Take a sample each of specimens F (CLAY SOIL), G (LOAMY SOIL) and H (SANDY SOIL) and rub each between the thumb and forefinger. Put a sample of each of the specimens on your palm and add a little amount of water sufficient to wet it. Mix each sample with water. Attempt producing a roll and then a ring.
(a) Tabulate your observations from the experiment.
(b) Name two crops that can be grown on specimen H.
(c) (i) Which of specimens F,G, and H is preferred for maize productions?
(ii) Give three reasons for your answers in (c)(i).
(d) State three ways in which specimen l (EARTHWORM) is of economic importance in agriculture.
Explanation
(a) Tabulation of observation from the experiment
| F (Clay Soil) | G (Loamy Soil) | H (Sandy Soil) |
|
smooth/powdery to touch |
intermediate/neither smooth nor coarse | coarse/gritty to touch |
| sticky when wet | not sticky when wet | not sticky when wet |
| a roll was produced | formed a weak roll | no roll was produced |
| moderately plastic | not plastic | |
| fine/tiny grains | ||
| a ring was formed |
(b) Crops that can be grown on specimen H (Sandy soil)
- Groundnut
- Cowpea
- Soybean
- Millet Coconut
- Oil palm
- Cotton
- Sugarcane
- Guinea corn
- Pigeon pea
- Watermelon
(c)(i) Preferred specimen for maize production - Specimen G (Loamy soil)
(ii) Reasons why specimen G (Loamy soil is preferred for maize production)
- It has good aeration
- Contains high organic matter
- Leaching of nutrients is minimized
- Easy to cultivate
- Has a crumby structure
- Has good water retention capacity
- Encourages microbial activities
- It is well-drained
(d) Economic importance of specimen I (Earthworm) in agriculture
- Improves soil aeration
- Adds organic matter to soils/improves soil fertility
- Improves microbial activities on soil
- Improves soil structure and granulation
- Aids in the decomposition of organic matter in the soil
- Increases the rate of water percolation in soils
- Aids plant root penetration by burrowing
- Improves the cation exchange capacity of soils
- Increases the level of nutrients in the soil
- Used as bait for catching fish
- Pulverises the soil by mixing top soil with the subsoil
- Stabilizes soil pH through the addition of organic matter