Question

If you are given samples of Loamy Soil, Sandy soil, Silt and humus, state how would you differentiate between them. [5 MARKS]

Answer 1

Reasoning out : 5 Marks

We know that Clay can be differentiated by looking at the size of particles because they would be less than 0.075 mm in size
If into the sample of soil when water is added, the soil turns into a sticky mass and shows great variation in volume,shows considerable strength when dried then the soil must be clay.
If the soil sample has larger particulate matter than the previous sample and exhibits slightly plastic or a non plastic behaviour then the soil must be Silt.
If the soil sample has even proportions of sand silt and clay it has to be loamy soil.
If the soil is dark in colour and has dead and decaying matter, it must be soil with a lot of humus.
This is the way I will be able to differentiate between the soils.