Author Question: List and briefly describe the various physical properties used to differentiate soils. What will ... (Read 86 times)

folubunmi · **on:** Jul 14, 2018

List and briefly describe the various physical properties used to differentiate soils.

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

A mineral can be either organic or inorganic.

Indicate whether the statement is true or false

jaymee143 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 14, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Soil color is an important indicator of composition and chemical make-up of soil. However, it can also be misleading. For instance, dark soils tend to indicate high organic matter. However, not all dark soils have high organic matter.
Soil texture refers to the mixture and proportions of sand, silts, and clays (i.e. the mineral separates that are smaller than 2 mm in size.
Soil structure refers to the size and shape of the aggregates of particles of soil (as compared to the size of soil separates). Peds separate from each other, creating voids, which is important to porosity and permeability.
Soil consistence describes the consistency of soil (cohesion of its particles). Consistence reflects a soil's resistance to breaking and manipulation under varying moisture conditions.
Soil porosity refers to the available air spaces within soil material, typically occupied by water or gases.
Soil moisture is a variable property. Plants operate most efficiently when soils are at field capacity.

Answer to Question 2

FALSE