Question

Harry is doing his research on different types of soil in India. He found that there is a particular soil which becomes sticky when wet and cracks when dry.

1. Identify the soil and explain how this soil is formed.
2. Name two cash crops that are grown in this soil.
3. India is a land of diversities and there are certain factors which influence the soil types. With reference to the given statement, mention the factors influencing their distribution in India.

Answer 1

1. The soil that becomes sticky when wet and cracks when dry is Black soil (also called Regur soil).
   • It is formed from the weathering of volcanic rocks (basalt) and lava flows. The fine clay particles absorb moisture and swell up when wet and shrink forming cracks on drying.
   • Black soil is rich in minerals like lime, iron, magnesium and retains moisture for a long time, making it suitable for dry farming.
2. Two cash crops grown in black soil are cotton and tobacco.
3. Factors influencing soil distribution in India include:
   • Climate: Temperature and rainfall influence soil formation and type.
   • Parent rock material: The type of rock from which soil is formed affects soil characteristics.
   • Topography: Slope and elevation affect soil formation and erosion.
   • Vegetation: Nature of vegetation contributes to organic matter in soil.
   • Time: Duration of weathering and soil development affects soil characteristics.