What is soil?
Unconsolidated weathered material on the Earth's surface that supports plant growth.
Name the three types of soil.
Sandy soil, loamy soil, and clay soil.
What are the properties of sandy soil?
Coarse texture, large pore spaces, high percolation, and low nutrient retention.
Why is sandy soil unsuitable for water retention?
It absorbs and loses water easily due to its large pore spaces.
What makes loamy soil the best for cultivation?
It contains a balance of sand, clay, and humus, providing good moisture retention and fertility.
What are the properties of loamy soil?
Moist, loose, moderate pore spaces, rich in organic matter, and easily cultivated.
What is clay soil characterized by?
Fine particles, high water-holding capacity, and low aeration.
Why does clay soil support water-logging?
Its particles are tightly bound, with low percolation and high capillarity.
What soil properties influence vegetation?
Humus content, mineral content, water-holding capacity, and porosity.
What is the water-holding capacity of soil?
The ability of soil to retain water, influenced by particle size, humus, and aeration.
Which type of water in soil is available to plants?
Capillary water.
Name three methods for renewing soil fertility.
Crop rotation, mulching, and application of manure or fertilizers.
What is compost manure?
Decomposed organic waste used to improve soil structure and fertility.
How does green manure benefit the soil?
It increases organic matter, reduces erosion, and enhances soil fertility.
What is farmyard manure?
A mixture of decomposed animal waste, bedding material, and fodder residues.
What are the benefits of using manure?
Improves soil fertility, structure, aeration, and water retention without causing pollution.
What is liming?
Adding calcium or magnesium-rich substances to soil to reduce acidity.
Why is crop rotation important?
It prevents pest build-up, enhances soil fertility, and increases crop yield.
What are leguminous crops, and how do they benefit the soil?
Crops that fix atmospheric nitrogen through bacteria in root nodules, improving soil fertility.
What are the disadvantages of excessive fertilizer use?
Soil and water pollution, soil acidification, and long-term soil degradation.
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