R
Rishtaara
Science · Class 7

Soil

Soil profile, types, moisture, and soil conservation.

4 sections15–25 min read6 MCQs · 2 examples

Chapter Overview

Soil forms by weathering of rocks over thousands of years. This chapter covers soil profile horizons, types (sandy, clayey, loamy), percolation, moisture, and soil conservation methods.

Soil Profile

  • O-horizon: humus and organic matter
  • A-horizon (topsoil): minerals + humus — most fertile
  • B-horizon: minerals leached down
  • Bedrock: parent rock

Soil Types

  • Sandy: large particles, high percolation, low water retention
  • Clayey: tiny particles, sticky, poor drainage
  • Loamy: best for crops — sand + clay + humus balance

Soil Conservation

  • Crop rotation, terrace farming, shelter belts
  • Avoid overgrazing and deforestation
  • Mulching retains moisture

Solved Examples

Step-by-step solutions — read each step before checking the final answer.

Percolation

Which soil type has highest percolation rate?

  1. 1Sandy — large spaces between particles
  2. 2Water drains quickly
  3. 3Clayey has lowest percolation

Answer

Sandy soil

Soil erosion

How do trees prevent soil erosion?

  1. 1Roots bind soil particles
  2. 2Canopy reduces rain impact
  3. 3Leaf litter adds humus

Answer

Root network holds soil

Key Points to Remember

  • Humus makes soil fertile and dark
  • Earthworms are friends of farmers
  • Soil is a precious natural resource

Exam Tips

  • Draw soil profile with horizons labelled
  • Compare sandy, clayey, loamy soil
  • List soil conservation practices

Practice MCQs — Soil

Test your understanding with topic-wise multiple choice questions. Explanations appear after each answer.

Question 1 of 6Score: 0/0

Topsoil is richest in: