Consider the following statements regarding 'Regur Soils' of India:
(a) They are generally deep & clayey.
(b) During dry season these soils develop wide cracks.
(c) They develop a reddish colour due to iron presence.
Choose the correct option:

Question

Accepted Answer

Option 4, (a) and (b), is the correct answer because:

*   **(a) They are generally deep & clayey:** Regur soils, also known as black soils, are indeed known for being deep and clayey. This high clay content is a defining characteristic. The clayey nature contributes to their moisture retention capacity.

*   **(b) During dry season these soils develop wide cracks:** This is another well-known characteristic of Regur soils. Due to the high clay content, they shrink significantly upon drying, leading to the formation of wide and deep cracks. This self-ploughing characteristic is important for aeration.

Now, let's explain why the other options are incorrect:

*   **Option 1: Only (a):** While statement (a) is correct, it's incomplete. Statement (b) is also a crucial characteristic of Regur soils, making this option insufficient.

*   **Option 2: (a), (b) and (c):** Statement (c) is incorrect. Regur soils are *black* in color, not reddish. While they do contain iron, it's not in a form that imparts a reddish hue. The black color is primarily due to the presence of compounds like titanium and iron oxides, along with humus.

*   **Option 3: (a) and (c):** Statement (a) is correct, but statement (c) is incorrect as explained above. Regur soils are black, not reddish.