Gce Model Questions Vol1 2021 Geography Question 9

A soil survey carried out in the northern savanna belt of Nigeria recorded the following soil profile (from the surface downwards): - Horizon O: 0–5 cm, dark brown, high organic matter, crumbly structure. - Horizon A: 5–30 cm, reddish‑brown, loamy texture, granular structure, pH 5.8. - Horizon B: 30–80 cm, yellow‑brown, clay loam, blocky structure, accumulation of iron oxides, pH 5.2. - Horizon C: 80–150 cm, light brown, sandy loam, weakly developed, pH 5.0. Using this information, answer the following: a) Explain the five factors of soil formation (climate, organisms, relief, parent material, time) and discuss how they have interacted to produce the observed characteristics of this profile in a tropical savanna environment. b) Identify the most appropriate soil order for this profile according to the World Reference Base for Soil Resources (WRB) and justify your choice by referring to at least three diagnostic features. c) Propose two sustainable land‑management practices that could be introduced to reduce soil erosion and improve fertility on farms situated on this soil type. For each practice, evaluate its likely effectiveness and any limitations in the local context.