The diagram below illustrates an experimental set-up on soil. Study it and answer the questions that follow.
a) (i) State the aim of the experiment.
(ii)Name the parts labelled I and II in the diagram.
b) Describe how the experiment is carried out.
c) State four properties of sandy soils.
d) Describe a test for soil acidity using litmus paper.
a) (i) State the aim of the experiment.
(ii)Name the parts labelled I and II in the diagram.
b) Describe how the experiment is carried out.
c) State four properties of sandy soils.
d) Describe a test for soil acidity using litmus paper.
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Correct Answer: Option
Explanation:
(a)(i) Aim of the experiment
Separation of soil into its fractions/determination of soil texture by sedimentation
(ii) Naming of the parts labelled I and II
I – Clay in suspension/Clay
II – Silt
(b) Description of the experiment
Place a glass jar on a surface
Weigh about 70 – 100g of the soil
Add the weighed soil into an equivalent quantity of water in a glass jar
Add suitable dispersing agent e,g, NaOH, NaHCO3
Shake the glass jar vigorously to disperse any soil clods
Allow the glass jar to settle for an hour
Observe the result
(c) Properties of sandy soils
Low cation exchange capacity
Diameter is between 0.02 mm – 2m2
Well drained, loose and highly aerated
Low plant nutrients
Low buffering capacity
Leaching of nutrients is high/supports leaching
Easily gets hot and cold
Low water holding capacity
Particles are light and easy to till
Gritty/rough/coarse in nature
High percolation rate
Low capillary action
Cannot be moulded
(d) Testing soil acidity using litmus paper
Mix the soil very well
Moisten with distilled water
Dip red and blue litmus paper into moistened soil
If blue litmus paper changes pink/red, the soil is acidic
If red litmus paper changes blue, the soil is basic/alkaline
If there is no colour change, the soil is neutral
(a)(i) Aim of the experiment
Separation of soil into its fractions/determination of soil texture by sedimentation
(ii) Naming of the parts labelled I and II
I – Clay in suspension/Clay
II – Silt
(b) Description of the experiment
Place a glass jar on a surface
Weigh about 70 – 100g of the soil
Add the weighed soil into an equivalent quantity of water in a glass jar
Add suitable dispersing agent e,g, NaOH, NaHCO3
Shake the glass jar vigorously to disperse any soil clods
Allow the glass jar to settle for an hour
Observe the result
(c) Properties of sandy soils
Low cation exchange capacity
Diameter is between 0.02 mm – 2m2
Well drained, loose and highly aerated
Low plant nutrients
Low buffering capacity
Leaching of nutrients is high/supports leaching
Easily gets hot and cold
Low water holding capacity
Particles are light and easy to till
Gritty/rough/coarse in nature
High percolation rate
Low capillary action
Cannot be moulded
(d) Testing soil acidity using litmus paper
Mix the soil very well
Moisten with distilled water
Dip red and blue litmus paper into moistened soil
If blue litmus paper changes pink/red, the soil is acidic
If red litmus paper changes blue, the soil is basic/alkaline
If there is no colour change, the soil is neutral