It is believed that black (Regular) soil was formed due to the solidification of lava spread over large areas during volcanic activity in the Deccan Plateau, thousands of years ago. So, we can say that rocks and climate played an important role in the formation of black soil. Black soil is very fertile. It has good capacity of retaining moisture. Whenever the moisture dries up, the soil develops fissures and then cracks.

Black or regur soil covers about 15% of the total area of India. It is found in entire Maharashtra, Western Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and certain area of Karnataka. In Gujarat, it is found in Surat, Bharuch, Narmada, Vadodara, Tapi and Dang districts. Black soil contains iron, lime, calcium, potash, aluminium and magnesium carbonates in more proportion. Crops like cotton, linseed, mustard, groundnut, tobacco and urad are grown in this soil. The soil is quite suitable for cultivating cotton and hence is also known as cotton soil.