Question

Loamy soil is a mixture of ___________ known as silt.
a) Sand
b) Clay
c) Another type of soil particle
d) all of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Soil is the important natural resource as it supports the growth of plants. Soil consists of different particles of various sizes and certain microorganisms too. The composition of soil varies from place to place as it is affected by climate. The type of soil has a major impact on the growth of crops growing in that region.

Complete answer :
  To answer this question, we must understand the soil composition and soil types.
Soil is one of the most important natural resources as it not only supports the growth of plants but is also home for many organisms. It supports plant growth by holding the roots firmly and supplying water and nutrients Soil is essential for agriculture. Agriculture is the main occupation of many people in the world.
Weathering of rocks produces sand and clay. The relative amount of sand and clay varies depending upon the type of the rock from which it is formed, that rock is called the parent rock. The mixture of rock particles, sand and humus is called the soil. Micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi and other living organisms are a part of soil.
On the basis of the proportion of particles of various sizes, soil can be classified as sandy, clayey and loamy.
Sandy soil: There is a greater proportion of bigger particles like sand. Since these particles are large so they cannot fit closely, leaving a lot of space between them. These spaces get filled with air and hence sandy soil is well aerated. Water can drain quickly through them hence they are relatively dry.
Clayey soil: It has a larger proportion of fine particles like clay. Since clay particles are small, they pack closely and leave little or no space for air. This type of soil is sticky and heavy as it can hold more water. But it is not well aerated.
Loamy soil: It contains a mixture of sand, clay and other soil particles. This is known as silt. The size of the silt particles is between the size of clay and sand, making it suitable to not only hold water but have required aeration too. Loamy soil contains humus. Humus is the fertile portion of the topsoil.

Thus, the correct answer is d) all of the above.

Note: Flora in Latin means ‘goddess of flower’. Therefore flora refers to a group of plants in a habitat. Fauna refers to a group of animals in a habitat. They comprise the biotic component of the ecosystem.