Which of the following is more suitable than the others for the growth of cashew nut?

The correct answer is Red laterite soil.

Key Points

• Red laterite soil is most suitable for growing cashew nuts.
• Red laterite soils are formed due to the weathering of laterite rocks.
• Laterite soils are rich in iron and aluminium content.
• Usually rusty-red in color due to the high iron oxide content.
• It is suitable for building purposes.
• Red laterite soils in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala are more suitable for tea plantations.

Additional Information

• Black soil
  • It is well suited for the cultivation of cotton so it is also called cotton soil.
  • It is also called ‘Regur Soil’ or the ‘Black Cotton Soil’.
  • It is formed by the disintegration of basalt.
• Alluvial soils
  • ​These are the most extensive soil type in India.
  • Alluvial soils are formed from the sediments deposited by the rivers.
  • It is rich in potash and poor in nitrogen and organic matter.
  • Alluvial soils are most suitable for growing wheat, rice, maize, sugarcane, pulses, etc.
• Red and yellow soils
  • These are derived from granites, gneisses, and other metamorphic rocks.
  • The soil looks reddish in color due to a wide diffusion of iron in crystalline.
  • These are metamorphic rocks and it looks yellow when it occurs in a hydrated form.
  • Red and yellow soils are most suitable for growing wheat, cotton, pulses, tobacco, millets, oilseeds, potato, etc.
• Arid Soils 
  • ​Arid soil is unsuitable for cultivation.
  • Arid soil is generally sandy in texture and saline in nature.
  • It restricts the filtration of water.