The diagram below illustrates an experimental set-up on soil. Study it and answer the questions that follow. a) (i) State the aim of the experiment. (ii)Nam...

The diagram below illustrates an experimental set-up on soil. Study it and answer the questions that follow.

a) (i) State the aim of the experiment. 

(ii)Name the parts labelled I and II in the diagram.  

b) Describe how the experiment is carried out. 

c) State four properties of sandy soils. 

 d) Describe a test for soil acidity using litmus paper. 

Answer Details

a)  Aim of the experiment

• Separation of soil into its fractions/determination of soil texture by sedimentation  

(ii) Naming of the parts labelled I and II

b)

In the experiment, soil is placed in the funnel (Part I), and water is poured over it. The water passes through the soil and collects in the measuring cylinder (Part II). The volume of water collected in the measuring cylinder is used to determine the water-holding capacity of the soil.

• Place a glass jar on a surface
• Weigh about 70 – 100g of the soil
• Add the weighed soil into an equivalent quantity of water in a glass jar
• Add suitable dispersing agent e,g, NaOH, NaHCO3
• Shake the glass jar vigorously to disperse any soil clods
• Allow the glass jar to settle for an hour
• Observe the result

c)

Four properties of sandy soils are:

1. Low water-holding capacity
2. Low nutrient retention
3. Good drainage
4. High porosity

d)

To test soil acidity using litmus paper, a small amount of soil is mixed with distilled water to form a paste. A red litmus paper is then dipped into the paste. If the litmus paper turns blue, it indicates that the soil is acidic. If the litmus paper remains red, it means the soil is neutral or alkaline. This test is based on the principle that acidic substances turn blue litmus paper red.