This question paper consists of pages and an answer sheet.
INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION
1. Answer ALL the questions.
2. Start EACH question from SECTION B on a NEW page.
3. Read ALL the questions carefully and make sure you answer only what is asked.
4. Number the answers correctly according to the numbering system
used in this question paper.
5. Write neatly and legibly.
QUESTION 1
1 Various options are provided as possible answers to the following
. questions. Choose the correct answer (A – D) and write it next to the question number (1.1.1 – 1.1.5) on the attached ANSWER SHEET. Example: 1.1.1 C
1.1.1. Subdivisions of the topsoil and subsoil are called…
A Soil classes B Diagnostic horizons C Master horizons D Soil profile (1)
There are …… soil families
A 340 B 430 C 440 D 404 (1)
1.1.3 The main two catergories of soil classification are…
A Soil texture and soil structure
B Soil structure and soil families C Soil forms and soil families D Soil families and soil soil texture (1)
1.1.4 There are …. soil forms that can be organised into 14
groups.
A 37 B 70 C 73 D 30 (1) 1.1.5 The type of system used in South Africa to classify soils.
A Biological classification B Binomial classification system C Soil texture classification D Soil structure (1) (5) 1.2 In the table below, a statement and two possible answers are given. Decide whether the statement in COLUMN B relates to A only, B only, both A and B or none of the answers in COLUMN A and write the answer next to the question number (1.2.1 – 1.2.5) EXAMPLE: 1.2.1 B only
COLUMN A/Answers COLUMN B/Statements
1.2.1 A Organic O high organic matter content (>20%), black B to dark brown colour, low bulk density, E Horizon 20–30 cm depth; formed in wet areas. 1.2.2 A G Horizon dark-coloured, moderate organic carbon B Humic A content, low base status, well-drained 1.2.3 A B Horizon dark coloured, high clay content, swell- B shrink properties, visible slickensides; found Vertic A in sub-humid or semi-arid areas, or under grasslands. 1.2.4 A Melanic A dark-coloured when dry, strong structure B Neocutanic B that is not hard when dry, no slickensides. 1.2.5 A Soft plinthic B greyish and lighter colour than horizons B above and below it, elluvial horizon C Horizon low in clay and oxides, sandy, low chemical reactivity. (5) 1.3 Give ONE term/phrase for each of the following descriptions. Write only the term/phrase next to the question number (1.3.1 – 1.3.5) on the attached ANSWER SHEET.
1.3.1 This is an upper or general level, they are defined by the unique vertical sequence of horizons. (1)
1.3.2 This is a lower and more specific level. It shares same properties of soil form but different to soil form with other properties (1)
1.3.3 The classification of objects or things into an ordered system. (1)
1.3.4 A soil that has all the clear distinguishable soil horizons. (1)
1.3.5 The removal of dissolved materials from a layer of soil by water to layers below. (1) (5) 1.4 Change the underlined words in the following statements to make them TRUE. Write only the appropriate word next to the question number (1.4.1 – 1.4.5) on the attached ANSWER SHEET.
1.4.1 Eluviation is the process whereby material from horizon-A is deposited
to a Horizon-B. (1)
1.4.2 A-horizon usually wet and clayey texture, mottling may be present. (1)
1.4.3 Soils with a dark colour indicates the presence of aluminium compounds. (1)
1.4.4 Soil horizon is a vertical section of the soil showing its layers. (1)
2.1 Soil classification is an important aspect of agriculture.
2.1.1 Briefly explain the concept Soil Classification. (1) 2.1.2 Mention TWO reasons why soil classification is important in agriculture. (2) 2.1.3 In South Africa soil classification system contains two categories or levels. Name these categories. (2)
2.2 Steps involved in binomial soil classification system are listed below. Rearrange and write them in your answer book in the correct order.
• Establish soil form
• Demarcate master horizons. • Determine soil series. • Identify diagnostic horizons • Series characteristics are identified. (5)
2.2.1 Briefly explain the difference between topsoil and subsoil. (4)
2.2.2 Differential between master horisons and diagnostic horizons.
(4) 2.3 Soil scientists visited a farm to do soil classification to ensure the optional use of the soil. The results are displayed below.
Answer the following questions based on the information above.
2.3.1 Identify TWO master horizons in this land. (2) 2.3.2 Describe TWO series characteristics visible in this soil. (2) 2.3.3 Supply TWO characteristics of a diagnostic horizon of the topsoil. (2)
2.4 The table below shows master horizons, diagnostic horizons and the characteristics of these horizons.
