Theory question 104
Rocks and Soil Formation(a) List four factors that affect the type of soil formed at a place.
(b) State: (i) two agricultural uses of land; (ii) two non-agricultural uses of land.
(c) State two functions and two deficiency symptoms of each of the following nutrients in crops: (i) nitrogen; (ii) potassium.
(d) Mention two ways in which soil structure is important in agriculture.
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(a) Parent material; climate; living organisms/vegetation; topography; time.
(b)(i) Crop production; livestock grazing/ranching; fish farming; forestry; wildlife conservation. (ii) Housing; roads and railways; industries; schools/hospitals; mining; recreation.
(c)(i) Nitrogen – functions: formation of proteins and chlorophyll; promotes leafy vegetative growth. Deficiency: yellowing (chlorosis) of older leaves; stunted growth.
(ii) Potassium – functions: strengthens stems and disease resistance; helps starch and sugar formation and movement; regulates water in cells. Deficiency: scorched/brown leaf edges; weak stems and lodging; poor fruit/tuber quality.
(d) Any two: affects aeration; affects water infiltration and holding; affects root penetration; affects ease of tillage; affects resistance to erosion.
Give two of each for (c), separated by nutrient.