Question

Which combination of soil types is most suitable for the cultivation of Sugarcane, a crop native to India?

• A. Red and Laterite soil
• B. Peaty and Marshy soil
• C. Black and Alluvial soil
• D. Sandy and Saline soil

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Black and Alluvial soil

Soil Requirements for Sugarcane Cultivation

Black Soil (Regur Soil)

• Black soil, also known as Regur soil, is highly suitable for sugarcane cultivation.
• It has excellent water retention capacity, which is crucial for sugarcane as it requires a consistent water supply.
• This soil type is rich in clay content, making it fertile and providing essential nutrients for crop growth.
• The fine-grained nature of black soil allows it to expand when wet and shrink when dry, creating deep cracks that help in aeration.
• This soil is particularly prevalent in the Deccan Plateau region of India, where sugarcane is a major crop.

Alluvial Soil

• Alluvial soil is another highly fertile soil type that is ideal for sugarcane.
• It is formed by the deposition of silt by rivers, making it rich in humus and minerals.
• Alluvial soils are typically found in river valleys and coastal plains, such as the Indo-Gangetic Plain and the coastal areas of South India.
• This soil type has good drainage and aeration, along with adequate moisture-holding capacity, which benefits sugarcane.
• The combination of these properties ensures optimal nutrient availability and root development for the sugarcane plant.

Why this combination is optimal

• The synergy between black and alluvial soils provides a comprehensive set of conditions that favor sugarcane growth.
• Black soil offers superior water retention and fertility, while alluvial soil contributes excellent nutrient content and good drainage.
• Together, they ensure that the crop receives adequate moisture, nutrients, and aeration, leading to higher yields and better quality sugarcane.

Background on Sugarcane

• Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) is a tropical and subtropical grass, with thick, jointed stems that are rich in juice from which sugar is extracted.
• India is one of the world's largest producers of sugarcane.
• Historically, sugarcane cultivation dates back to ancient India, with evidence suggesting its domestication around the Gangetic plains.

Nutrient and Climate Needs

• Besides suitable soil, sugarcane requires a warm and humid climate with an average temperature of around 21-27°C.
• It also needs significant rainfall (75-150 cm annually) or irrigation.
• Essential nutrients for sugarcane include nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are generally abundant in black and alluvial soils.