Black soil retains soil moisture and requires little irrigation

Black soil, also known as regur soil or black cotton soil, is a type of soil that is found in several parts of India. It is known for its high fertility and ability to retain soil moisture, making it suitable for agriculture. Here are the reasons why black soil needs little irrigation:

1. Composition and Structure:
- Black soil is composed of fine-grained clayey material, which has the ability to hold water.
- It has a good crumb structure, which allows water to penetrate and be retained in the soil.

2. High Water Holding Capacity:
- Black soil has a high water holding capacity due to its clay content.
- The clay particles in the soil have a large surface area, which allows them to hold onto water molecules.
- This means that black soil can retain moisture for a longer period, reducing the need for frequent irrigation.

3. Slow Drainage:
- Black soil has a slow drainage rate due to its compact nature and high clay content.
- The compactness of the soil restricts the movement of water, allowing it to be retained in the soil for a longer time.
- This slow drainage helps in conserving soil moisture and reducing the need for irrigation.

4. Drought Resistance:
- Black soil is known for its drought resistance properties.
- It can withstand dry periods without losing its fertility or moisture content.
- This resilience to drought conditions further reduces the need for irrigation.

Conclusion:
Black soil, with its composition, structure, high water holding capacity, slow drainage, and drought resistance properties, has the ability to retain soil moisture for a longer time. This reduces the need for frequent irrigation, making it a suitable soil for agriculture in areas with limited water availability.