BCM DISTRICT

GRADE 11

AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES
TOPIC TEST 10
SOIL MORPHOLOGY
APRIL 2024

MARKS: 50
TIME: 1hour

This question paper consists of 8 pages.

BCM GRADE 11 WEEKLY TEST NO 10.

INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION

1.This question paper consists of TWO sections, namely SECTION A and SECTION B.

2. Answer ALL the questions in the ANSWER BOOK.

3. Start EACH question on a NEW page.

4. Number the answers correctly according to the numbering system used in this

question paper.

5. You may use a non-programmable calculator.

6. Show ALL calculations, including formulae, where applicable.

7. Write neatly and legibly

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BCM GRADE 11 WEEKLY TEST NO 10.

SECTION A

QUESTION 1

1.1 Various options are provided as possible answers to the following questions.
Choose the answer and write only the letter (A–D) next to the question number
(1.1.1–1.1.5) in the ANSWER BOOK, for example 1.1.11 A.

1.1.1 Horizons in the soil develop over time through the action of parent
material and climate. The following statement characterises the
E-horizon.

A It has plenty of decayed organic matter.

B It is a zone of leaching.
C It is sticky due to permanent waterlogging.
D It has unweathered material.

1.1.2 The soil horizons that are usually removed by erosion are

A Horizon A and B
B Horizon A and O
C Horizon B and C
D Horizon C and R

1.1.3 A hole dug in soil to expose all the horizons is a …..

A Horizon hole
B Profile hole
C Pit hole
D Horizontal pit

1.1.4 A soil horizon which shows signs of reduction under

waterlogged conditions is the

A B- horizon
B G- horizon
C C- horizon
D E-horizon

1.1.5 Properties of G-horizon

(i) A horizon that results from waterlogged conditions

(ii) It consists of undecomposed organic debris
(iii) Wet or waterlogged horizon
(iv) Has soil which reflects permanent waterlogging

Choose the correct combination:

A (i), (ii) and (i)

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BCM GRADE 11 WEEKLY TEST NO 10.

B (i), (iii) and (iv)

C (ii), (iii) and (iv)
D (i), (ii) and (iv) (5X1) (5)

1.2 Indicate which if the following descriptions in COLUMN B applies to A ONLY, B ONLY,
BOTH A AND B or NONE of the items in COLUNN A. Write A only, B only, both A
AND B or none next to the question number 1.2.1 – 1.2.10 in the ANSWER BOOK.

COLUMN A COLUMN B
1.2.1. A. Soil profile Arrangement of soils into groups based
B. Soil horizon on features.
1.2.2. A. Signs of C- horizon
reduction
B. Gley-
condition
1.2.3 A. R-horizon A horizon that is characterised by the
B. O-horizon absence of organic matter due to high
degree of leaching.
1.2.4 A. A-horizon Horizon found in topsoil.
B. B-horizon
1.2.5 A. R-horizon Bed rock
B. E-horizon

(5X1) (05)

1.3 Give ONE word/term for each of the following descriptions. Write only the word/term
next to the question number (1.3.1–1.3.5) in the ANSWER BOOK.

1.3.1 A vertical cut in the soil exposing the arrangement of horizontal

layers of a soil
1.3.2 A vertical section through soil showing the different soil horizon.
1.3.3 A orizon that consists of unconsolidated material
1.3.4 Process of breaking down of rocks into small pieces to form soil.
1.3.5 A horizon that developed through accumulation of organic (05)
matter.

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BCM GRADE 11 WEEKLY TEST NO 10.

1.4 Change the UNDERLINED WORD(S) in each of the following statements to make
them TRUE. Write only the correct word(s) next to the question number (1.4.1–1.4.5)
in the ANSWER BOOK.

1.4.1 B-horizon occurs in poorly aerated soil conditions.

1.4.2 Soil series is a unique vertical succession of diagnostic
horizons.
1.4.3 Eluviation is the process whereby material from a A-horizon is
deposited to a B-horizon.
1.4.4 A soil horizon is the hole that one dig in order to open up a soil
profile that reveal its horizon.
1.4.5 A soil form system is used in South Africa to classify the soil.
(5X1) (5)

TOTAL SECTION A: (20)

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 BCM GRADE 11 WEEKLY TEST NO 10.

SECTION B
QUESTION 2

2.1 The diagram below shows horizontal layers.

A
F
B

G
D

2.1.1 Determine the age of the soil above. (1)

2.1.2 Give a reason for the answer in QUESTION 2.1.2 above. (1)

2.1.3 Identify the parts labelled F and G from the diagram above (2)
2.1.4 Sketch the profile of the above soil. (2)

2.1.5 Indicate the letter representing a horizon with the following

characteristics:
(1)
(a) Enriched with eluviated material.

(b) Inorganic material mixed with organic matter. (1)

2.2 Soil is an important factor in sustainable agriculture.

2.2.1 State any TWO factors that play an important role in the soil formation. (2)
[10]

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 BCM GRADE 11 WEEKLY TEST NO 10.

QUESTION 3

3.1
The horizontal layers of the soil are the result of environmental factors,
particularly climatic factors and have developed over the period of time. One
process occurs after the other until all horizons are visible.
3.1.1 Rearrange the following processes showing the development of master
horizons over time.

a) Through the process of littering, plants will drop leaves and twigs
onto soil to form the O-horizon
b) Small pieces of rock formed C-horizon
c) Weathered rock undergoes chemical weathering to form soil which
becomes the medium for vegetable growth.
d) A-horizon is formed.
e) The rock expands and contract leading to physical weathering.
f) Micro-organisms convert organic debris of the soil through the
process of humification. (6)

3.1.2 Suggest the condition leading to the development of an E-horizon (1)

3.2 The table below shows soil profile with different combination of soil horizons.

Soil profile Soil profile Soil profile Soil profile

A B C D
A A B
A E G C
C B C
C

3.2.1 Identify the soil profiles labelled A, B, C and D (4)

3.2.2 Name the horizon that is associated with the following

(a) Receives soil material. (1)

(b) Mixture of inorganic matter and fully decomposed organic
Matter. (1)
(c) Soil is directly formed through physical weathering. (1)
(d) suggest a profile that would have a shortage of oxygen
for plants
(1)

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BCM GRADE 11 WEEKLY TEST NO 10.

3.1.2 If you are asked to dig a profile test hole of a well-developed soil,
predict THREE characteristics that may be revealed to show that (3)
you are in the B-horizon.

3.1.3 Briefly explain the terms elluvial and illuvial. (2)

[20]

TOTAL SECTION B: 30
GRAND TOTAL 50

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