CBSE Class 7 Science Chapter 9 Soil NCERT Solutions

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NCERT Solutions PDF Class 7 PDF

This chapter delves into the fundamental aspects of soil, a crucial component of our environment. The NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Science, Chapter 9: Soil, provide a detailed exploration of what soil is, how it is formed, and its various types. Students will learn about the composition of soil, including rock particles, organic matter, air, and water. The solutions explain the differences between sandy, clayey, and loamy soils, highlighting their unique properties like water retention and particle size. Key concepts such as weathering of rocks and the role of humus are elaborated. These solutions are designed to help students understand the practical importance of soil for agriculture and living organisms, aiding in effective exam revision.

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Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 7
SubjectScience
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 9: Soil

Chapter summary

Chapter 9: Soil, for Class 7 Science, focuses on the composition, formation, and types of soil. The NCERT Solutions cover the essential components of soil, the process of weathering leading to soil formation, and the distinct characteristics of sandy, clayey, and loamy soils. It also explains the suitability of different soil types for various crops, emphasizing their water-holding capacities and fertility. This chapter provides a foundational understanding of soil science.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the composition of soil.
  • Explain the process of soil formation through weathering.
  • Differentiate between sandy, clayey, and loamy soils based on their properties.
  • Identify the suitability of different soil types for various crops.
  • Recognize the importance of soil as a habitat for living organisms.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Soil Composition
  • Soil Formation
  • Weathering of Rocks
  • Types of Soil
  • Sandy Soil
  • Clayey Soil
  • Loamy Soil
  • Water Holding Capacity
  • Soil Fertility
  • Soil as Habitat
  • Suitability of Soil for Crops
  • Soil Layers

Important topics

  • Soil Formation Process
  • Properties of Sandy Soil
  • Properties of Clayey Soil
  • Properties of Loamy Soil
  • Water Retention in Soil
  • Suitability of Soil for Crops
  • Role of Humus

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

In addition to the rock particles, what other components are present in the soil?
Solution: Soil is a complex mixture. Besides rock particles, it contains essential components such as minerals, organic matter (humus), air, and water. These components contribute to the soil's fertility and its ability to support life.

Question 2

Which type of soil exhibits the highest capacity to retain water?
Solution: Clayey soil has the highest water-holding capacity. This is because clayey soil is composed of very fine particles that are packed closely together, leaving minimal space for water to drain out. This property makes it suitable for certain crops that require consistently moist soil.

Question 3

Match the items given in Column I with the appropriate items in Column II:

Column I

  1. A home for living organisms
  2. Upper layer of the soil
  3. Sandy soil
  4. Middle layer of the soil
  5. Clayey soil

Column II

  1. Large particles
  2. All kinds of soil
  3. Dark in colour
  4. Small particles and packed tight
  5. Lesser amount of humus
Solution: Here is the correct matching of items from Column I to Column II:
  1. A home for living organisms (b) All kinds of soil: Soil provides a habitat for a vast number of living organisms, from microorganisms to larger animals.
  2. Upper layer of the soil (c) Dark in colour: The topsoil is typically dark due to the presence of humus, which is rich in organic matter.
  3. Sandy soil (a) Large particles: Sandy soil is characterized by its large particle size, which leads to large spaces between the particles.
  4. Middle layer of the soil (e) Lesser amount of humus: The middle layer of the soil generally contains less humus compared to the topsoil.
  5. Clayey soil (d) Small particles and packed tight: Clayey soil consists of very fine particles that are tightly packed, giving it a dense structure and high water retention.

Question 4

Explain the process by which soil is formed.
Solution: Soil formation is primarily a result of the weathering of rocks. This process involves the breakdown of large rocks into smaller particles through the continuous action of natural forces like wind, water (rain, rivers), and temperature changes. This breakdown occurs over a very long period. Once rocks are broken down into small particles, these particles mix with organic matter, known as humus (formed from decaying plants and animals), along with air and water, to form the soil we see today. This is a slow, ongoing process.

Question 5

How does clayey soil prove to be beneficial for cultivating crops?
Solution: Clayey soil is highly beneficial for agriculture for several reasons. It is rich in humus and organic matter, making it very fertile. Its fine particles are packed tightly, allowing it to retain water effectively, which is crucial for plant growth. This makes clayey soil particularly suitable for growing crops like wheat, gram, and paddy. While it holds water well, it can also be challenging to work with when wet due to its sticky nature.

Question 6

Enumerate the key differences between clayey soil and sandy soil.
Solution: The main differences between clayey soil and sandy soil are:
  1. Particle Size: Clayey soil consists of very fine particles that are packed tightly, whereas sandy soil is composed of larger particles with significant space between them.
  2. Water Retention: Clayey soil has a high water-holding capacity and can become sticky when wet. Sandy soil, due to its large particles and spaces, allows water to drain through quickly and does not retain much moisture.
  3. Air Permeability: Sandy soil allows air to permeate through it easily because of the large spaces between particles. Clayey soil is denser, making air circulation more difficult.
  4. Fertility: Clayey soil is generally richer in humus and more fertile than sandy soil.
  5. Crop Suitability: Clayey soil is suitable for crops like paddy, wheat, and gram. Sandy soil is better suited for crops like vegetables, peanuts, and cotton, which prefer well-drained soil.
  6. Workability: Clayey soil can be difficult to plough when wet, while sandy soil dries up easily.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing the properties of different soil types (e.g., water retention in sandy vs. clayey soil).
  • Not fully explaining the process of weathering in soil formation.
  • Incorrectly matching soil types to suitable crops.
  • Overlooking the role of humus and organic matter in soil fertility.

Revision tips

  • Create a table comparing the properties of sandy, clayey, and loamy soils.
  • Draw diagrams illustrating the different layers of soil and the weathering process.
  • Focus on understanding why certain crops grow best in specific soil types.
  • Review the definitions of key terms like weathering, humus, and percolation.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What are the essential components of soil besides rock particles?

Q2. Which type of soil has the highest water-holding capacity?

Q3. The upper layer of the soil is typically described as:

Q4. Which soil type is characterized by large particles and good drainage?

Q5. The process of breaking down rocks into smaller particles by natural agents is called:

Frequently asked questions

What is soil made of according to NCERT Class 7 Science?

According to NCERT Class 7 Science, soil is composed of rock particles, minerals, organic matter (humus), air, and water.

How is soil formed?

Soil is formed through the process of weathering, where rocks are broken down into smaller particles by the action of wind, water, and air. These particles then mix with humus to form soil.

What are the main types of soil discussed in Chapter 9?

Chapter 9 discusses three main types of soil: sandy soil, clayey soil, and loamy soil, each with distinct particle sizes and properties.

Which soil is best for growing crops like wheat and gram?

Clayey soil, which is rich in humus and has good water retention, is suitable for growing crops like wheat and gram.

Why is clayey soil good at retaining water?

Clayey soil has very fine particles that are packed tightly together, leaving little space for water to escape, thus giving it a high water-holding capacity.

What is the difference between sandy and clayey soil?

Sandy soil has large particles and drains water easily, while clayey soil has small, tightly packed particles that retain water well.

Important links

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