1. Alphonso Mango
Preferred Soil:
- Deep, well-drained, and loamy soils are ideal.
- pH range: 5.5 to 7.5.
- Soils rich in organic matter but not waterlogged.
- Lateritic soils found in Konkan (Maharashtra) are particularly suited for Alphonso mango cultivation due to good drainage and moderate fertility.
Region:
- Maharashtra (Konkan region), Gujarat, and parts of Karnataka and Goa.
2. Pomegranate
Preferred Soil:
- Light to medium-deep loamy soils with good drainage.
- Tolerates slight salinity and alkalinity; ideal pH range: 6.5 to 7.5.
- Requires soils that retain moisture without waterlogging.
Region:
- Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
3. Apple
Preferred Soil:
- Well-drained loamy soils rich in organic matter.
- Slightly acidic soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.8.
- Requires a soil depth of at least 1-2 meters to support deep-root systems.
Region:
- Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and parts of Arunachal Pradesh.
4. Other Key Horticultural Crops and Soil Types
Banana:
- Requires deep, well-drained, and fertile alluvial or loamy soil.
Regions: Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Kerala, and Gujarat.
Citrus Fruits (Orange, Sweet Lime):
- Grows well in light loamy soils with good drainage and slightly acidic pH (5.5–7.0).
Regions: Maharashtra (Nagpur), Madhya Pradesh, and Northeast India.
Grapes:
- Thrive in light, well-drained soils like sandy loam or clayey soils.
Regions: Maharashtra (Nasik), Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
Guava:
- Tolerates a wide variety of soils, including sandy and clayey soils, with a pH range of 5-7.
Regions: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Maharashtra.
Pineapple:
- Requires well-drained sandy or clay loam soils with high organic matter.
Regions: West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, and Kerala.
General Soil Management for Horticultural Crops
- Soil Testing: Regularly test soil to monitor pH, nutrient content, and salinity.
- Organic Matter: Incorporate compost or green manure to maintain soil fertility.
- Drainage: Ensure good drainage, especially for crops like mango and pomegranate.
- Irrigation: Drip irrigation is ideal for water management in orchards.
