Question Details

Which of the following statements is true ?

Options

A

Soil with low water holding capacity has good aeration and high percolation rate.

B

Soil with low water holding capacity has poor aeration and high percolation rate.

C

Soil with low water holding capacity has good aeration and low percolation rate.

D

Soil with low water holding capacity has poor aeration and low percolation rate.

Show Answer

Correct Answer :

Option A

Soil with low water holding capacity has good aeration and high percolation rate.

Solution :

The correct statement is: Soil with low water holding capacity has good aeration and high percolation rate.

Step-by-Step Explanation:

1. Understanding Soil Particle Size and Porosity:
Soil composition varies based on particle size (such as sand, silt, and clay). Sandy soils have relatively large soil particles. Because the particles are large, the spaces between them (pore spaces) are also large and loosely packed.

2. Water Holding Capacity vs. Percolation Rate:
- Water Holding Capacity: This refers to the ability of soil to retain water. Larger pores cannot hold onto water effectively against the force of gravity.
- Percolation Rate: This is the speed at which water moves downward through the soil pores. Because sandy or coarse soil has large gaps, water drains through it quickly, resulting in a high percolation rate and low water holding capacity.

3. Aeration in Soil:
- When water drains rapidly through the large pores, those empty spaces fill with air.
- As a result, soil with low water holding capacity contains plenty of air pockets, providing good aeration to plant roots.

Conclusion:
Therefore, a soil with low water holding capacity (like sandy soil) is characterized by large pore spaces that allow water to drain quickly (high percolation rate) while allowing air to fill the space (good aeration).

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