JAMB UTMEAgricultural ScienceSoil Science

Loamy soil is best for:

ABuilding
BCrop productionCORRECT
CPottery
DRoad making
AI
Toaster Teacher
Why the answer is B, and why the others tempt you.
**The reasoning** Loamy soil is the **agricultural champion** because it's a balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay (roughly 40-40-20). This perfect blend gives it: - **Good drainage** (from sand) — so roots don't drown - **Nutrient retention** (from clay and silt) — holds fertilizers and minerals plants need - **Easy root penetration** (not too compact, not too loose) - **Water retention** (holds moisture but doesn't waterlog) This balance creates the ideal environment for most crops — yam, maize, cassava, vegetables — making it the gold standard for farming. **Why the wrong options tempt you** **Building/Road making** — You might think "loam sounds strong," but builders need **clay soil** (compact, stable when dry) or laterite. **Pottery** — This needs **pure clay** that's moldable and hardens when fired. Loam has too much sand mixed in. The trap: confusing soil *structure* with soil *purpose*. **Quick takeaway** **"Loam = Balanced = Best for crops."** When you see "loamy soil," think "farmer's choice" — it's agriculture's sweet spot.
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