Question

Which of the following is not correctly matched component with its function?
(A). Bulk density - Stickiness and Plasticity
(B). Cohesion -- Attraction of water molecules for each other
(C). Water -- Photosynthesis
(D). Consistency - Stickiness and Plasticity
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (B) and (D) only.
• B. (A), (B) and (C) only.
• C. (A), (B), (C) and (D).
• D. (B), (C) and (D) only.

Hint:

Bulk density has no relation to soil stickiness and plasticity.
Identifying that (A) is incorrect helps you identify (B), (C), and (D) as the correct physical and biological matches.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Soil physical properties (such as bulk density, cohesion, and consistency) and chemical components (such as water) have specific, well-defined functions and behaviors in soil-plant systems.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze each pair to evaluate if they are correctly matched:
- (A). Bulk density - Stickiness and Plasticity: This is incorrectly matched.
Bulk density is defined as the dry mass of soil divided by its total volume (including pore space). It is an indicator of soil compaction and structural support.
Stickiness and plasticity are properties related to soil texture and consistency, not bulk density.
- (B). Cohesion -- Attraction of water molecules for each other: This is correctly matched.
Cohesion is the intermolecular attraction between similar molecules (such as hydrogen bonding between water molecules).
- (C). Water -- Photosynthesis: This is correctly matched.
Water (\(\text{H}_2\text{O}\)) serves as an essential chemical reactant and electron donor during the light reactions of photosynthesis.
- (D). Consistency - Stickiness and Plasticity: This is correctly matched.
Soil consistency describes the soil's resistance to deformation and rupture, typically evaluated in terms of its stickiness and plasticity (Atterberg limits).
Evaluating the options:
Since (B), (C), and (D) are the correctly matched pairs, and (A) is incorrectly matched, the question contains a common typographical error and intended to ask for the "correctly matched" options.
This is represented by Option (D) (B, C, and D only).

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correctly matched pairs are (B), (C) and (D) only.