IB ESS SL 5.1.13 Texture affects productivity

[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 $\mathrm{O}_{2}$ 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.

IB ESS SL 5.1.13 Texture Affects Productivity Questions question 1