TYPES OF SOIL Flashcards
What is soil?
Soil is the loose surface material that covers most of the Earth’s land, consisting of disintegrated rock, humus, inorganic and organic matter.
How long does it take for soil to form?
Soil forms over an average of 500 years or more.
What forces contribute to soil formation?
Wind, water, and chemical reactions with salts.
What are the three stages of soil?
- Solid soil
- Soil with air in the pores
- Soil with water in the pores
What factors influence soil’s suitability for agriculture?
Soil’s composition and properties.
How is soil classified?
Soil is classified by its texture, proportions, and different forms of organic and mineral compositions.
What are the four types of soil?
- Sandy soil
- Silt soil
- Clay soil
- Loamy soil
What is sandy soil composed of?
Sandy soil is composed mainly of small particles of weathered rock, such as granite, limestone, and quartz.
What is the texture of sandy soil?
Sandy soil has a light, dry, and coarse texture.
What are the drainage properties of sandy soil?
Sandy soil allows for quick drainage.
What are the nutrient and water retention characteristics of sandy soil?
Sandy soil has poor water retention and low nutrient content.
How can sandy soil’s fertility be improved?
By adding organic matter.
Where is sandy soil commonly found?
In deserts, coastal regions, and areas with high sand content.
Which plants can thrive in sandy soil?
- Carrots
- Potatoes
- Watermelon
- Sunflowers
- Cactus
- Coconut trees
What is silt soil composed of?
Silt soil is composed of fine rock and mineral particles that are smaller than sand but larger than clay.
What is the texture of silt soil when dry?
Silt soil has a smooth, powdery texture when dry.
How does silt soil feel when wet?
Silt soil feels slippery or soapy when wet.
What type of soil retains moisture better than sand and is more fertile?
Silt soil
Silt soil is ideal for plant growth and agricultural practices.
Where is silt soil commonly found?
Near rivers, lakes, and other water bodies
Silt soil is easily transported by moving currents.
What are some plants that grow well in silt soil?
- Rice
- Lettuce
- Sugarcane
Silt soil’s fertility makes it suitable for a variety of plants.
What is the smallest particle type among the three main soil types?
Clay soil
Clay soil has tightly packed particles with little to no airspace.
What are the characteristics of clay soil when wet and dry?
Wet: sticky and moldable; Dry: smooth, hard, and cracks
Clay soil drains poorly but has excellent water-holding capacity.
What are some plants that thrive in clay soil?
- Sweet potato
- Bottle gourd
- String beans
- Wheat
- Roses
- Eggplant
Plants that can tolerate moisture-retaining properties do well in clay soil.
What is loamy soil also known as?
Agricultural soil
Loamy soil is a balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay.
What are the benefits of loamy soil for plant growth?
Retains moisture and nutrients, allows proper drainage and aeration
Loamy soil is ideal for farming and gardening.
What are some plants that grow well in loamy soil?
- Tomatoes
- Pineapple
- Peppers
- Mango tree
- Corn
- Guava tree
Loamy soil’s balanced texture supports a wide variety of plants.
What enhances the agricultural value of loamy soil?
Humus, higher calcium and pH levels
These factors result from its inorganic origins.
Fill in the blank: Clay soil has _______ water-holding capacity but drains poorly.
excellent
True or False: Silt soil is prone to erosion and compaction.
True
Fill in the blank: Loamy soil is a mixture of sand, silt, and _______.
clay
What is a key drawback of clay soil for plant roots?
Limited space for roots to flourish
The density of clay soil restricts root growth.
