What are the Characteristics of Black Soil

Answer: Black soil is also known to be the Chernozem, which is taken from the Russian word chernozem, meaning black ground. Black soil is a black-colored soil rich in humus and contains a high percentage of phosphoric acid, phosphorus, and ammonia. It is also rich in iron, lime, calcium, potash, aluminium, and magnesium. These soils are very fertile and are useful in the cultivation of various types of crops. Cotton is the most important crop that is grown in the black soil. Other types of crops grown in black soil include tobacco, citrus fruits, castor, and linseed.

Many theories have been given to explain the origin of black soil, but mostly it is accepted that these soils have been formed due to the solidification of the lava spread over a larger area due to volcanic eruptions in the Deccan Plateau. 

Black soil is majorly found in the areas of Gujrat, Maharashtra, Western parts of Madhya Pradesh, north-west Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand. 

Some of the major characteristics found in the black soil include:

• These soils are also known as the regur soils
• Black soil is black in color because it is formed by weathering of lava rocks and contains a huge amount of high iron, alumina, and magnesium content
• Black soil is extremely made up of fine clayey material 
• When sticky, these soils get stuck and are difficult to work on
• It is well known for its high holding moisture capacity
• During the hot weather, these soils get dry and develop cracks which help in the aeration of the soil
• Black soil is ideal for the cultivation of cotton and is popularly known as black cotton soil
• It is believed that the climatic condition along with the parent rock material is an important factor in the formation of black soil