Regur soil, also known as Black Cotton Soil, is formed by the long-term weathering of basaltic rock. In India, this soil is found extensively across the Deccan Plateau, which was formed by ancient volcanic lava flows. The mineral-rich basalt gives the soil its characteristic black color and exceptional moisture-retention capacity.
The ‘Regur’ soil (Black Soil) found in Indian plateaus is derived from: (A) Granite (B) Basalt (C) Limestone (D) Sandstone
Share
The relationship between geology and soil is perfectly exemplified by Regur. As the basaltic lava of the Deccan Traps weathered over millions of years, it broke down into fine-textured, argillaceous (clayey) soil. Geographically, this soil is famous for being “self-ploughing” because it develops deep cracks during the dry season, allowing for aeration. It is extremely fertile and rich in lime, iron and magnesium. Because it is the ideal medium for growing cotton, the geography of India’s textile industry is historically and physically anchored to these basalt-derived plateau regions.