Natural Diversity Of Karnataka

Agumbe

Agumbe is called the 'Cherrapunji of South India' because it receives the highest rainfall in Karnataka. It's located in the Western Ghats where moisture-laden monsoon winds cause heavy precipitation. Bhagamandala and Hulikal also receive heavy rainfall but are not given this specific title. Nayakna Hatti actually receives the lowest rainfall in the state, being in the rain-shadow area.

Iron oxides

Red soil gets its characteristic red color from iron oxides present in it. This soil is formed from the weathering of granite and gneiss rocks. While it contains iron, lime, and salt, the iron oxides are specifically responsible for the red coloration. Aluminum oxides are present in laterite soil, magnesium oxides in black soil, and calcium oxides don't give red color to soil.

Regur soil

Black soil is also called 'Regur soil' or 'black cotton soil'. It gets its black color from aluminum, magnesium, and iron oxides. This soil is formed by weathering of basalt rocks and has excellent moisture retention capacity. Alluvial soil is formed by river deposits, laterite soil forms in high rainfall areas, and sandy soil has high sand content - none of these are alternative names for black soil.

Cotton

Cotton is not typically grown in laterite soil. Cotton grows well in black soil which has good moisture retention and nutrient content. Laterite soil forms in high rainfall areas and is suitable for cashew, coffee, tea, cardamom, pepper, rubber, and coconut - all commercial crops that can tolerate the acidic nature and specific conditions of laterite soil. Cotton requires the deep, fertile, moisture-retentive black soil found in northern Karnataka.