The diagram below illustrates the experimental setup used to determine soil texture.
(a) Name the parts labelled A to F on the diagram.
(b) List four major constituents of the soil
(c) State three other methods which can be used to determine soil texture
(d) Explain briefly two importance of soil texture to the farmer
Explanation
(a) Parts labeled A - F are;
- A - Floating organic materials;
- B -Water;
- C - clay / clay particles;
- D - Silt,
- E - fine sand / sand
- F - Coarse sand / gravel / small stones
(b) Major constituents of soil are;
- Minerals - sand, clay etc;
- Organic matter;
- Water
- Air;
- Micro organisms.
(c) Other methods of determining soil texture are;
- Feelíng method by rubbing soil between thumb and the fingers
- Moulding into rings when wet.
- Sieve method.
- Pipette method.
- Hydrometer method.
(d) Importance of soil texture to the farmer:
- useful in the evaluation of soil,
- ability to supply mineral nutrients,
- support of soil micro organisms essential for plant growth,
- determines the relative proportion of air and water in the soil,
- determines movement of air and water in the soil,
- helps to determine the type of crops to be planted or to grow,
- helps to determine tillage practice to be adopted by the farmer.