Question

A fertile soil has likely to have a pH of
A. 3.5-4
B. 8.5-9
C. 5.5-7
D. 10.5-11

Answer 1

Hint: Most minerals and nutrients are more soluble in slightly acidic soil .

Complete answer: Fertile soil contains significant minerals needed for plant growth.
The less soluble in neutral or slightly alkaline soil.
The pH range of 5.5 to 7 is highly suitable for plants for growth and development.
Hence at that pH soil is considered fertile.

Additional information: Uses of soil :
1. Soil microbiology provides support for the survival of many bacteria, algae, fungi, etc.
2. These bacteria and microbes present oil help in environmental balance like retaining moisture, the decay of dead bodies of plants and animals.
3. Topsoil provides shelter for insects, reptiles, birds in animals.
Further, the topsoil is also necessary for even the other activities like nesting, reproduction, hatching of eggs, breeding, etc.
4. Soil contains organic matter like minerals and elements which are phosphate, sulfates, calcium, zinc, magnesium, and many more, these elements are provided to plants during growth and from there to all the living forms.
5. Soil is a source of many metals like iron, bauxite, zinc, etc.
Many metal elements are mixed up with soil and hence extracted from soil by the technical process.

So the correct answer is ( C )

Note: Soil plays a vital role in the survival of living beings on Earth.
It's important to be listed as soil fertility supports the growth of plants.