Soil

Chapter-9
Q)What is soil?
A)Soil is the crust part of the earth. It is mainly the mixture of rock particles and humus.

Q)How will you say that the soil is one of the most important natural resources
A)Soil is one of the most important natural resources because
- It supports the growth of plants by holding the roots firmly and supplying water and nutrients.
- It is the home for many organisms.
- Soil is essential for agriculture. Agriculture provides food, clothing and shelter for all.
- Soil is thus an inseparable part of our life.

Q)What are the factors which affect the soil?

A) Wind, rainfall, temperature, light and humidity are the factors which affect the soil soil profile and
bring changes in the soil structure.

QWhat do you mean by soil profile?

A vertical section through different layers of the soil is called the soil profile.

What are horizons?

Each layer of soil differs in feel (texture), colour, depth and chemical composition.
These layers are called horizons.

What factors are used to differentiate various layers of soil?

The layers of soil are different from each other in respect to their texture, colour, depth, particle size
and chemical composition.

Describe the different layers in soil profile.

(a) Different layers of the soil are referred to as horizons.The uppermost layer, the top soil, also
known as A-horizon is generally dark in color and fertile as it is rich in humus and minerals. This layer
is generally soft, porous and can retain more water. This provides shelter for many living organisms
such as worms, rodents, moles and beetles. The roots of small plants are embedded entirely in the
topsoil.
(b) The next layer, middle layer called B-horizon has a lesser amount of humus but more of minerals.
This layer is generally harder and more compact.
(c) The third layer is the C-horizon which is made up of small lumps of rocks with cracks and crevices.
(d) Below this layer is the bedrock, which is hard and difficult to dig with a spade. Water can be held in
the tiny gaps.

What is humus?
A non living organic matter formed from remains of dead and decay plants and animal by the activity
of micro organism present in soil.

Why is top soil known as the habitat of many living organisms?

Soil is the habitat for many living organisms, like bacteria, fungi, protozoan and earthworms as
it contains large amounts of nutrients. Therefore top soil is called the habitat of many living organisms.

Why Upper most layers in a soil profile is described as most productive

In the soil profile, Horizon – A, also known as Topsoil is best suited for the plant growth.
As we know that availability of nutrients and water in soil helps to determine the productivity of soil.
Top soil is it is rich in humus minerals along with water Therefore Top soil is considered as more
productive.

How soil is formed?

The soil is formed by the breaking down of rocks by the action of wind, water and climate. This
process is called weathering.

There are two different types of weathering. Physical weathering and chemical weathering.
Mechanical (physical) weathering is the breakdown of rock into smaller particles due to such factors
as as freezing and thawing, release of pressure, water absorption, salt crystal formation, land mass
uplift, expansion and contraction from the sun or fire, plant root growth, actions of animals, abrasion,
or other means that do not directly affect the rock's chemistry.

Chemical weathering is the dissolution, carbonation, oxidation, or hydrolysis of rock and mineral by
chemical means only, mostly from reactions with water or the acids contained in rainwater. Other
materials are formed in the process. Warm, tropical climates are ideal environments for chemical
weathering to take place as the chemical reactions are quickened by the bountiful rain and warm
temperatures.

What is the similarity between chemical and mechanical weathering?

They both reduce the size of a rock body

At what factors nature of soil depend on?

The nature of any soil depends upon the rocks from which it has been formed and the type of
vegetation that grows in it.

Plants help the development of the soil. How?

The plants attract animals, and when the animals die, their bodies decay. Decaying matter makes the
soil thick and rich. This continues until the soil is fully formed. The soil then supports many different
plants.

The soil is classified on the basis of the proportion of particles of various sizes. How?
If soil contains greater proportion of big particles it is called sandy soil.
If the proportion of fine particles is relatively higher, then it is called clayey soil.
If the amount of large and fine particles is about the same, then the soil is called loamy.
Thus, the soil can be classified as sandy, clayey and loamy.

Soil particles size is an important factor to determine the property of soil. Explain.
Different particles of soil have different sizes which affect its properties such as:

(a) Sand particles are quite large and having large spaces between them. These spaces are filled with
air. Water can drain quickly through these spaces. So, sandy soils tend to be light, well aerated and
rather dry.

