Consider the following statements: 1. Black soil is considered suita

Consider the following statements:

  • 1. Black soil is considered suitable for growing rain-fed crops
  • 2. Black soil can retain moisture for a prolonged period, aiding crops to survive even in dry seasons

With regard to the statements given above which of the following is/are correct ?

Both the statements are correct and statement 2 is the correct explanation of statement 1
Both the statements are correct and statement 2 is NOT the correct explanation of statement 1
Statement 1 is correct but statement 2 is false
Statement 1 is false but statement 2 is correct
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2024
The correct answer is A) Both the statements are correct and statement 2 is the correct explanation of statement 1.
Black soil, also known as Regur soil or Vertisol, is characterized by its high clay content and resulting high moisture retention capacity. This property is particularly beneficial for agriculture in areas that rely on rainfall (rain-fed crops), as the soil can store water and provide it to crops during dry periods. Statement 1 correctly identifies black soil as suitable for rain-fed crops, and statement 2 correctly states its ability to retain moisture for prolonged periods, which directly explains its suitability for rain-fed agriculture by mitigating the effects of dry spells.
Black soil is formed from the weathering of basaltic rocks and is common in the Deccan Trap region of India. It is rich in minerals like iron, magnesium, and lime but deficient in nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic matter. Crops like cotton, sugarcane, jowar, bajra, and groundnut are widely grown in black soils under rain-fed conditions. The high clay content causes black soil to swell when wet and shrink when dry, leading to the formation of cracks, which helps in aeration.
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