Question

Which one of the following soil types is most suitable for good plant growth and agriculture?

• A. Sandy soils
• B. Clayey soils
• C. Silty soils
• D. Loamy soils

Hint:

Think of loam as the "best of all worlds" in soil types. It combines the positive properties of sand, silt, and clay while minimizing their negative properties, making it the perfect balance for most agricultural purposes.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to identify the ideal soil type for agriculture based on its properties. The suitability of soil depends on its texture, which is determined by the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
\[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{Sandy soils: Have large particles, which allows for good drainage and aeration, but they have poor water and nutrient retention.} \\ \bullet & \text{Clayey soils: Have very small particles, which allows them to hold a lot of water and nutrients, but they have poor drainage and can become waterlogged and compacted.} \\ \bullet & \text{Silty soils: Have medium-sized particles. They have good water retention but can be prone to erosion.} \\ \bullet & \text{Loamy soils: These are considered ideal for agriculture because they contain a balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay (typically about 40% sand, 40% silt, and 20% clay). This balanced texture provides the benefits of all three types: good drainage and aeration (from sand), good water and nutrient retention (from clay and silt), and good structure.} \\ \end{array}\]

Step 4: Final Answer:
Loamy soils are the most suitable for good plant growth and agriculture.