Concept:Maize grows best in loamy soil because it balances drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient supply.
Explanation:Maize needs a medium that supports root anchorage and regular nutrient uptake.
Loamy soil is a balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay.
The sand provides good drainage and aeration.
The silt helps retain moisture and nutrients.
The clay adds water-holding capacity without becoming waterlogged.
In addition, loamy soils are usually rich in organic matter and cation-exchange capacity.
This keeps essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium available to maize plants.
Sandy soil loses water and nutrients too quickly.
Clay or silty-clay soil holds excess water and reduces root oxygen supply.
Therefore, of the given options, loamy soil is the most suitable for maize cultivation.
Answer:C. Loamy soil