Question

Match List-I with List-II:
List-I (Components of soil fertility):
(A). Soil depth
(B). Soil structure
(C). Soil texture
(D). Soil organic matter
List-II (Affected parameter):
(I). Distribution of pore sizes
(II). Particle size fractions
(III). Physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil
(IV). Volume of soil accessible to the root system
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A)-(IV), (B)-(I), (C)-(II), (D)-(III)
• B. (A)-(I), (B)-(II), (C)-(III), (D)-(IV)
• C. (A)-(I), (B)-(II), (C)-(IV), (D)-(III)
• D. (A)-(III), (B)-(IV), (C)-(I), (D)-(II)

Hint:

To solve matching questions quickly, look for the most obvious pair: Soil texture is always defined as "particle size fractions", which pairs (C) with (II). This eliminates other options.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Soil physical and chemical properties dictate the availability of water, oxygen, and nutrients to plants, thereby influencing soil fertility.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us match the parameters of List-I with List-II based on direct relationships:

• (A) Soil depth: Direct physical depth determines how deep roots can penetrate. Thus, it affects the (IV) Volume of soil accessible to the root system.

• (B) Soil structure: The arrangement of soil particles into aggregates determines the voids or pore spaces. Thus, it dictates the (I) Distribution of pore sizes (macro and micropores).

• (C) Soil texture: Refers to the relative percentage of sand, silt, and clay-sized particles. Thus, it represents the (II) Particle size fractions.

• (D) Soil organic matter: Humus and organic compounds act as a binder, nutrient reservoir, and microbial substrate, modifying the (III) Physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil as a whole.
This results in the matching combination: (A)-(IV), (B)-(I), (C)-(II), (D)-(III).

Step 3: Final Answer
The correct matching option is (A)-(IV), (B)-(I), (C)-(II), (D)-(III).