Soil
NCERT Solution
Tick the most suitable answer in questions 1 and 2.
Question 1: In addition to the rock particles, the soil contains
- air and water
- water and plants
- minerals, organic matter, air and water
- water, air and plants
Answer: (iii) minerals organic matter, air and water
Question 2: The water holding capacity is the highest in
- sandy soil
- clayey soil
- loamy soil
- mixture of sand and loam
Answer: (ii) Clayey soil
Question 3: Match the items in Column I with those in Column II:
| Column A | Column B |
|---|---|
| (1) A home for living organisms | (a) Large particles |
| (2) Upper layer of soil | (b) All kinds of soil |
| (3) Sandy soil | (c) Dark in colour |
| (4) Middle layer of soil | (d) Small particles and packed tight |
| (5) Clayey soil | (e) Lesser amount of humus |
Answer: (1) b, (2) c, (3) a, (4) e, (5) d
Question 4: Explain how soil is formed.
Answer: Soil is formed by the process of weathering. The breaking down of rocks because of the action of wind, rain, ice, etc. is called weathering.
Question 5: How is clayey soil useful for crops?
Answer: Clayey soil can retain much water and consequently contains lot of moisture even in summer. That's why it is most useful for crops like paddy which requires lot of water. Clayey soil is useful for wheat also.
Question 6: List the differences between clayey soil and sandy soil.
Answer:
| Clayey soil | Sandy soil |
|---|---|
| Particles are of very small size | Particles are of quite large size |
| Particles are tightly packed together | Particles are not closely packed |
| Not aerated enough | Well aerated |
| Can retain water for long time | Cannot retain water |
| Water does not drain easily | Water drains easily |
| Fertile | Not fertile |
| Suitable for many crops | Not suitable for crops |
Question 7: Sketch the cross section of soil and label the various layers.
Answer:
Question 8: 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.
Answer: Given, Time = 40 minute
Volume of water = 200 ml
Percolation rate = amount of water in mL ÷ time taken for percolation
= 200 mL ÷ 40 min = 5 mL per minute
Question 9: Explain how soil pollution and soil erosion could be prevented.
Answer: Soil pollution and soil erosion could be prevented using following:
- Plantation
- Better farming method, like crop rotation and mixed farming
- Use of manure instead of synthetic fertilization.
- Use of natural pesticides.
- Avoid dumping non-biodegradable items in soil.
- Terrace farming in hilly areas.