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:2011
QUESTION ONE – (30 MARKS)
(a) What do you understand by the following terms: (i) Soil genesis (ii) Sand dunes (iii)Illuviation (iv) Soil profile (v) Pedon (5 Marks) (b) Describe ten uses of soil (5 Marks) (c) Explain the physical processes of soil weathering. (10 Marks) (d) Describe the distinguishing features in the soil master horizons. (6 Marks) (e) Explain remote sensing and it environmental applications. (4 Marks)
QUESTION TWO – (15 MARKS)
(a) Describe the various soil orders according to USDA (6 Marks) (b) Soil structure is a physical property that is as a result of soil particles grouped together into stable aggregates. By use of illustrations describe the various types of soil structures. (6 Marks) (c) What is soil texture? (3 Marks)
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QUESTION THREE – (15 MARKS)
Soil classification is mainly based on the diagnostic surface horizons (Epipedons) and diagnostic subsurface horizons (Endopedons). Describe the natural surface and subsurface horizons of the world soils. (15 Marks)
QUESTION FOUR – (15 MARKS)
(a) Describe various mineral rocks that form the soil parent materials. (6 Marks) (b) Explain the biological processes of soil weathering. (4 Marks) (c) Explain the significance of the soil properties associated to the soil colour. (5 Marks)
QUESTION FIVE – (15 MARKS)
(a) Explain how soil water/moisture is classified and how there classification groups influence plant growth. (9 Marks) (b) Explain the following terms and their application in agricultural soils: (i) Hard pans (ii) Plasticity in soil (iii)Friability in soil. (6 Marks)
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