In India, cotton is cultivated best in which type of soil?

AIIMS Nagpur NO - 2018

Non Nursing Subjects

Easy

Appeared in: AIIMS Nagpur NO - 2018

Explanation

Regur soil, also known as black soil, is internationally recognized as the most suitable soil for cotton cultivation, often called 'black cotton soil'.
Its key property is high clay content, which gives it excellent moisture-retention capacity, crucial for the cotton plant's needs during its long, hot growing season.
This soil is rich in essential nutrients like lime, iron, magnesia, and alumina, which support healthy plant growth.
It exhibits a unique characteristic of swelling when wet and shrinking when dry, which leads to deep cracks and a form of 'self-plowing' that aids aeration.

Option A: Alluvial soils are highly fertile but are loamy and sandy, lacking the high moisture retention needed for optimal cotton growth.
Option B: Laterite soils are formed in areas with high temperature and heavy rainfall, leading to intense leaching of nutrients. This makes them acidic and poor in fertility, rendering them unsuitable for cotton.
Option C: Red soils are porous and have a lower water-holding capacity compared to black soils. They are not the ideal choice for cotton, which thrives in moisture-retentive soil.

Visual 1: Map of India - A map showing the distribution of major soil types, highlighting the Deccan Plateau region where Regur soil is predominant.
Visual 2: Infographic - An infographic comparing the soil profiles of Alluvial, Laterite, Red, and Regur soils, showing their different layers, textures, and water-holding capacities.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Soil types in India and their suitability for crop cultivation as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
While not a clinical topic, understanding India's geography and agriculture is part of the general knowledge section of many nursing entrance exams.
This knowledge demonstrates a broad educational background, which is valued in professional roles.
What if the question asked about a crop suited for Alluvial soil? In that case, crops like wheat, rice, or sugarcane would be the correct answer, as they thrive in the fertile Indo-Gangetic plains.

How to Approach the Question

Identify the keywords in the question: 'cotton', 'best soil', and 'India'.
This is a factual recall question from Indian geography, a common topic in the general knowledge section of competitive exams.
Recall or deduce the specific name for the soil type famously associated with cotton. The term 'black cotton soil' is a strong clue.
Evaluate the options. 'Regur soil' is the specific geological name for black cotton soil.
Eliminate other options based on their known characteristics: Alluvial (river plains, for grains), Laterite (leached, acidic), and Red (porous, less water retention).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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