In Indian soil classification, the term 'Regur' is traditionally used to refer to which type of soil?

Introduction / Context:
Indian soils are known by both scientific names and traditional local names. Many exam questions check whether you can match these local terms with their formal soil categories. The word “Regur” is one such traditional term used in parts of India, particularly in relation to cotton cultivation. Understanding this term is important for questions on agriculture and physical geography.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The term under consideration is “Regur.”
• The options include alluvial soil, peat soil, laterite soil, and black soil.
• We are asked which formal soil type corresponds to this traditional name.
• We assume standard soil classification followed in Indian geography textbooks.

Concept / Approach:
“Regur” is a local name used especially in the Deccan plateau for what geographers call black cotton soil. This soil is characteristically dark coloured, clayey, and moisture retentive, making it suitable for cotton cultivation. It is mainly found in Maharashtra, parts of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and some other Deccan regions. By remembering that “Regur = black cotton soil,” we can directly connect the term to the formal category of black soil.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that black soils in India are often called regur or black cotton soils because they are very suitable for growing cotton. Step 2: Remember that these soils are found extensively in the Deccan plateau region, including Maharashtra and parts of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. Step 3: Note that alluvial soils occur mainly in river plains, peat soils are rich in organic matter, and laterite soils are red and leached, none of which are called regur. Step 4: Since regur is just another name for black cotton soil, the corresponding scientific category is black soil. Step 5: Therefore, the correct answer is black soil.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard Indian geography textbooks clearly mention that “regur or black cotton soil” is derived from basaltic rocks of the Deccan Traps. They highlight its dark colour, tendency to develop cracks in the dry season, and high capacity to retain moisture. These features are linked to cotton and other crops like millets and oilseeds. This repeated association of the term regur with black cotton soil confirms that the scientific category is black soil.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Alluvial soil: Found mainly in river valleys and plains like the Indo–Gangetic plain, known by terms like khadar and bhangar, not regur. Peat soil: Very rich in organic matter and mainly found in marshy areas and parts of Kerala and northern Bihar; not called regur. Laterite soil: Highly leached, red or yellow soil formed in high rainfall areas like parts of the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats; commonly known as laterite, not regur.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse local soil names, especially when several are introduced together, such as khadar, bhangar, regur, and laterite. Another pitfall is assuming that any dark soil must be peat because it “looks black,” without considering mineral composition. To avoid these errors, remember the key link: regur equals black cotton soil of the Deccan plateau. Making flashcards of local soil names with their scientific counterparts can also be a useful revision technique.

Final Answer:
In Indian soil classification, the term 'Regur' is traditionally used for black soil, especially the black cotton soils of the Deccan plateau.