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Soil 100: Introduction To Soil Science Question Paper

Soil 100: Introduction To Soil Science

Course:Bachelor Of Science In Agricultural Economics

Institution: Chuka University question papers

Exam Year:2013

CHUKA

UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS
SECOND YEAR EXAMINATIONS FOR THE AWARD OF DEGREE IN BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS
SOIL 100: INTRODUCTION TO SOIL SCIENCE
STREAMS: BSC AGEC Y2SI TIME: 2 HOURS
DAY/DATE: WEDNESDAY 17/4/2013 8.30 AM – 10.30AM
INSTRUCTIONS:

ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS IN SECTION 1 AND ANY TWO IN SECTION II

SECTION I: 30 MARKS

1. (a) Briefly explain three functions of soil that are important for survival of mankind. [6 Marks]

(b) Distinguish between physical and chemical weathering of soils. [3 Marks]

2. (a) Briefly describe biological weathering of rocks. [3 Marks]

(b) Explain why joints are important in weathering processes. [4 Marks]

3. (a) What is the significance of soil texture in crop production. [2 Marks]

(b) State four soil characteristics important in agricultural production that are affected by soil structure. [4 Marks]

4. (a) A sample of soil weights 120 gms when moist and 100gms after oven drying at
105 – 110oC. If it has a bulk density of 1.25g/cc, what is the amount of water of the soil by volume?. [3 Marks]

(b) Assume a soil has a bulk density of 1.4 mg/m3 and a particle density of 2.6 mg/m3.
Calculate the porosity of the soil. What portion of the soil is solid particles?
[5 Marks]

SECTION II: 40 MARKS

5. (a) Discuss the factors influencing soil formation. [15 Marks]

(b) Briefly discuss the significance of soil temperature in crop production.
[5 Marks]

6. (a) Briefly discuss;

(i) Cation Exchange Capacity. [3 Marks]

(ii) Buffering Capacity of soil. [3 Marks]

(b) Discuss the beneficial role of micro-organisms in the soil. [10 Marks]

(c) What are biogenic structures? State three main groups of biogenic structures
commonly found in agricultural systems. [4 Marks]

7. (a) What is soil degradation [3 Marks]

(b) Briefly explain conservation agriculture. [4 Marks]

(c) Briefly discuss three methods of soil conservation indicating how soil is
conserved in each method. [9 Marks]

(d) Organic matter within the soil serves as a “revolving nutrient fund”. Explain. [4 Marks]

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Soil 100: Introduction To Soil Science Question Paper

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