Question

Which of the following are the components of loamy soils?
$1$. Red soil
$2$. Clay soil
$3$. Alluvial soil
$4$. Silt soil
$5$. Sandy soil.

• A. I and II
• B. I, III and IV
• C. II and V
• D. II, III and V

Answer 1

The correct option is C II and V

The term loam describes the composition of the soil.

Sandy soil is coarse when dry and picked up it will run loosely between your fingers. When damp, you cannot form it into a ball with your hands, as the ball will just crumble away. Sandy soil doesn’t hold water, but it does have plenty of space for oxygen.

Clay soil feels slippery when wet and you can form a tight hardball with it. When dry, clay soil will be very hard and packed down.

Silt is a mixture of sandy and clay soil. Silt soil will feel soft and can be formed into a loose ball when wet.

Loam is a pretty equal mix of the previous three soil types. Components of loam will contain sand, silt and clay soil but not the problems. Loam soil will hold water but drain at a rate of about 6-12” per hour. Loam soil should be rich in minerals and nutrients for the plants and loose enough that roots and spread out and grow strong.