Soil Morphology & Classification is one of 9 topics in the Grade 11 Agricultural Sciences CAPS syllabus, covered across 3 lessons on Study Vault. Below are real practice questions from this topic with full worked answers.
Sample practice questions
Easy
1. What is a soil profile?
A vertical cross-section of soil from the surface down to the parent material or bedrock
A single soil particle viewed under a microscope
A horizontal map showing soil types across a farm
The chemical formula describing soil minerals
Answer: A vertical cross-section of soil from the surface down to the parent material or bedrock — A soil profile is a vertical cross-section of soil, dug or exposed from the surface down to the parent material or bedrock, revealing a sequence of soil horizons.
Easy
2. Which soil horizon is generally known as the topsoil, and is the most biologically active and agriculturally important layer?
Answer: A horizon — The A horizon is the topsoil, a mineral horizon darkened by accumulated organic matter, generally the most biologically active and agriculturally important layer.
Medium
3. Which soil horizon is described as the subsoil, where clay and iron oxides leached from above tend to accumulate?
B horizon
A horizon
O horizon
C horizon
Answer: B horizon — The B horizon (subsoil) is a mineral horizon where clay, iron oxides and other materials leached from the horizons above accumulate, and is typically denser and less biologically active than the A horizon.
