Nar0140:Soil Genesis And Classification Question Paper
Nar0140:Soil Genesis And Classification
Course:Diploma In Agriculture
Institution: Meru University Of Science And Technology question papers
Exam Year:2014
QUESTION ONE – (30 MARKS)
(a) Distinguish between the following: (i) Illuviation and eluviations (ii) Pedology and edaphology (iii) Bulk density and particle density (iv) Active and passive remote sensing (v) Master horizon and diagnostic horizon (10 Marks)
(b) Explain the importance of soil water. (4 Marks) (c) Describe the steps in soil mapping. (6 Marks) (d) Explain the importance of soil profile to agriculture. (4 Marks) (e) Describe carbonation and hydrolysis chemical weathering processes. (4 Marks) (f) Highlight any four characteristics of igneous rocks. (2 Marks)
2
QUESTION TWO – (15 MARKS)
(a) Explain the factors affecting weathering. (9 Marks) (b) Describe the characteristics of the following soil horizons; (i) O horizon (ii) A horizon (6 Marks)
QUESTION THREE – (15 MARKS)
(a) Define the term epipedon. (2 Marks) (b) Outline the eight land capability classes according to the land capability classification. (8 Marks) (c) Describe any five soil orders according to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) soil classification. (5 Marks)
QUESTION FOUR – (15 MARKS)
(a) Explain how bulk density of a soil is determined. (3 Marks) (b) Describe any six soil structures types. (6 Marks) (c) Explain the advantages and disadvantages of remote sensing as a tool of soil survey. (6 Marks)
QUESTION FIVE – (15 MARKS)
(a) Describe how sedimentary rocks were formed. (6 Marks) (b) Describe the characteristics of halomorphic soils. (5 Marks) (c) Explain any four agricultural uses of soil. (4 Marks)
More Question Papers