Which of the following statements about soil organisms is false?
Answer Details
The statement that "soil with good texture and structure cannot harbour soil microbes" is false.
Soil texture and structure can affect the abundance and diversity of soil organisms, but they can still thrive in soils with good texture and structure. In fact, soil organisms depend on the physical structure of soil for habitat and resources such as nutrients, water, and oxygen. Soil texture and structure can affect the availability of these resources, but they do not necessarily exclude soil organisms.
The other statements are true:
- Soil pH can affect the population of soil organisms. Different organisms have different optimal pH ranges, and changes in pH can alter the balance of soil microbial communities.
- Increasing soil organic matter can increase the population of soil living organisms. Organic matter provides a source of energy and nutrients for soil organisms, and can improve the physical and chemical properties of soil that support their growth.
- Soil temperature can affect the activities of soil organisms. Like all living things, soil organisms have temperature ranges where they function optimally. Temperature can affect the rates of chemical reactions and the availability of resources such as water and oxygen in soil.