by| 🔍 Details | 📌 Information |
|---|---|
| 📚 Purpose | To help students prepare for agriculture-related competitive exams. |
| 🎯 Target Audience | Aspirants of Agriculture Officer, Assistant Agriculture Officer, IBPS AFO, Food Safety Officer, Agriculture Supervisor, B.Sc & M.Sc Agriculture, and similar exams. |
| 🧠 Quiz Content | Covers topics from Soil Science (Soil Profile) |
| ✅ Benefits | Self-assessment, revision aid, topic-wise practice, and confidence booster. |
| ⏱️ Format | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with instant answers and explanations. |
Correct Answer
A vertical section of soil showing horizons
Explanation
A soil profile is defined as a vertical section of the soil that exposes its different layers or horizons. It serves as a record of soil-forming processes.
Correct Answer
O horizon
Explanation
The O horizon, consisting of organic matter, is the uppermost layer in undisturbed soils like forests. It is generally absent in regularly cultivated (arable) land.
Correct Answer
Maximum leaching (eluviation)
Explanation
The A horizon, particularly the A2 or E horizon, is characterized as the zone where maximum leaching or washing out (eluviation) of materials like clay, iron, and aluminum oxides occurs. This process often results in a lighter color compared to horizons below.
Correct Answer
B horizon
Explanation
The B horizon is the zone of illuviation, characterized by the accumulation ('washing in') of materials like silicate clays, iron (Fe), and aluminum (Al) oxides leached from the overlying A and E horizons. It often develops blocky or prismatic structures.
Correct Answer
Solum
Explanation
The 'Solum' is considered the 'true soil' and encompasses the most weathered and biologically active layers. It specifically refers to the combination of the A and B horizons (or A + E + B).
Correct Answer
A + B + C horizons
Explanation
Regolith refers to all the unconsolidated material overlying the solid bedrock. In terms of soil horizons, it includes the A, B, and C horizons combined (or A + E + B + C).
Correct Answer
Unconsolidated parent material
Explanation
The C horizon is found below the Solum (A and B horizons) and consists of the unconsolidated parent material from which the soil is formed. It is less affected by soil-forming processes compared to the horizons above it.
Correct Answer
Pedon
Explanation
A 'Pedon' is considered the smallest volume or unit of soil that exhibits all the characteristic layers (horizons) and properties of a specific soil type found in an area. It is typically hexagonal and ranges from 1-10 m² in area.
Correct Answer
Silicate clay iron and aluminium
Explanation
The main feature distinguishing the E horizon (eluviation layer) is the loss (leaching) of silicate clay, iron (Fe), and aluminium (Al). This loss typically results in a lighter color compared to the A horizon above and B horizon below.
Correct Answer
A horizon
Explanation
The A horizon is generally considered the top most mineral horizon in a soil profile, located beneath the O horizon (if present). It is rich in humus mixed with mineral particles.
Correct Answer
Blocky and Prismatic
Explanation
The B2 horizon, being a zone of accumulation, often leads to the development of specific soil structures. Blocky and Prismatic structures are noted as importantly developing in this horizon.
Correct Answer
It is more like A than B
Explanation
In transitional horizons, the first letter indicates the dominant horizon characteristics. Therefore, an AB horizon has properties of both A and B, but it is more similar to the A horizon than the B horizon.
Correct Answer
Bedrock
Explanation
The R horizon denotes the layer of hard, consolidated bedrock found beneath the C horizon. It represents the base material upon which the soil profile has developed.
Correct Answer
C horizon
Explanation
The C horizon, consisting largely of weathered parent material, is considered to be 'outside the zone of major biological activities' compared to the A and B horizons above it. It is less influenced by roots and soil organisms.
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