IB ESS HL 5.1.13 Texture Affects Productivity Questions
Practise IB ESS HL 005.001.013 by applying texture affects productivity concepts to environmental systems questions.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2026
- Course
- ESS HL
- Level
- HL
Exam points
- compare sand and clay in particle size, air spaces, drainage, water retention, leaching and nutrient availability
- explain how soil texture affects root oxygen, water supply, nutrient loss and primary productivity
- justify why balanced loam texture can support high productivity through workable structure, drainage, aeration, water retention and nutrient supply
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IB ESS HL 5.1.13 Texture Affects Productivity Questions question 1
[Maximum number: 2]
Soil quality is important for global food production systems.
Describe how the addition of sand to a silty clay loam could alter its characteristics for healthy plant growth.
Positive effects:
it will increase drainage / prevent water-logging;
it will increase infiltration/permeability / reduce loss of water through run-off;
it will increase porosity/air spaces/reduce soil compaction providing more O2 to roots;
it would allow for increase flow/availability of nutrients;
it will promote detritivore/decomposer/mycorrhizal/microbial communities;
it will allow for easier root penetration;
Negative effects:
it will reduce water-holding capacity so less water for plants;
it will increase possibility of leaching, reducing minerals for plants;
it will reduce stability of soil giving less anchorage to plants;
Marking guidance:
Award [1] for each correct answer, up to [2 max].
Although question implies positive effects on soil, credit can be given for negative effects as long as candidates make this clear as in MPs given above.
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