Question

Soil physical quality indicators are :
A. Rooting depth
B. Organic matter content
C. Aggregate stability
D. Earth-worms Population
E. Water holding capacity
Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

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

Hint:

Soil Health Indicators Category: - Physical: Bulk Density, Aggregate Stability, Water Holding Capacity, Depth. - Chemical: pH, Organic Carbon, CEC. - Biological: Earthworms, Microbes, Enzymes.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks to identify parameters that specifically qualify as physical indicators of soil quality.

Step 2: Classification of Soil Quality Indicators:

• Physical Quality Indicators: Relate to soil architecture, structure, depth, and hydraulic properties. Examples: Rooting depth (A), Aggregate stability (C), Water holding capacity (E), Bulk density, Texture, Infiltration rate.
• Chemical Quality Indicators: Soil pH, Organic Matter Carbon content (B), Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), EC, available nutrients.
• Biological Quality Indicators: Microbial biomass, Earthworm population (D), Soil enzyme activity, Respiration rate.

Step 3: Detailed Explation:

• Rooting depth (A), Aggregate stability (C), and Water holding capacity (E) measure physical resistance, soil structure cohesion, and pore space characteristics.
• Organic matter content (B) is primarily classified as a chemical/biological component, while Earthworm population (D) is a biological indicator.
• Thus, the physical indicators are strictly A, C, and E.

Step 4: Fil Answer:
The soil physical quality indicators are A, C, E only. Thus, option (D) is correct.