Syllabus Edition
First teaching 2024
First exams 2026
Complete the table below by writing either low, medium or high in each empty box.
Soil Properties Summary Table
Property | Sand | Loam | Clay |
Water infiltration rate |
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Water holding capacity |
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Aeration |
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Potential to hold organic matter |
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Ease of working (ease with which soil can be manipulated) |
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Outline one common input of soil systems.
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Outline one common output of soil systems.
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Percolation is a transfer process that occurs in soil systems.
Outline this process.
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Leaching is a transfer process that occurs in soil systems.
Outline this process.
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Outline the meaning of the term horizon in the context of soils and soil profiles.
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Complete the table by filling in the letters for the missing soil horizons, in the correct order.
Uppermost layer | O |
↓ | |
↓ | E |
↓ | |
↓ | |
Bedrock | R |
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State why the A horizon is important for plants.
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Distinguish clay soils from sandy soils, based on particle size.
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Identify one gas released from soil as part of carbon cycling.
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The figure below shows how soil textures are classified by the proportions of sand, silt and clay present.
The table below shows the composition of two soil samples, Soil A and Soil B. Soil A is classified as clay.
Soil | Clay (%) | Silt (%) | Sand (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
A | 60 | 30 | 10 |
B | 20 | 40 | 40 |
With reference to the figure and the table, determine the classification of Soil B.
Deduce, giving reasons, whether Soil A or Soil B would be more suitable for growth of crops.
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Outline what the O horizon represents in a soil profile.
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The figure below is a graph showing the water content of three different soils (X, Y and Z) as rainfall increases.
Describe the trend in water content for Soil X as rainfall increases.
Complete the table below by identifying which of the three soils X, Y or Z match the soil types listed.
Soil type | Soil X, Soil Y or Soil Z |
|---|---|
Loam |
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Sand |
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Clay |
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State two examples of transformation processes occurring within soil systems.
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State two examples of transfer processes occurring within soil systems.
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Briefly outline the meaning of the term succession in the context of soil ecosystems.
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State two soil qualities or characteristics that may change during soil ecosystem succession.
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Outline what the C horizon represents in a soil profile.
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Briefly explain how the physical properties of clay-rich soils affect water movement.
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Explain how cation-exchange capacity (CEC) influences soil fertility.
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Explain why soils rich in sand are less fertile than soils rich in clay.
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Briefly explain how organic matter contributes to soil fertility.
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Explain how a soil system can be considered to be an ecosystem.
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Explain the importance of soil organisms in terrestrial ecosystems.
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Explain how climate and geomorphology influence soil formation.
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Discuss how soil properties influence agricultural productivity and vulnerability to erosion.
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