(b) Clay particles, being much smaller, pack tightly together, leaving little space for air. So, clay soils
have little air. But they are heavy as they hold more water than the sandy soils.
(c) Loamy soil is a mixture of sand, clay and another type of soil particle known as silt. The size of the
silt particles is between those of sand and clay. The loamy soil also has humus in it. It has the right
water holding capacity for the growth of plants.

Why loamy soil is known as best for growing plants?

The loamy soil has adequate humus mixed in it. It has the right water holding capacity for the growth
of plants. So loamy soil is known as best for growing plants

What is silt? It is a component of which type of soil?

Silt is the soil present as deposits in riverbeds. It is formed by the weathering of rocks in the mountains
and flows into the rivers. It is a component of loamy soil which is considered most suitable for growth
of plants.

What is percolation of water? How it is different for different types of soil?

The gravity flow of groundwater through the pore spaces in rock or soil is called percolation of water.
Percolation rate of water is different in different types of soil. It is highest in the sandy soil and least in
the clayey soil.

What are the factors help us to determine the various types of vegetation and crops that might grow in
any region?
The climatic factors, as well as the components of soil, determine the various types of vegetation and
crops that might grow in any region

How does moisture affect the fertility of the soil?

The ability of a soil to hold water is called soil moisture. Soil moisture impacts the distribution and
growth of vegetation, soil aeration, soil microbial activity, soil erosion, concentration of toxic
substances and the movement of nutrients in the soil to the roots, thus affect fertility of soil.
For example, clayey and loamy soils both have good water retaining capacity. Crops such as wheat are
grown in the fine clayey soils, because they are rich in humus and are very fertile.

What are the main agents of weathering ?

The main agents of weathering are :-
1. Temperature: Temperature changes that cause the rock surface to break apart
2. Frost: Ice expand and produce pressure , causing the crevices in rock to open
3. Water: - Continuous movement of rain water causes braking down of rock particles into fine
particles
4. Air : Wind blow across rock surface and carry minute particle and form layer
5. Living organism : - Lichen grow on the surface of rocks and produce acid which corrode the rocky
surface .Weathering by living organism is called biological weathering.

How is clayey soil useful for crops?

Clayey soil having a good capacity to retain water. It is also rich in organic matter So best suitable for
growing cereals like wheat, And gram

What are the causes of soil erosion?

Soil erosion is mainly caused by rain, wind, flooding, overgrazing, and deforestation. Erosion of soil is
more severe in areas of little or no surface vegetation, such as desert or bare lands

How can soil erosion be prevented?

There are many ways to prevent soil erosion
(i) By planting more trees and increasing the vegetation cover.
(ii)By prevented Cutting of trees and deforestation and taking efforts to increase the green areas.
(iii)By maintaining soil in its natural condition by using less manure or by crop rotation
(iv)By arranging proper irrigation

What are the different types of soils found in india?

Late rite Soils :- This typical soil is found in those regions which receive heavy rainfall. This soil is
poor in lime content and hence it is more acidic. This soil contains least moisture content.It is basically
red in colour because of the presence of iron oxides. It is more popular in the coastal regions of
Ratnagiri District and Malabar.
Black Soil :- It is black in colour due to presence of salt and large amount of humus . This soil becomes
sticky when is wet. It does not contain adequate nitrogen but it contains sufficient phosphorous
required for the growth of the plants.It is generally found in hilly areas.

Red and Yellow Soils : Red and yellow soils are found in areas, which receive low rainfall. They
contain huge concentration of iron oxides that are responsible for giving the reddish or yellow colour.

Alluvial Soils : Alluvial Soils are mainly found in the plains of northern India. These soils have low
phosphorous and nitrogen content and found in the north western regions of the country

Mountain Soils : Mountain soils are considered as a significant variety of soil in the Himalayan region
of the country. They are mainly found in dry and cold district in the northern region of India.

Q1. Fill in the blanks.

 In addition to the rock particles, the soil contains minerals, organic matter, air andwater.
 The water holding capacity is the highest in clayey soil.
 In desert soil erosion occurs through wind.
 Sandy soil can hold very little water.
 Soil is of different types: clayey, loamy and sandy.
 The uppermost horizon is generally dark in colour as it is rich in humus and minerals.

Q2. True/False
 Plantation prevents soil erosion. True
 Sandy soil is used to make pottery. False
 Use of polythene should be banned to avoid soil pollution. True
 Soil is important for life on the earth. True
 Each layer of soil is same in feel (texture), colour, depth and chemical composition.False
 The loamy soil also has humus in it. True

Q3. Which type of soil is well aerated?

