Soil types and what they mean for your farmland's yield

Two parcels at the same price can produce very different incomes. The difference is usually underfoot.

Black cotton soil Moisture-retentive and fertile, ideal for cotton, pulses and soybean. It cracks when dry and swells when wet, so check drainage and foundation needs if you plan to build.

Red soil Well-drained and workable, suited to groundnut, millets and horticulture with irrigation. Common across the Deccan; responds well to organic matter.

Alluvial soil The most productive class, found along rivers and deltas. Excellent for paddy, sugarcane and vegetables — and priced accordingly.

Laterite Common in the Konkan and Kerala; good for cashew, coconut and rubber but needs amendment for field crops.

Ask for a basic soil test before you buy. ₹2,000 of analysis can save you a decade of disappointing harvests.