2.3.1 Soil Systems

• Soil systems support life through the dynamic interaction of living and non-living components
• Match the soil component with its description:

  Mineral Particles ↔️ Small pieces of rock and sediment

  Organic Matter ↔️ Decomposed plant and animal remains

  Water ↔️ Present in soil pores

  Air ↔️ Fills pore spaces
• Organic matter enhances soil structure, water retention, and nutrient cycling
• Order the processes involved in soil formation:

  1️⃣ Weathering

  2️⃣ Humification

  3️⃣ Eluviation

  4️⃣ Illuviation
• Organisms aid in decomposition, nutrient cycling, and soil structure.


  True
• Soil types are classified based on their texture and composition
• Clay soil has poor drainage but high water-holding capacity.


  True
• Which soil type is good for acid-loving plants?

  Peat Soil
• Sandy soil is well-drained and has high nutrient content.

  False
• Which plants thrive in peat soil due to its acidic conditions?

  Acid-loving plants
• Well-structured soil with a granular structure allows for good air and water movement.

  True
• Water in soil is essential for dissolving and transporting nutrients to plants.


  True
• What is the physical and chemical breakdown of parent material in soil formation called?

  Weathering
• Climate affects weathering rates and biological activity
• Topography influences erosion, drainage, and vegetation patterns in soil formation.


  True
• Match the soil structure with its aeration and water retention properties:

  Granular ↔️ Good aeration, moderate water retention

  Blocky ↔️ Moderate aeration, moderate water retention

  Platy ↔️ Poor aeration, poor water retention
• A granular soil structure provides good aeration
• Which soil structure type has moderate aeration and water retention?

  Blocky
• A well-structured soil allows for good air and water movement.


  True
• Match the soil organism with its role in soil:

  Bacteria and Fungi ↔️ Decompose organic matter

  Protozoa and Nematodes ↔️ Feed on bacteria and fungi

  Arthropods ↔️ Shred organic matter

  Earthworms ↔️ Burrow and enhance aeration
• Maintaining soil biodiversity is essential for sustainable land management.


  True
• Match the cause of soil degradation with its description:

  Erosion ↔️ Removal of topsoil

  Compaction ↔️ Compression of soil

  Salinization ↔️ Accumulation of salts

  Contamination ↔️ Presence of pollutants
• What is crop rotation used for in soil conservation?

  Maintain soil fertility
• Reduced tillage preserves organic matter and soil structure
• What are soil systems defined as?

  Complex ecosystems
• Soil organisms improve soil structure and cycle nutrients.


  True
• What is weathering in soil formation?

  Breakdown of parent material
• Climate affects weathering rates and biological activity in soil formation.


  True
• Which factor determines the mineral composition and soil texture?

  Parent Material
• Match the soil formation factor with its impact:

  Climate ↔️ Affects weathering rates

  Organisms ↔️ Aid in decomposition

  Parent Material ↔️ Determines mineral composition

  Topography ↔️ Influences erosion and drainage
• What is the texture of sandy soil?

  Coarse, gritty
• Loamy soil is ideal for a wide range of plants
• Which soil type is rich in organic matter but has poor drainage?

  Peat Soil
• Loamy soil, a balanced mix of sand, silt, and clay, is ideal for a wide range of plants
• Match the soil structure with its characteristics:

  Granular ↔️ Good aeration, moderate water retention

  Blocky ↔️ Moderate aeration, moderate water retention

  Platy ↔️ Poor aeration, poor water retention
• Soil systems are complex ecosystems supported by the interaction of living and non-living components
• Which soil organisms improve soil structure and cycle nutrients?

  Bacteria, fungi, earthworms
• Arrange the following soil formation processes in the correct sequence:

  1️⃣ Weathering

  2️⃣ Humification

  3️⃣ Eluviation

  4️⃣ Illuviation
• How do organisms contribute to soil formation?

  Decomposition, nutrient cycling
• Understanding soil properties is crucial for effective land management