Neco Model Questions Vol1 2020 Agricultural Science Question 2

Practice essay / theory question 2 from the 2020 Neco Model Questions Vol1 Agricultural Science examination. This question covers Soil physical properties, Bulk density, Porosity, Soil water relations .

Neco Model Questions Vol1 2020 Agricultural Science Essay / Theory
Topics: Soil physical properties Bulk density Porosity Soil water relations
Question 2 NECO_MODEL_QUESTIONS_VOL1 • 2020 • AGRICULTURAL_SCIENCE • essay

A soil laboratory is set up to determine the bulk density and porosity of a field soil sample using the displacement method. The arrangement shown in the illustration consists of a 500 ml graduated cylinder placed on a bench. First, 250 ml of distilled water is poured into the cylinder. A 100 g oven‑dry soil sample is then added and the mixture is shaken vigorously for 2 minutes before being allowed to settle for 2 hours. After settlement, the water level rises to 320 ml on the cylinder scale and a hydrometer inserted into the liquid reads 1.025 g cm⁻³ at that level.

Question Parts

( a )
Describe the procedural steps shown in the set‑up that are required to obtain a reliable bulk‑density measurement.
( b )
Using the data provided, calculate: (i) the bulk density of the soil in g cm⁻³; (ii) the porosity of the soil as a percentage (assume a particle density of 2.65 g cm⁻³). Show all intermediate steps.

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About This Question

This is Neco Model Questions Vol1 2020 Agricultural Science Question 2. It is one of the essay questions from the 2020 Neco Model Questions Vol1 Agricultural Science examination.

The question covers Soil physical properties, Bulk density, Porosity, Soil water relations .

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