Gce Model Questions Vol1 2020 Geography Question 9

A farmer in a tropical savanna region intends to cultivate maize on a gently sloping field (gradient ≈ 5°). A soil profile taken from the field shows the following horizons: - O horizon: 5 cm thick, dark brown, high organic matter, no mineral particles. - A horizon: 20 cm thick, loamy texture, slightly acidic (pH ≈ 5.5), moderate organic matter, granular structure. - B horizon: 45 cm thick, red‑brown colour, high iron and aluminium oxides, clayey texture, hard when dry, pH ≈ 5.0. - C horizon: weathered basaltic rock fragments, little development. Using this information, answer the following: a) Identify the soil order (or specific soil type) that best fits the described profile. b) Discuss how each of the five factors of soil formation (climate, parent material, topography, organisms, time) has contributed to the development of this soil. c) Evaluate the suitability of this soil for maize production, considering texture, structure, depth, pH, nutrient status and drainage. d) Recommend two soil‑management practices that would improve the productivity of maize on this land, giving a brief justification for each.