Soil: Class 7 Science Q&A
21 free answers on Soil (Science) for Class 7 students, across CBSE, ICSE and State boards. Includes questions such as “Why is soil erosion relatively less in dense forests as compared to barren, open fields?”, “Continuously water-logged soils are disadvantageous for plant growth. Why?”, “How can a farmer convert acidic soil to neutral soil?”
Question & Answer
Questions
- ScienceClass 7CBSE
In towns and cities, generally, bore wells have to be dug very deep to get water as compared to bore wells dug in villages. Give suitable reasons.
Soln: In towns and cities, generally, bore wells have to be dug very deep to get water as compared to bore wells dug in villages. It is so because of the following reasons : (i) Excessive use of water in towns and cities depletes the groundwater. (ii) Towns and cities have asphalted roads, and vast areas of soil are concreted. As a result, rainwater cannot percolate to recharge groundwater, and the groundwater level further decreases. Villages have lar
- ScienceClass 7CBSE
Gardeners gently dig up the soil around the roots of garden herbs (plants) frequently. Give reasons.
Soln: Gardeners gently dig up the soil around the roots of garden herbs for the following reasons (a) For enabling easy root growth; (b) For easier percolation of water; (c) For aerating the soil/enabling air to get into deeper layers of soil; (d) For removing the weeds.
- ScienceClass 7CBSE
Why is soil erosion relatively less in dense forests as compared to barren, open fields?
Soln: In dense forests, the tree cover (canopy) prevents rainwater from directly falling on the ground/soil. Also, the roots of the vegetation bind the soil particles and hold them together. As a result, soil erosion is minimised. But in barren open fields, the soil is exposed to falling rain. The soil particles become loose due to the impact of raindrops, and the flow of water carries them away. The flowing water further erodes the soil surface aggravating er
- ScienceClass 7CBSE
Continuously water-logged soils are disadvantageous for plant growth. Why?
Soln: Roots possess living cells that require oxygen for respiration and production of energy. These living cells absorb oxygen that is present in the spaces between soil particles. But in waterlogged soils, water occupies the spaces between soil particles and pushes the oxygen out into the atmosphere. Thus, roots are deprived of oxygen, and this affects root and plant growth.
- ScienceClass 7CBSE
15. Match the animals in Column I with their natural place of dwelling (habitat) in Column II. Column-I Column-II a) Earthworm i) Sand and beaches b) Garden Lizard ii) Burrows in soil c) Crab iii) Deep, narrow holes in dry soils d) Rodents iv) Surface of soil e) Scorpion v) Surface of shaded moist soils f) Snails and snugs vi) A horizon of moist soils
Soln: Column-I Column-II a) Earthworm vi) A horizon of moist soils b) Garden Lizard iv)Surface of soil c) Crab i) Sand and beaches d) Rodents ii) Burrows in soil e) Scorpion iii)Deep, narrow holes in dry soils
- ScienceClass 7CBSE
Rajasthan is a desert state in India. Once while travelling to Rajasthan by train, Boojho observed several streams and rivulets of rainwater during the journey, but to his surprise, he did not see streams of water in the desert region even during rains. Help Boojho find a suitable explanation for this.
Soln: Deserts are filled with stretches of sand. When rain falls, rainwater percolates immediately. Hence water streams are not found in deserts.
- ScienceClass 7CBSE
A man digging a pit found that he could dig with ease initially, but digging became difficult as he went deeper. He could not dig beyond a depth of 5 feet. Provide a suitable scientific explanation.
Soln: The top layer of soil is loose and easy to dig, as he went down, deep soil consists of weathered rocks, which makes digging difficult.
- ScienceClass 7CBSE
Is it a good practice to remove grass and small plants that are growing in an open, unused field? Give a reason to support your answer.
Soln: No, It is not a good practice because plants cover the soil surface, and their roots bind the soil particles to hold them firmly. This prevents the washout of the top layer of soil from strong winds and rains.
- ScienceClass 7CBSE
How can a farmer convert acidic soil to neutral soil?
Soln: A farmer can convert acidic soil to neutral soil by adding a small quantity of quick lime or slaked lime solution to the soil.
- ScienceClass 7CBSE
Which of the following situations – ‘A’ or ‘B’ – is advantageous for the absorption of water and minerals? Why? Situation ‘A’: Growth and branching of roots in the C-horizon. Situation ‘B’: Growth and branching of roots in A and B horizons.
