Classwork Series and Exercises {Agricultural Science – JSS2}: Types Of Soil

 Agricultural Science, JSS 2 Week 2

Topic: Types of Soil

Meaning of Soil

It is the upper layer of earth in which plants grow, a black or dark brown material typically consisting of a mixture of organic remains, clay, and rock particles.

There are three major types of soil namely:

A. Sandy soil

B. Clayey soil

C. Loamy soil

 

A. Sandy soil

Soils are referred to as sandy soil if the sand content is predominantly high. It has the following characteristics:

1. It is very gritty/coarse/rough to touch.
2. It is a loose and single grained particle.
3. Non-plastic and does not form ring when moistened.
4. It is easily heated up.
5. It contains little or no nutrient.
6. It has low water holding capacity/high porosity.

B. Clayey soil

Soils are called clay if the clay content is predominantly high. It has the following characteristics:

1. It is smooth when it is touched.
2. It forms a hard pan when dried.
3. It has low porosity.
4. It is difficult to cultivate.
5. It has small/medium pore spaces.

C. Loamy soil

Loamy soil has moderate properties between sandy and clay soil. It has the following characteristics;

1. It contains organic matter.
2. It has moderate sized pore spaces.
3. Rate of water percolation is moderate.
4. Not as coarse as sand and not as smooth as clay.
5. It is good for planting.
6. It is easy to work on.