Question

Long answer questions.

List the types of soil found in India and write their characteristics.

Answer 1

Soil is the most natural resource necessary for life on earth.

Types of soil:

Soil is of different types on basis of the size of rock particles. These rock particles differ in size, look, and texture.

1. Clay: These are the smallest soil particles. They are smooth in touch.
2. Silt: These are the slightly biggest soil particles than clay.
3. Sand: These are large and coarse particles. They are rough to touch.

Depending upon the relative amount of soil particles. Soils are classified into three types.

Clayey soil:

1. It contains mainly clay particles and very little amount of sand and slit.
2. It contains some humus.
3. These particles are smaller and tightly packed together.
4. These particles have little space for air present in them.
5. It has less porous.
6. It has a very good water holding capacity.
7. It is sticky.
8. It is difficult to grow all kinds of plants in this soil, as it is less aerated.
9. Paddy grows well in this type of soil.

Sandy soil:

1. It contains mainly sand particles and very little amount of clay and slit.
2. It lacks humus.
3. These particles are large and cannot be packed tightly.
4. These particles have space for air present in them.
5. It is very porous.
6. It cannot have much water holding capacity.
7. It is not sticky.
8. It is not suitable for growing crops.

Loamy soil:

1. It contains clay and sand particles in equal amounts.
2. It contains silt and humus in the right proportion.
3. These particles have adequate space for air present in them due to the presence of sand particles.
4. It has the right water holding capacity for the growth of plants due to the presence of clay particles.
5. For growing most plants, this soil is best.