A soil has the following features. Depth (cm) & Description 0-10 Brown (7.5YR 4/

Question

A soil has the following features. Depth (cm) & Description

0-10 Brown (7.5YR 4/4), sandy loam, platy over massive, friable, many roots, pH 5.5, clear to-

10-43 very pale brown (10YR 8/2), sandy loam, massive, very firm, few roots, some manganese nodules, pH 4.5, abrupt to-

43- Yellow (10YR 8/6), heavy clay, very weakly developed angular blocky, hard, roots absent, manganese nodules, pH 9

a) Name the horizons present.

0-10cm ____________

10-43cm ___________

43cm - _____________

b) Classify the soil using the Australian Soil Classification system.

c) Interpret the profile for suitability for plant growth.

d) What would be your management suggestion for this soil?

Explanation / Answer

0 -10cm it is horizon O to A.As the color is brown.brown color comes due to the presence of organic matter and wet.

10-43 cm it is horizon A TO B.Its color is pale brown and light pinkish white from 10YR 8/2.Here the plant roots enters.

43cm. It is horizon B.here plants do not penetrate.very hard rocks available.

C) At horizon Oto A the pH of soil is 5.5.So it is somewhat acidic in nature.So plants can survive if some clay material is present as the charged particles of clay controls the acidic nature.

Horizon A to B is more acidic as pH is 4.5 so plants cannot live.As the nutrition of the plants will decrease and the leaves becomes yellow in color due to toxic condition.

At B the pH is 9which is more alkalinity.More nutrients dissolve less.Calcium ,iron and phosphate compounds precipitate.It reduces absorption of manganese.This will cause deficiencies in plant growth.

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