Author: Rashid Ali
Black soil is considered the backbone of agriculture in Madhya Pradesh. It provides support to the state’s major agricultural systems and greatly contributes to productivity. This soil majorly occurs in the Malwa Plateau, Nimar area, Bundelkhand, and parts of the Narmada Valley, which contribute to the state’s main agricultural belts. Its distribution makes it an important natural resource in Madhya Pradesh agriculture.
Black soil has excellent moisture-holding capacity, particularly advantageous under rainfed farming conditions, which are used in many areas of Madhya Pradesh, because it retains water longer due to its clayey character. This characteristic of black soil improves crop growth even with inadequate irrigation capabilities and helps crops endure brief dry spells during the monsoon season.
Essential elements including calcium, magnesium, iron, and potash are naturally found in black soil. These minerals promote strong plant growth and good root development. Black soils are ideal for crops like soybean, wheat, cotton, chickpeas, sorghum, and maize. The soil serves as a basis for the production of food grains and oilseeds in the state. Fertile black soils play an important role in Madhya Pradesh’s soybean, cotton, Fennel, Wheat, maize cultivation, which has taken the state the title of “Soybean Bowl of India.”
Black soils can produce good yields for many years with appropriate methods like good tillage, balanced fertilizer application, organic matter addition, and proper drainage management are followed. However, some problems such as waterlogging and shrinking during dry seasons need careful soil and water management by farmers. Finally, black soil contributes soil fertility, water retention capacity, and compatibility for main crops make it a must-have for farmers.
Source:
https://agrisearchindia.com/en/blog/black_soil__the_farmers_gold
