(a) (i) Describe the physical properties of each of Specimens B (SAND), C (CLAY), and D (LOAM) (ii) To about 10ml each of the specimens B, C and D, add abou...
Question 1 Report
(a) (i) Describe the physical properties of each of Specimens B (SAND), C (CLAY), and D (LOAM)
(ii) To about 10ml each of the specimens B, C and D, add about 5ml of specimen O and using the hand, mix well. Describe the physical properties of each specimen?
(b) Which of the specimens B, C, and D should be considered of greater value to farmers? Give two reasons for your answers
(c) State three ways of improving each of the other two specimens not mentioned in (b) above
Answer Details
Specimens: B (SAND), C (CLAY), D (LOAM), O (WATER)
(a)(i) Physical properties of the dry specimens
| Property | B (Sand) | C (Clay) | D (Loam) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texture (feel) | Coarse and gritty | Smooth and sticky when wet, hard when dry | Slightly gritty and crumbly (medium) |
| Particle size | Large particles | Very fine particles | Mixture of large and fine particles |
| Colour | Usually pale/whitish or light brown | Grey/reddish, often darker | Dark brown/blackish |
| Structure | Loose, single grains | Compact, cloddy | Crumbly, well aggregated |
(a)(ii) After adding water (specimen O) and mixing
| Specimen | Observation on adding water |
|---|---|
| B (Sand) | Water drains through quickly; does not hold water; cannot be moulded and falls apart easily. Low water-holding capacity. |
| C (Clay) | Water is retained; becomes very sticky, plastic and can be rolled/moulded into a ball or ribbon. High water-holding capacity, poor drainage. |
| D (Loam) | Holds some water yet drains the excess; becomes moist and can be moulded but not too sticky. Moderate water-holding capacity, good drainage. |
(b) Specimen of greater value to farmers: D (LOAM)
Two reasons:
- It has a good balance of sand, silt and clay, giving it good water-holding capacity together with good drainage and aeration.
- It is rich in humus and plant nutrients and is easy to work, so it supports most crops well.
(c) Three ways of improving each of the other two specimens
Sand (B):
- Add organic manure or compost to improve water and nutrient retention.
- Add clay and apply mulch to reduce water loss.
- Practise cover cropping and grow leguminous crops to build up humus.
Clay (C):
- Add coarse sand and organic matter to improve aeration and drainage.
- Apply lime to improve its structure (flocculation) and reduce stickiness.
- Provide good drainage channels and practise deep ploughing to loosen it.
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