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Flip to reveal answersDefine soil texture.
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All 10 Flashcards — Soil properties
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Question
Define soil texture.
Answer
Soil texture is the proportion of sand, silt, and clay particles in a soil.
💡 Hint
Sand–silt–clay mix.
Question
Texture is defined by which three particle types?
Answer
Sand, silt, and clay.
💡 Hint
Three particle sizes.
Question
Give two properties of sandy soil.
Answer
Sandy soil has large particles, drains quickly, is well aerated, but has low water and nutrient retention.
💡 Hint
Large particles → fast drainage.
Question
Which soil drains fastest: sand or clay?
Answer
Sand drains fastest.
💡 Hint
Large pores drain quickly.
Question
Give two properties of clay soil.
Answer
Clay soil has very small particles, drains poorly and can become waterlogged, but holds water and nutrients well.
💡 Hint
Tiny particles → poor drainage.
Question
What pH range do most crops prefer?
Answer
Around pH 6–7.
💡 Hint
Near neutral.
Question
Why does pH matter for plant growth?
Answer
pH affects nutrient availability and microbial activity, influencing how easily plants can absorb nutrients.
💡 Hint
Availability changes with acidity.
Question
What is loam and why is it ideal for agriculture?
Answer
Loam is a balanced mix of sand, silt, and clay, giving both good drainage and good nutrient/water retention.
💡 Hint
Balance = best for crops.
Question
How does high humus content increase productivity (cause-effect chain)?
Answer
Humus improves structure and water-holding capacity and increases nutrient availability (higher CEC), so plants grow more, increasing NPP.
💡 Hint
Structure + nutrients + water → growth.
Question
Exam-style: when asked about productivity, what must you always do?
Answer
Link soil property to productivity using a clear cause-effect chain (property → plant growth → higher NPP).
💡 Hint
Cause → effect.
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Topic 5.1 hub
Soil systems
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