Which of the following best describes the composition of soil?
A)Soil is composed of about 45% mineral matter,5% organic matter,and 50% pore space containing air and water.
B)Soil consists of approximately 45% organic matter,50% mineral matter,and 5% water and/or air.
C)Soil is primarily mineral matter (approximately 72%),but also consists of organic matter (10%),and water (18%).
D)Soil includes pebbles,gravel,cobbles,and a varying combination of sands,silts,and clays.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Soil is primarily composed of mineral matter, organic matter, and pore space. The mineral matter makes up about 45%, organic matter about 5%, and pore space containing air and water about 50%. Option A accurately reflects these percentages. Option B is incorrect as it lists water and air separately, when they are both included in the pore space. Option C is incorrect as it states that soil is primarily mineral matter, when in fact mineral matter and organic matter are both important components. Option D is also incorrect as it describes the varying particle sizes found within soil, but does not address the overall composition.

Which of the Following Best Describes the Composition of Soil