(a) Outline four components of soil. (b) Describe, using a diagram, the soil profile. (c)...

Explanation

(A) SOIL COMPONENTS;

(i) Inorganic materials or mineral particles

(ii) Organic material or humus

(iii) Living organisms.

(iv) Water

(v) Air.

(B) SOIL PROFILE;

A soil profile is a vertical section through the soil to the underlying parent rock. The various layers in a soil profile are called horizons. Horizon A is the soil proper and often rich in humus. Horizon B is the subsoil. Horizon C is made up of solid rock or parent or weathered rock.

(C) FARMING PRACTICES THAT CAN LEAD TO SOIL EROSION;

(a) Overgrazing

(b) Over-cultivation

(c) Bush burning

(d) Shifting cultivation

(e) Ploughing of land up and down the slope

(f) Cultivation of crop in areas which do not have reliable rainfall may lead to wind erosion

(g) The cutting of forests on hill slopes.