MAASAI MARA UNIVERSITYREGULAR UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS
2016/2017 ACADEMIC YEAR
FIRST YEAR SECOND SEMESTER
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN
AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS AND RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
COURSE CODE: ARE 1103
COURSE TITLE: SOIL SCIENCE
DATE: 11TH MAY 2017 TIME: 0830-1030HRS
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
• Question ONE is compulsory.
• Answer any other THREE questions.
This paper consists of 2 printed pages. Please turn over.
1. a) Define the following terms as applied in Soil Science;
i) Bulk Density (3 Marks)
ii) Tilth (3 Marks)
iii) Texture (3 Marks)
iv) Consistency (3 Marks)
v) Cutans (3 Marks)
b) Describe the forces that influence soil water availability to plants. (6 Marks)
c) Briefly explain the classification of African soils. (4 Marks)
2. Describe the characteristics of cation exchange reactions. (15 Marks)
3. Explain the factors that affect soil formation process. (15 Marks)
4. What advice in terms plant nutrient availability would you provide to farmers whose soils are acidic? (15 Marks)
5. a) Define Soil Survey. (3 Marks)
b) Describe types of Soil Surveys. (12 Marks)
