Which of the following soil types would allow water to pass through very slowly?
A. Topsoil
B. Clay
C. Sand
D. Humus
To determine which of the soil types would allow water to pass through very slowly, we need to understand the characteristics of each soil type.
A) Topsoil: Topsoil is the uppermost layer of soil, composed of a mixture of organic matter, minerals, and microorganisms. It provides nutrients for plant growth, and while it can vary in texture, it generally allows water to pass through relatively easily due to its porous nature.
B) Clay: Clay soil is made up of very fine particles that can become compacted, resulting in poor drainage. Due to its small particle size, clay soil has a high water-holding capacity and drains water very slowly. Therefore, it would be a good candidate for allowing water to pass through very slowly.
C) Sand: Sand soil is characterized by large particles that do not densely pack together, resulting in good drainage. Water moves through sand soil relatively quickly as it does not hold water for long periods.
D) Humus: Humus is the organic component of soil formed by the decomposition of matter such as leaves, plants, and animals. It provides nutrients and enhances soil structure. While it can retain moisture, it does not typically impede water movement.
With this information, we can conclude that the soil type that would allow water to pass through very slowly is B) Clay.