The correct answer is: A) North Karnataka
Black soils, also known as ‘Regur’ soils, are found in parts of North Karnataka. They are the most fertile soils in India and are well-suited for growing cotton, sugarcane, and other crops. Black soils are formed from the weathering of basalt rocks and are rich in iron and aluminum oxides. They are also known as vertisols and are characterized by their high clay content and their ability to swell and shrink with changes in moisture content.
Option B, Coastal Karnataka, is incorrect because black soils are not found in this region. Coastal Karnataka is characterized by red soils, which are formed from the weathering of granite rocks. Red soils are less fertile than black soils and are not well-suited for growing cotton and sugarcane.
Option C, Malnad region, is incorrect because black soils are not found in this region. The Malnad region is a hilly region in Karnataka that is characterized by red soils. Red soils are formed from the weathering of granite rocks and are less fertile than black soils.
Option D, South Karnataka, is incorrect because black soils are not found in this region. South Karnataka is characterized by red soils, which are formed from the weathering of granite rocks. Red soils are less fertile than black soils and are not well-suited for growing cotton and sugarcane.