Chapter 9 Soil

Question 1. The microorganisms present in the soil require moisture (water) and nutrients for growth and survival. Choose from the options below the habitat (place) where the soil has plenty of water and nutrients.

(a) Desert

(b) Forest

(c) Open field

(d) Cricket ground

Question 2. Availability of water and minerals in the soil for maximum absorption by roots is in the –

(a) B-horizon

(b) C-horizon

(c) A-horizon

(d) surface of soil

Question 3. Soil conservation measures are mainly aimed at protecting which of the following?

(a) Plants

(b) Top soil

(c) Sub soil

(d) Soil organisms

Question 4. Read the following statements with reference to soil.

(i) Weathering is a very fast process of soil formation.

(ii) Percolation of water is faster in sandy soils.

(iii) Loamy soil contains only sand and clay.

(iv) Top soil contains the maximum amount of humus.

Choose the correct statements from the above.

(a) (ii) and (iv)

(b) (i) and (iii)

(c) (ii) and (iii)

(d) (i) and (ii)

Question 5. Soil has particles of different sizes. Arrange the words given below in increasing order of their particle size.

Rock, Clay, Sand, Gravel, Silt

Question 6. The components of loamy soil are ______, ______ and ______.

Question 7. Read the following statements and give the appropriate terms for each of them.

(a) The process of breakdown of rocks by the action of wind, water, sunlight.

(b) Removal of top soil during heavy rains or strong winds.

(c) Accumulation of wastes in the soil generated by human activity which alter the features of soil.

(d) The process of movement of water into deeper layers of soil.

Question 8. Unscramble the following jumbled words related to soil.

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

(f)

Question 9. Which of the following situations – ‘A’ or ‘B’ – is advantageous for absorption of water and minerals? Why?

Situation ‘A’ : Growth and branching of roots in the C-horizon.

Situation ‘B’ : Growth and branching of roots in A and Bhorizons.

Question 10. How can a farmer convert acidic soil to neutral soil?

Question 11. Is it a good practice to remove grass and small plants that are growing in an open, unused field? Give reason to support your answer.

Question 12. A man digging a pit found that he could dig with ease initially but digging became difficult as he went deeper. He could not dig beyond a depth of 5 feet. Provide a suitable scientific explanation.

Question 13. Locate the following zones given as boxed items in Figure 9.1 which shows a diagram of soil profile.

Top soil, Subsoil, C-horizon, Bedrock

Question 14. Rajasthan is a desert state in India. Once while travelling to Rajasthan by train, Boojho observed several streams and rivulets of rain water during the journey but to his surprise he did not see streams of water in the desert region even during rains. Help Boojho find a suitable explanation for this.

Question 15. Match the animals in Column I with their natural place of dwelling (habitat) in Column II.

Question 16. Continuously water-logged soils are disadvantageous for plant growth. Why?

Question 17. Why is soil erosion relatively less in dense forests as compared to barren, open fields?

Question 18. Gardeners gently dig up the soil around the roots of garden herbs (plants) frequently. Give reasons.

Question 19. In towns and cities, generally, the bore wells have to be dug very deep to get water as compared to bore wells dug in villages. Give suitable reasons.

Question 20. Several terms related to soil are hidden in the squares given as Figure 9.2. Spot them and make a list.Two examples are given for you.