1. Soil is the loose surface material that covers most land. It consists of inorganic particles and organic matter. Soil provides the structural support to plants used in agriculture and is also their source of water and nutrients. Soils vary greatly in their chemical and physical properties.
2. There are six main soil groups: clay, sandy, silty, peaty, chalky and loamy.
3. Clay soils are heavy, high in nutrients, wet and cold in winter and baked dry in summer.
Sandy soils are light, dry, warm, low in nutrients and often acidic.
Silt soils are fertile, light but moisture-retentive, and easily compacted.
Peat soils are very high in organic matter and moisture
Chalky soils are very alkaline and may be light or heavy
Loams are mixtures of clay, sand and silt that avoid the extremes of each type.
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Answer:
1. Soil is the loose surface material that covers most land. It consists of inorganic particles and organic matter. Soil provides the structural support to plants used in agriculture and is also their source of water and nutrients. Soils vary greatly in their chemical and physical properties.
2. There are six main soil groups: clay, sandy, silty, peaty, chalky and loamy.
3. Clay soils are heavy, high in nutrients, wet and cold in winter and baked dry in summer.
Sandy soils are light, dry, warm, low in nutrients and often acidic.
Silt soils are fertile, light but moisture-retentive, and easily compacted.
Peat soils are very high in organic matter and moisture
Chalky soils are very alkaline and may be light or heavy
Loams are mixtures of clay, sand and silt that avoid the extremes of each type.
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