Question

Given below are two statements
Statement I: Clay soil must have at least 35% of clay particles and in most cases not more than 40% of clay particles.
Statement II: Silty soils have at least 50% silt and 25% or less clay particles.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct
• B. Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect
• C. Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
• D. Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct

Hint:

Soil textural classes (USDA):
- Clay: > 35% clay.
- Silty: > 50% silt, < 25% clay.
- Sandy: > 50% sand.
Textural triangle used for classification.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question tests knowledge of soil textural classification.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Statement I:
Clay soil must have at least 35% clay particles.
However, there is no upper limit of "not more than 40%" for clay soil.
Clay soil can have up to 100% clay.
The statement "not more than 40% of clay particles" is incorrect.
This statement is false.
Statement II:
Silty soils have at least 50% silt and 25% or less clay particles.
This is consistent with the USDA soil textural triangle.
Silt loam has 50-80% silt and 0-27% clay.
This statement is true.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Thus, Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct.
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