which of the following is NOT a major component of soil a)mineral matter b)air c)humus d)earth worms

2) a soils texture is determined by a) mineral composition B)type of humans c)water content d)particle size

3)the main source of organic matter in soil is a)water b)plants*** c)fungi d) bacteria

what do you think? I can check your thinking. on the last one, 3), I agree.

1) The correct answer is d) earthworms. Earthworms are not a major component of soil, but they do play a role in soil health and nutrient cycling.

2) The correct answer is d) particle size. Soil texture refers to the relative proportions of different particle sizes in the soil, such as sand, silt, and clay. It affects the soil's ability to hold water and nutrients.

3) The correct answer is b) plants. Plants contribute organic matter to the soil when their leaves, roots, and other plant parts decompose. This organic matter, known as plant litter, is a major source of nutrients for soil microbes and plays a crucial role in soil fertility.

To determine which of the following options is NOT a major component of soil, we need to understand the components of soil and eliminate the one that does not belong.

1) Mineral matter: Mineral matter refers to the inorganic components of soil, such as sand, silt, and clay particles. These minerals contribute to the physical structure and chemical properties of the soil.

2) Air: Air is an essential component of soil. It fills the spaces between soil particles, allowing for the exchange of gases between soil and the atmosphere. This promotes the growth of soil microorganisms and roots of plants.

3) Humus: Humus is the decomposed organic matter in soil. It is formed from the breakdown of plant and animal material by microorganisms. Humus contributes to soil fertility and water-holding capacity.

4) Earthworms: Earthworms are not a major component of soil. However, they play a crucial role in soil biology and are considered beneficial for soil health. Earthworms enhance soil structure, increase air and water movement, and aid in the decomposition of organic matter.

Therefore, the answer is d) earthworms.

To determine the soil's texture, we need to consider various factors:

1) Mineral composition: The different types of minerals present in the soil affect its texture to some extent. For example, the particle size and shape of minerals like sand, silt, and clay can influence the soil's texture.

2) Type of humus: The type of organic matter, or humus, in the soil does not directly determine its texture. However, humus can contribute to soil fertility and water-holding capacity.

3) Water content: The amount of water present in the soil can influence its texture temporarily. Excess water can make the soil particles stick together, leading to a smoother texture, while dry soil may result in a more crumbly or gritty texture.

4) Particle size: The soil's texture is primarily determined by the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay particles. These particles are classified based on their size: sand (largest), silt (medium-sized), and clay (smallest).

Therefore, the correct answer is d) particle size.

The main source of organic matter in soil is b) plants. When plants shed leaves, roots die, or other organic material decomposes, it contributes to the organic matter content in the soil. This organic matter is further broken down by microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, into humus, which improves soil fertility and structure. Water, fungi, and bacteria also play important roles in soil health but are not the primary sources of organic matter.