Black soil in Madhya Pradesh is formed by which rock ?

The correct answer is (C) Basalt.

• Formation and Geological Context: Black soil (also known as Regur soil) in Madhya Pradesh is formed by the weathering, erosion, and denudation of Deccan Trap basaltic lava rocks. It is the most widespread soil type in Madhya Pradesh, covering approximately 47.6% of the state's total geographical area, predominantly across the Malwa Plateau, Narmada Valley, and parts of the Satpura-Maikal range.
• Characteristics and Agricultural Significance: Basaltic weathering imparts a high concentration of iron, magnesium, aluminum, lime, and potassium to this soil, along with titaniferous magnetite which gives it its characteristic dark color. It has exceptional moisture-retention capacity and develops deep fissures during dry periods (self-ploughing property), making it ideal for the cultivation of cotton, soybean, wheat, and gram.
• Option Breakdown:
  • (A) Sandstone: Weathering of Vindhyan sandstones generally produces sandy and mixed red-yellow soils found in the Kaimur-Rewa regions.
  • (B) Limestone: Weathering of limestone leads to calcareous or rendzina soils, common in parts of the Vindhyan and Cuddapah formations.
  • (D) Gneiss: Weathering of ancient Archean granite and gneiss rocks forms red and yellow soils (Lal-Peeli Mitti) found in the Bundelkhand and Baghelkhand regions of Madhya Pradesh.