NATIONAL OPEN UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA
FACULTY OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES
January/ February 2017_2 POP Examination
Course Title: Introduction to Pedology and Soil Classification
Course Code: SOS301
INSTRUCTION:
i) Answer at least one question from each section compulsorily.
ii) Answer four questions in all.
iii) Time: 2 hours
SECTION A
Question 0ne
a) Match the following words against the below listed soil descriptions. Please note that a word can be marched more than once. 2 marks each x 10= 20 marks
(Clay, loam, sand, Humus, Mineral nutrients, and organic matter)
i) Can easily get water logged
ii) Can for a cast when wet bet cracks when dry
iii) Has very low infiltration rate
iv) Has very high infiltration rate
v) Has low water holding capacity
vi) Easily get drained
vii) Has an almost balanced ration of clay and sand
viii) An un-decomposed biodegradable matters
ix) A well decomposed/degraded organic matter in the soil.
x) Macro and micro chemical elements in the soil.
b) Give reasons or state the implications/meanings of the following of the following.
(2 marks each x 5= 10 marks)
i) A very bright red/brownish brick color sub soil
ii) A dull blackish/gray to silver color sub soil
iii) Heavy presence of worm cast on a soil
iv) What is the basic parent material of any soil
v) Flora and fauna refers to what in the soil characteristics
c) List five factors or bad practices that can destroy the soil (2 marks each x 5= 10 marks)
SECTION B
Question Two
a) Define the term “Rock”( 5 marks)
b) What are the basic types of rocks that naturally exists ( 5 marks)
c) Write a short descriptive note on rocks formed as a result of accumulation of minerals and solid particles ( 2marks)
d) List 3 types of rocks formed from sedimentary actions. ( 3 marks)
Question Three
a) What is weathering ( 5 marks)
b) List five agents of biological weathering. ( 5 marks)
c) Write a brief but comprehensive note on chemical weathering (5 marks)
Question Four
a) Outline the components of (i) Physical and ii) biological weathering (8 marks)
b) Explain the l formation of soil using passive and active factors (7 marks)
Question five
Write a short note on (i) soil texture (ii) soil permeability (iii) soil infiltration rate, (iv) soil structure and (v) soil bulk density. (3marks each x 5=15)
Question Six
a) Discuss the importance of soil amendment to a crop producer. ( 5 marks)
b) Write a short note on biological properties of the soil. (4 marks)
c) Describe any 3 soil s reactions (2marks each x3= 6 marks)
You can get the soft copy for this course or the exam summary answers for this course from 08039407882
Exam summary sample below
