Question

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R
Assertion A: Sandy soil is lighter in weight than that of equal volume of clay soil.
Reason R: Addition of organic matter in soil for consecutive two years will not change the soil texture.
In light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
• B. Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
• C. A is true but R is false
• D. A is false but R is true

Hint:

Bulk density: Sandy > Clay (mass/volume).
Texture: Permanent characteristic (sand, silt, clay).
Structure: Changed by organic matter, tillage, etc.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question tests knowledge of soil properties and soil texture.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Assertion A:
Sandy soil is lighter in weight (bulk density) than clay soil of equal volume.
Sandy soil has larger pores and lower bulk density (1.5-1.7 g/cm³).
Clay soil has smaller pores and higher bulk density (1.0-1.3 g/cm³).
This statement is true.
Reason R:
Addition of organic matter does not change soil texture.
Texture is a permanent characteristic determined by sand, silt, and clay percentages.
Organic matter addition improves soil structure, not texture.
This statement is true.
Relationship between A and R:
Both statements are true but they are independent.
R does not explain A (why sandy soil is lighter than clay soil).
The reason for A is the difference in particle packing and pore space.
Thus, R is NOT the correct explanation of A.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Thus, both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
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