Question

Give reasons for low percolation rate of clayey soil as compared to sandy soil.

Answer 1

Hint: Soil it is a loose layer of the earth which covers the earth in which plants grow. Percolation means absorption of water by soil. Percolation rate means the amount of water absorbed by any soil at a given time.

Complete answer:
They are black or dark brown materials containing remains of rock particles, organic remains, clay, etc... There are many types of soils like sandy soil, silt soil, clay soil, loamy soil.

Percolation rate of water is different in different types of soils. Highest rate is found in sandy soil and the least is found in clay soil. Sandy soil consists of small particles of rocks. It is usually formed when rocks break down. This type of soil does not help in plant growth. Clay soil is smaller than sandy soil. It had very good water storage capacity.

Clay soils have very fine particles through which water cannot be absorbed . in sandy soil, they have big particles through which water can be easily absorbed and filtered. That means sandy soil dries out very quickly and does not hold nutrients for very long and they are very easy to work. Generally sandy particles are round, clay particles are thin and flat.

Note: The capacity to hold water decides the capacity of soil. When the soil is porous it absorbs water. Clay soil holds more water than sandy soil. Water holding capacity of soil is related to particle size and spaces found. If the size of particles are small it holds more and vice versa.