Ans. Sandy soil is well aerated.

Q4. Which soil has the highest percolation rate?

Ans. Sandy soil has the highest percolation rate.

Q5. Which soil has the least percolation rate?

Ans. Clayey soil has the least percolation rate.

Q6. What is humus?

Ans. The rotting dead matter in the soil is called humus.

Q7. What is soil?

Ans. The mixture of rock particles and humus is called the soil.

Q8. Name some soil pollutants.

Ans. Polythene bags, plastics, waste products, chemicals and pesticides.

Q9. Which soil horizon contains humus?

Ans. Topsoil or the A-horizon

Q10. Which soil horizon has a lesser amount of humus but more of minerals?
Ans. B-horizon or the middle layer

Q11. Which type of soil is the best for making pots, toys and statues?
Ans. Clayey soil is used to make pots, toys and statues.

Q12. What kind of soil should be used for making matkas and surahis?
Ans. Clayey soil should be used for making matkas and surahis.

Q13. Why the uppermost horizon is generally dark in colour?

Ans. The uppermost horizon is generally dark in colour as it is rich in humus and minerals.

Q14. What is the role of humus in the soil?

Ans. The humus makes the soil fertile and provides nutrients to growing plants.

Q15. What is soil profile?

Ans. A vertical section through different layers of the soil is called the soil profile.

Q16. What is loamy soil?

Ans. Loamy soil is a mixture of sand, clay and another type of soil particle known as silt.

Q17. What is bedrock?

Ans. Just below the C-horizon is the bedrock, which is hard and difficult to dig with a spade.

Q18. Which type of soil is best for growing wheat and gram?
Ans. Clayey and loamy soils are both suitable for growing cereals like wheat and gram.

Q19. Which areas experience more severe soil erosion?

Ans. Erosion of soil is more severe in areas of little or no surface vegetation, such as desert or bare
lands.

Q20. Which type of soil is best for growing lentils?

Ans. For lentils (masoor) and other pulses, loamy soils, which drain water easily, are required.

Q21. Which type of soil is best for growing cotton?

Ans. For cotton, sandy loam or loam, which drain water easily and can hold plenty of air, are more
suitable.
Q22. Wheat are grown in the fine clayey soils. Give reason.
Ans. Crops such as wheat are grown in the fine clayey soils, because they are rich in humus and are
very fertile.

Q23. Classify the soil on the basis of the proportion of particles of various sizes.
Ans. On the basis of the proportion of particles of various sizes, the soil can be classified as sandy,
clayey and loamy.

Q24. What is called soil moisture?

Ans. Soil holds water in it, which is called soil moisture. The capacity of a soil to hold water is
important for various crops.

Q25. State the factors on which nature of the soil depends?

Ans. The nature of any soil depends upon the rocks from which it has been formed and the type of
vegetation that grows in it.

Q26. What is silt?

Ans. Silt occurs as a deposit in river beds. The size of the silt particles is between those of sand and
clay.

Q27. Explain how soil is formed.

Ans. The soil is formed by the breaking down of rocks by the action of wind, water and climate. It is a
very slow process.

Q28. Why do air above the soil shimmer on a hot summer day?
Ans. On a hot summer day, the vapour coming out of the soil reflects the sunlight and thus, the air
above the soil seems to shimmer.

Q29. Which type of soil is best for growing paddy?

Ans. For paddy, soils rich in clay and organic matter and having a good capacity to retain water are
ideal.

Q30. What is weathering?

Ans. Soil is formed by the breaking down of rocks by the action of wind, water and climate. This
process is called weathering.

Q31. Which type of soil retains the highest amount of water and which retains the least?
Ans. Clayey soil retains the highest amount of water and sandy soil retains the least.

Q32. Which natural resource supports the growth of plants by holding the roots firmly and supplying
water and nutrients?
Ans. Soil supports the growth of plants by holding the roots firmly and supplying water and nutrients.

Q33. How is clayey soil useful for crops?

Ans. Clayey soil is useful for crops because:
 It is good at retaining water.
 It is rich in organic matter.
Q34. What affect the soil profile and bring changes in the soil structure?
Ans. Soil is affected by wind, rainfall, temperature, light and humidity. These are some important
climatic factors which affect the soil profile and bring changes in the soil structure.

