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Introduction To Soil Science Question Paper

Introduction To Soil Science

Course:Bachelor Of Environmental Studies

Institution: Kenyatta University question papers

Exam Year:2009

KENYATTA UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS 2008/2009
SECOND SEMESTER EXAMINATION FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR
OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES (ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE
CONSERVATION)
ERC 101: INTRODUCTION TO SOIL SCIENCE

DATE: Tuesday 31st March, 2009
TIME: 11.00 a.m. – 1.00 p.m.

INSTRUCTIONS
Answer question ONE and any other THREE.

1.
(a)
Write short notes on the following terms.
i)
Soil consistence
ii)
Prism-like soil structure
iii)
Oxisols
iv)
Isomorphic substitution
v)
Illuviation
[15 marks]
(b)
You have been posted to Rift Valley as the provincial environmental officer. Explain how you would assist the local community to identify the different soil textures in their farms. [10 marks]
2.
Explain how you would be able to identify the macro nutrient deficiencies in a maize crop. [15 marks]
3.
(a)
Describe ways in which soil formation processes manifest themselves. [9 marks]
(b)
Explain the factors that lead to acid soil infertility. [6 marks]
4.
(a)
With illustrations explain the basic building blocks of clay minerals. [5 marks]
(b)
Discuss how the basic building blocks have been used to classify clay minerals. [10 marks]
5.
Differentiate the following terms:
(a)
Bulk density and particle density
[5 marks]
(b)
Soil texture and soil structure
[5 marks]
(c)
Immobilization and mineralization
[5 marks]