Biology 2017 JAMB Past Questions - Question 2: The soil component which has the ability to retain a high amount of water is

Correct Answer

D

Explanation

Clay soil has very fine particles which are compactly packed together with little air spaces between them. Water does not drain easily through clay soil. Once it drains through it becomes very difficult to evaporate. Thus, it has the highest water retention ability. Loam soil is a mixture of clay and sandy particles in equal amount, it also has high humus content. Water drains through it easiiy. Loam soil retains water but not as high as clay soil because of the presence of sandy particles which are large with large pore spaces. Sandy soii has large particle sizes with large pore spaces. Water drains fastest and also evaporates fastest through the large pore spaces.