Cambridge IGCSE · Agriculture (0600)

Soil types, composition, texture and temperature: Practice Questions

5 multiple-choice questions marked as you go, and 5 written questions with worked solutions. All on Soil types, composition, texture and temperature.

10 questions20 marksFree, no account

Question 1

1 mark

Which of the following living organisms is a common soil constituent that helps improve soil structure by burrowing and creating channels?

Question 2

1 mark

What is a common consequence of the oxidation of organic matter and the loss of crumb structure in soil?

Question 3

1 mark

How does a high proportion of clay particles specifically influence the physical properties and management of a soil?

Question 4

1 mark

The diagram provided represents a soil profile with several distinct layers. Which labeled horizon is the topsoil, containing the highest concentration of organic matter and biological activity?

Question 5

1 mark

How does the presence of humus assist in maintaining a healthy soil structure for crop growth?

Question 6

2 marks

State two ways in which mulching a seedbed can protect young seedlings from extreme soil temperatures.

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Question 7

3 marks

Explain why clay soils are more prone to waterlogging compared to sandy soils based on their particle size and pore spaces.

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Question 8

2 marks

Describe the difference in water-holding capacity between a sandy soil and a clay soil.

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Question 9

4 marks

A soil profile is a vertical section through the soil showing its different layers.
(a) State the names of the three main layers, also known as horizons, found in a typical soil profile. (3 points)
(b) Name one living organism, other than an earthworm, that is a common biological constituent of soil. (1 point)

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Question 10

4 marks

(a) Describe the typical structure of a soil profile by identifying the characteristics of topsoil and subsoil.
(b) Explain how the presence of organic matter (humus) assists in the formation of a good crumb structure.
(c) State one method a farmer can use to reduce the effect of extreme soil temperatures on newly transplanted seedlings.

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