Points to Remember:
- Geographical distribution of black soil in Jharkhand.
- Major soil types found in Jharkhand.
- Characteristics of black soil.
Introduction:
The question asks about the specific location of black soil, also known as regur soil, within the Indian state of Jharkhand. Black soil is characterized by its dark color, high clay content, and excellent water retention capacity. It is primarily formed from the weathering of basaltic rocks and is highly fertile, making it ideal for cotton cultivation. Understanding the geological formations of Jharkhand is crucial to identifying the areas where this type of soil is prevalent. Jharkhand’s soil composition is diverse, encompassing alluvial, red, laterite, and black soils, each with its own distribution and characteristics.
Body:
Geological Distribution of Soils in Jharkhand: Jharkhand’s diverse topography influences its soil distribution. The state’s geological formations include the Chotanagpur plateau, the Damodar Valley, and various river basins. These variations contribute to the presence of different soil types. While red and lateritic soils are more dominant across much of Jharkhand, black soil is found in specific regions.
Presence of Black Soil: While not as extensive as red or lateritic soils, black soil is found in pockets within Jharkhand. The options provided in the question suggest potential locations.
(A) Damodar Valley region: The Damodar Valley, known for its fertile alluvial soil, also has pockets of black soil, though not as widespread as in other parts of India. The presence is likely associated with localized basalt outcrops.
(B) Subarnarekha river valley region: Similar to the Damodar Valley, the Subarnarekha river valley might contain some black soil, but its prevalence is likely lower compared to other soil types in the region. The alluvial deposits are more dominant here.
(C) Rajmahal hill region: The Rajmahal hills are primarily known for their lateritic and red soils. The presence of black soil in this region is less likely.
(D) Palamu region: The Palamu region, with its varied topography, might have limited occurrences of black soil, but it’s not its defining soil type.
Analysis and Conclusion:
Based on the geological characteristics and the typical distribution of black soil in India, the most likely answer is (A) Damodar Valley region. While not the predominant soil type in the Damodar Valley, the presence of basaltic rock formations in certain parts of the valley makes the occurrence of black soil plausible. The other options are less likely due to the dominance of other soil types in those regions. Further detailed soil surveys and geological maps of Jharkhand would be needed for a definitive answer. However, based on available information, the Damodar Valley presents the most probable location for finding black soil in Jharkhand. Future research focusing on precise mapping of soil types across Jharkhand is crucial for better agricultural planning and resource management. This will ensure sustainable agricultural practices and contribute to the overall economic development of the state.
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