Page 162 - Primary Five Science
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Types of Soil

         There are three types of soil namely:

         1. Loam soil

         2. Clay soil

         3. Sandy soil



         Loam Soil


                                        This soil is a mixture of sand, clay and silt parti-

                                                cles and has the ability to retain water. It is

                                                    high in calcium, aeration and ideal for
                                                      most crops and vegetables. It is the soil

                                                      all farmers dream of, as it is full of nutri-
                                                     ents from decomposed organic material.

                                                   It is soft and easy to cultivate.


         It                    has the following properties.


          It contains balanced particles of sandy and clay.

          It contains more humus than clay and sandy


          It is well aerated than clay.


          It contains all soil components in a balanced amount.


         Therefore it is the best for crop growing.



         Clay Soil



         The particles that make up clay are the finest and they bind very well.

         It has very little air spaces. Clay very sticky when wet, and can be

         molded into any shape and form. When they dry, they are rock hard.

         Clay soils do not drain very well. Clay is believed to form in places

         where rock is in contact with water, air or steam. Example, sediments

         on sea or lake bottoms may become clay soils with time.
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