Q35. Why is top soil known as the habitat of many living organisms?
Ans. Top soil is known as the habitat of many living organisms because this provides shelter for many
living organisms such as worms, rodents, moles and beetles.

Q36. Why is the topsoil important for plant growth?

Ans. Top soil is important for plant growth because it is rich in humus and minerals which makes the
soil fertile and provides nutrients to growing plants.

Q37. Why there is a demand to ban the polythene bags and plastics?
Ans. Polythene bags and plastics pollute the soil. They also kill the organisms living in the soil. That is
why there is a demand to ban the polythene bags and plastics.

Q38. What are called horizons?

Ans. A vertical section through different layers of the soil is called the soil profile. Each layer differs in
feel (texture), colour, depth and chemical composition. These layers are referred to as horizons.

Q39. What are the properties of loamy soil?

Ans. Properties of loamy soil
 The best topsoil for growing plants is loam. Loamy soil is a mixture of sand, clay and another
type of soil particle known as silt.
 The loamy soil also has humus in it.
 It has the right water holding capacity for the growth of plants.

Q40. What are the properties of clayey soil?

Ans. Properties of clayey soil
 Clay particles, being much smaller, pack tightly together, leaving little space for air.
 Water can be held in the tiny gaps between the particles of clay. So clay soils have little air.
 They are heavy as they hold more water than the sandy soils.

Q41. Why is soil regarded as one of the most important natural resources?
Or
Why is soil an inseparable part of our life?
Ans. Soil is one of the most important natural resources. It supports the growth of plants by holding the
roots firmly and supplying water and nutrients. It is the home for many organisms. Soil is essential for
agriculture. Agriculture provides food, clothing and shelter for all. Soil is thus an inseparable part of
our life.

Q42. What are the properties of sandy soil?

Ans. Properties of sandy soil are:
 Sand particles are quite large.
 Sand particle cannot fit closely together, so there are large spaces between them. These spaces
are filled with air. So, the sand is well aerated.
 Water can drain quickly through the spaces between the sand particles. So, sandy soils tend to be
light and dry.
 Q43. Razia conducted an experiment in the field related to the rate of percolation. She observed that
it took 40 min for 200 mL of water to percolate through the soil sample. Calculate the rate of
percolation.
Ans. Amount of water = 200 ml
Percolation time = 40 min

Q44. Sketch the cross section of soil and label the various layers.
Ans.

Image from NCERT

Q45. List the differences between clayey soil and sandy soil.
Ans. Differences between clayey soil and sandy soil
Clayey soil Sandy soil
1. Clay particles are much smaller. 1. Sand particles are quite large.
2. Clayey soils tend to be heavy as they 2. Sandy soils tend to be light as water
hold more water than the sandy soils. drain quickly through the spaces between
the sand particles.
3. Clay particles pack tightly together, 3. They cannot fit closely together, so there
leaving little space for air. are large spaces between them. These
spaces are filled with air.
4. Clayey soil is more fertile compared to 4. Sandy soil is less fertile compared to
sandy soil. clayey soil.
Q46. Explain how soil pollution and soil erosion could be prevented.
Ans. Steps to prevent soil pollution
 The polythene bags and plastics should be banned.
 Waste products and chemicals should be treated before they are released into the soil.
 The use of pesticides should be minimised.
 Use of organic manure, fertilizers, and milder pesticides for agricultural activities should be
encouraged.

 Steps to prevent soil erosion

 Planting more and more trees.
 Terrace farming.
 Retaining walls can be built around the area of erosion to prevent water run-off.
 Making people aware of pros and cons of deforestation.

Q47. Describe the different layers of soil profile.

Ans. Different layers of soil profile
 The uppermost horizon is generally dark in colour as it is rich in humus and minerals. The
humus makes the soil fertile and provides nutrients to growing plants. This layer is generally
soft, porous and can retain more water. It is called the topsoil or the A-horizon. This provides
shelter for many living organisms such as worms, rodents, moles and beetles. The roots of small
plants are embedded entirely in the topsoil.
 The next layer has a lesser amount of humus but more of minerals. This layer is generally harder
and more compact and is called the B-horizon or the middle layer.
 The third layer is the C-horizon, which is made up of small lumps of rocks with cracks and
crevices.
 Below this layer is the bedrock, which is hard and difficult to dig with a spade.