3. Why do plants thrive on loam soil? 1. It contains humus. II. Minerals and water easily pass through the soil. III. Holds more water and sticky when wet. IV. Water drains well and holds moisture that gives sufficient air for the roots. A. I and II C. III and IV B. I and III D. III and IV
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soil provides structural stability for plants and retains and relinquishes water and the nutrients necessary for plant growth.
An ideal soil for plant growth contains 50% pore space and 50% solids, with the pore space filled with equal parts air and water. This distribution rarely occurs because pore space varies with soil texture and soil management. For example, tilling increases pore space, while poor drainage and compaction reduce it.
Soil solids are a blend of mineral materials and organic matter. The mineral materials are typically weathered rock of varying sizes called sand, silt, and clay. The organic matter consists of decaying plant and microbial residues. The relative amounts of pore space and mineral and organic matter vary greatly among different soil types. But for plant growth, most soil scientists agree that 50% pore space, 45% mineral matter, and 5% organic matter make up an ideal ratio (Figure 1–1a). The distribution of soils and pore space in compacted and poorly drained soil is illustrated in Figure 1–1b and Figure 1–1c.