Soln: Situation ‘B’ is advantageous to plants because horizons A and B are rich in water, minerals and humus.
- ScienceClass 7CBSE
Read the following statements and give the appropriate terms for each of them. (a) The process of breakdown of rocks by the action of wind, water, and sunlight. (b) Removal of topsoil during heavy rains or strong winds. (c) Accumulation of wastes in the soil generated by human activity, which alter the features of the soil. (d) The process of movement of water into deeper layers of soil.
Soln: (a) Weathering (b) Erosion (c) Soil pollution (d) Percolation
- ScienceClass 7CBSE
The components of loamy soil are ______, ______ and ______.
Soln: Sand, Silt, Clay
- ScienceClass 7CBSE
The soil has particles of different sizes. Arrange the words given below in increasing order of their particle size. Rock, Clay, Sand, Gravel, Silt
Soln: Rock > Gravel > Sand > Silt > Clay
- ScienceClass 7CBSE
Read the following statements with reference to the soil. Weathering is a very fast process of soil formation. Percolation of water is faster in sandy soils. Loamy soil contains only sand and clay. Topsoil contains the maximum amount of humus. Choose the correct statements from the above. (a) (ii) and (iv) (b) (i) and (iii) (c) (ii) and (iii) (d) (i) and (ii)
Soln: Answer is (a) (ii) and (iv) Explanation: Soil formation by the withering of rock is a slow process that takes years. Hence option a) is wrong. Loamy soil is a mixture of sand, silt and humus hence option c is wrong.
- ScienceClass 7CBSE
Soil conservation measures are mainly aimed at protecting which of the following? (a) Plants (b) Topsoil (c) Subsoil (d) Soil organisms
Soln: The answer is (b) Topsoil Explanation: Topsoil is rich in humus and consists of decaying remains of plants and animals. Humus improves the texture of the soil and provides nutrients for plant growth. So, it is the most fertile region and soil conservation measures are mainly aimed at protecting topsoil. If topsoil is protected or conserved, then subsoil is also conserved as it lies below the topsoil.
- ScienceClass 7CBSE
Availability of water and minerals in the soil for maximum absorption by roots is in the – (a) B-horizon (b) C-horizon (c) A-horizon (d) surface of soil
Soln: The answer is (c) A-horizon Explanation: A horizon has topsoil, which is porous and soft, which helps in the absorption and retaining of water.
- ScienceClass 7CBSE
The microorganisms present in the soil require moisture (water) and nutrients for growth and survival. Choose from the options below the habitat (place) where the soil has plenty of water and nutrients. (a) Desert (b) Forest (c) Open field (d) Cricket ground
Soln: The answer is (b) Forest Explanation: In forests, there will be a lot of trees which hold the soil and prevents soil from erosion. Humus makes the soil fertile and provides nutrients to plants and microorganisms. Trees also absorb a lot of water from rainwater which keeps the soil moist and provides moisture for the growth of microorganisms.
- ScienceClass 7All
What are the two main processes that contribute to soil formation?
Weathering and biological activity are the two fundamental processes driving soil formation. Weathering (both physical and chemical) breaks down parent rock material into smaller mineral particles that form the inorganic component of soil. Physical weathering creates fragments, while chemical weathering alters the minerals' composition, making nutrients more available to plants. Biological activity introduces the organic component—decomposing plant and
- ScienceClass 7All
What is the major disadvantage of using fertilizers?
The major disadvantage of using chemical fertilizers is environmental pollution and soil degradation. Excessive fertilizer use leads to nutrient runoff into water bodies, causing eutrophication where algae blooms deplete oxygen and harm aquatic life. Over-reliance on fertilizers can reduce soil organic matter, disrupt beneficial soil microorganisms, and cause soil acidification. Long-term use may also lead to nutrient imbalances, reduced soil fertility, and groundwater contam
- ScienceClass 7All
What are the common chemical fertilizers used?
Common chemical fertilizers include urea (providing 46% nitrogen), diammonium phosphate or DAP (containing nitrogen and phosphorus), muriate of potash (rich in potassium), ammonium sulfate (supplying nitrogen and sulfur), and superphosphate (providing phosphorus). These fertilizers are manufactured industrially and provide concentrated nutrients in readily available forms. NPK fertilizers contain all three pr