Question

Some water was added to three different soil samples and the amount of water that seeped in and got retained was noted. Choose the option that labels all three soil types correctly.

• A. a – Sandy, b – Clayey, c – Silt
• B. a – Clayey, b – Silt, c – Sandy
• C. a – Silt, b – Clayey, c – Sandy
• D. a – Sandy, b – Silt, c – Clayey

Answer 1

The correct option is D a – Sandy, b – Silt, c – Clayey

Sandy soils retain the least amount of water as the soil particles are large and cannot retain much water. Thus, water quickly seeps deep into the sandy soil.

The clayey soil has very small soil particles. This allows water to be retained in large amounts. Thus, water seeps slowly and less deep into such a soil.

Silt has an average particle size has properties in between those of sandy and clayey soil.

Thus, the order of water seepage rate is:

Sandy > silt > clayey