Question

Following soil properties are considered correct
• [A.] The coarser particle of soil are derived from physical weathering of rocks
• [B.] Loamy soils are not considered favorable for plant growth
• [C.] Clay soil contains \(40\text{--}60%\) of clay and \(40\text{--}45%\) sand and silt
• [D.] Sandy soils have low water holding capacity
• [E.] Silty clay means silt amount is more and clay proportion is less Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A, B, C Only
• B. B, C, D Only
• C. C, D, E Only
• D. A, C, D Only

Hint:

Important soil characteristics:
• Sandy soil \(\rightarrow\) low water retention
• Clay soil \(\rightarrow\) high water retention
• Loamy soil \(\rightarrow\) best for agriculture

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Concept: Different soil types possess different physical properties such as:
• Texture
• Water holding capacity
• Aeration
• Particle size distribution Understanding these characteristics is essential in irrigation engineering and crop production.

Step 1: Analyzing Statement A. Statement A says: \[ \text{“The coarser particles of soil are derived from physical weathering of rocks.”} \] This statement is correct. Physical weathering breaks rocks mechanically into:
• Sand particles
• Gravel particles
• Coarse fragments No major chemical decomposition occurs. Thus: \[ \boxed{ \text{Statement A is correct} } \]

Step 2: Analyzing Statement B. Statement B says: \[ \text{“Loamy soils are not considered favorable for plant growth.”} \] This statement is incorrect. Actually:
• Loamy soil is one of the best soils for agriculture
• It has balanced sand, silt and clay content
• It provides good drainage and good moisture retention Therefore: \[ \boxed{ \text{Statement B is incorrect} } \]

Step 3: Analyzing Statement C. Statement C says: \[ \text{“Clay soil contains }40\text{--}60%\text{ clay and }40\text{--}45%\text{ sand and silt.”} \] This statement is considered correct based on soil texture classification. Clay soils possess:
• High clay percentage
• Fine particles
• High plasticity
• High water retention Hence: \[ \boxed{ \text{Statement C is correct} } \]

Step 4: Analyzing Statement D. Statement D states: \[ \text{“Sandy soils have low water holding capacity.”} \] This statement is absolutely correct. Reason:
• Sandy soils contain large pores
• Water drains rapidly
• Moisture retention is poor Thus: \[ \boxed{ \text{Statement D is correct} } \]

Step 5: Analyzing Statement E. Statement E says: \[ \text{“Silty clay means silt amount is more and clay proportion is less.”} \] This statement is incorrect. In silty clay:
• Clay content still remains dominant
• Silt is present in appreciable quantity Thus the statement wording is not accurate. Hence: \[ \boxed{ \text{Statement E is incorrect} } \]

Step 6: Selecting the correct combination. Correct statements are: \[ A,\; C,\; D \] Hence: \[ \boxed{ (D)\; A,C,D\ \text{Only} } \] Final Conclusion: Correct soil property statements are: \[ \boxed{ A,\; C,\; D } \] Hence the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{ (D) } \]