soil.

Additional Information

• Classification of Indian Soils:
  • Indian soils are broadly classified into Alluvial, Black (Regur), Red, Laterite, Desert, and Mountain soils.
  • Black soils are one of the most fertile soils and are suitable for growing crops like cotton, sugarcane, tobacco, and oilseeds.
• Physical Properties of Black Soils:
  • They are clayey in texture and have a high water-retention capacity.
  • These soils are dark in color due to the presence of volcanic ash and organic matter.
  • They tend to swell when wet and shrink upon drying, forming cracks.
• Geographical Distribution:
  • Black soils are found majorly in the states of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
  • The Deccan Plateau is the primary region where these soils occur.
• Importance in Agriculture:
  • The ability to retain moisture and nutrients makes black soils highly productive.
  • Crops like cotton, wheat, jowar, pulses, and oilseeds thrive in these soils.