Question

Organic matter is deposited in the soil by: ________

a. Wind
b. Water
c. Glaciers
d. Vegetation
e. Gravity

Answer 1

Vegetation is responsible for depositing organic matter in the soil through the natural process of dying plant material and root deposition, which decomposes to enrich the soil.

Step-by-step explanation:

Organic matter is deposited in the soil by a variety of mechanisms, one of which includes the biological activity of vegetation. Vegetation contributes to soil organic matter through the natural process of litterfall, including leaves, stems, fruits, and dead plant bodies, as well as root deposition. Over time, this organic material decomposes and adds to the richness of the soil, affecting both its structure and nutrient contents.

The addition of organic matter to the soil is crucial for sustaining soil fertility and contributing to biological activity within the soil ecosystem. It fosters a diverse soil biota and improves soil structure, water retention, and the cation exchange capacity, which is vital for plant growth.

While other factors such as wind, water, glaciers, and gravity can also contribute to the deposition of material in the soil, including both organic and inorganic substances, it is through the growth and decay of vegetation that organic matter is most directly added to soil profiles.

Answer 2

Organic matter is mainly deposited in the soil by vegetation through the natural cycle of growth and decomposition, with additional contributions from animals and physical processes like erosion and deposition.

Step-by-step explanation:

Organic matter is deposited in the soil primarily by vegetation. This includes the shedding of leaves, fruits, and stems onto the soil surface as well as the incorporation of roots directly into the soil. As plant material decomposes, it contributes to the soil's organic content. Plants contribute organic material to the soil through the shedding of leaves, stems, fruits, and roots. As these plant parts decompose, they add organic matter to the soil, which is important for soil fertility and nutrient cycling. In addition, organic matter can also be added by animals and through processes such as erosion and deposition by wind and water. Climate and topography can influence soil deposition, with soil development impacted by factors such as rainfall, temperature, and slope.