Question

Which of the following are Edaphic factors?
A. pH
B. Minerals
C. Organic matter in the soil
D. All of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Edaphic factors are related to soil.

Complete answer:
Edaphic factors include pH, minerals, and organic matter in the soil.
Edaphic factors can be defined as abiotic factors that help to understand the physical or chemical composition of the soil present in a particular area. For example, soil texture, the pH of the soil, minerals present in the soil, organic matter, and water content in the soil, aeration, etc. These factors can influence the distribution of plants and animals as well as the rate of decomposition.

Additional Information:
Some of the edaphic factors are:
1. pH: Soil pH is a very important parameter.
- It is mainly responsible for the ion availability in the soil solution.
- Many ions contain elements (essential nutrients) required for plant growth.
- Secondly, It influences a plant’s ability to take up water by altering the osmotic balance.
2. Minerals: They are amorphous or crystalline solid elements that enrich the soil with nutrients required for the microorganisms and plants growing in it. Example- calcium, zinc, iron, etc.
3. Organic matter: Organic matter in the soil ranges from plant parts (root, stem, leaves) to humus which is partly decomposed plant product. It helps to retain water and nutrients in the soil.

So, the correct option is 'All of the above'.

Note:
- Flowers of the Hydrangea macrophylla and Hydrangea Serrata act as a natural indicator of soil acidity as they can change color depending on the relative acidity of the soil. At pH<7 they are blue colored but turn pink at pH>7.
- Clay soil retains a large amount of water. Sandy soil retains very little water. Loam soil retains a moderate amount of water.