Question

Match the items in Column I with those in Column II.

Answer 1

• (A) A home of living organism - (2) All kinds of soil -

Living organisms present in soil include archaea, bacteria, actinomycetes, fungi, algae, protozoa, and a wide variety of larger soil fauna, including springtails, mites, nematodes, earthworms, ants, insects that spend all or part of their life underground, and larger organisms such as burrowing rodents.

• (B) The upper layer of the soil - (3) Dark in colour -

The top layer of soil is called A-horizon. It is also called top-soil. A-horizon is generally dark in colour. It is rich in humus. A horizon is generally soft and porous. It retains more water.

Roots of small plants are entirely embedded in topsoil. Topsoil also provides shelter to many living organisms, such as worm, insect, moles, rats, snakes, etc.

• (C) Sandy soil - (2)Large Particles -
• Sandy soil is also known as “Light soil”. Generally, sandy soil is composed of- 35% sand and less than 15% silt and clay. It is composed of relatively large particles compared to clayey soil.
• (D) The middle layer of the soil - (5) The Lesser amount of humus-

Horizon is harder and more compact than the topsoil. This is generally known as the middle layer of soil. It is less rich in humus but contains most of the minerals present in the soil.

• (E) Clayey Soil - (4) Small particles and packed tight -

Clay is a finely-grained natural rock or soil material that combines one or more clay minerals with possible traces of quartz, metal oxides, and organic matter. It is composed of Small and tightly packed particles. It is good for growing various crops.