Question

The water logging capacity of garden soil will be determined by measuring the weight of
(A) Soil by adding water and humus.
(B) Water saturated soil then heating the soil till it is dry and then measuring the weight of soil.
(С) Soil by adding water, biomass and humus.
(D) Soil from different locations with biomass.

Answer 1

Water logging occurs at the time when water becomes present in excess amounts in roots of plants. The plant's roots get damaged due to water logging. This situation decreases the availability of oxygen to the plants. As a result the growth of plants decreases. It can also lead to death of the plant.

Complete answer:
Water logging is a result of over – irrigation. It affects both social and natural conditions of the plants. Waterlogging accumulates with the salinity of the soil. The waterlogged soil prevents the leaching of the soil. Waterlogged conditions stop the air from getting inside the soil so plants can not absorb oxygen.
Now let us gather information about given options :-
(A) Soil by adding water and humus. :- this process is called humification. Humus is slightly acidic , colloidal and functions as reservoirs of nutrients. Humus is resistant to microbial action but does not give a test for water logging conditions
(B) Water saturated soil then heating the soil till it is dry and then measuring the weight of soil. :- it is the best method to check waterlogged conditions. If the weight of the soil gets reduced by a large amount the soil is said to be waterlogged .
(С) Soil by adding water, biomass and humus. :- biomass is defined as the animal and plant products that can be used to derive energy . By adding water , humus and biomass to soil only increases the fertility of the soil
(D) Soil from different locations with biomass. :- when soil gets directly measured without drying it the weight comes to be that of normal soil . It is not a good method to check the water logged soil. It does not provide exact weight.

Our required option is B that is Water saturated soil then heating the soil till it is dry and then measuring the weight of soil.

Note:
Water logging results in Leaching. It is defined as a process in which Part of water-soluble substances present in the fragmented and decomposing detritus (e.g., sugars, inorganic nutrients) go down into the soil horizon by percolating water and get precipitated as unavailable salts.