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Subjects · Leaving Cert Agricultural Science

Leaving Cert Agricultural Science: Soil texture & structure

How often Soil texture & structure comes up on the Agricultural Science papers, every year it was asked, and questions to try.

HL Asked on 2 of the last 5 Higher Level papers, most recently in 2024.

OL Asked on 4 of the last 5 Ordinary Level papers, most recently in 2025. most years

Soil texture & structure, Higher Level(6 marks)

Quick ones on Soil texture & structure.

(a)In a sedimentation test, which particles settle first at the bottom of the jar?
  1. Clay
  2. Sand
  3. Silt
(b)Which soil particle is the smallest?
  1. Fine sand
  2. Silt
  3. Clay
(c)A moist soil feels gritty and will not form a ribbon in a hand test. It is mainly...
  1. Sand
  2. Silt
  3. Clay
Show the answers

(a) Sand

(b) Clay

(c) Sand

Your turn: Higher Level questions on Soil texture & structure.

Higher Level

Asked on 2 of the last 5 Higher Level papers, most recently in 2024.

Every paper, year by year

YearWhere it came up
2025Not asked
2024Q9a, Q9b
2023Q15
2022Not asked
2021Not asked

Links open the State Examinations Commission’s paper for that year.

More Soil texture & structure questions

Soil texture & structure, 3 marks

Why is a clay soil often called a heavy soil?

  1. Each particle weighs more than sand
  2. It is full of large stones
  3. It is hard to cultivate, sticky when wet
Show the answer

It is hard to cultivate, sticky when wet

Heavy refers to the effort needed to work it. Clay is sticky when wet and hard when dry, so it takes more power to plough and has fewer days fit for work.

Ordinary Level

Asked on 4 of the last 5 Ordinary Level papers, most recently in 2025. most years

Every paper, year by year

YearWhere it came up
2025Q13
2024Q3
2023Not asked
2022Q13
2021Q16

Links open the State Examinations Commission’s paper for that year.

More Soil texture & structure questions

Soil texture & structure, 2 marks

In a soil sedimentation test, which particles settle to the bottom first?

  1. Clay
  2. Humus
  3. Sand
Show the answer

Sand

Larger, heavier particles sink fastest, so sand forms the bottom layer, then silt, then clay. Organic matter floats on top.

Soil texture & structure, 2 marks

A moist soil feels gritty when rubbed between the fingers. It is high in?

  1. Silt
  2. Sand
  3. Clay
Show the answer

Sand

Hand test: sand feels gritty, silt feels silky or soapy, and clay feels sticky and can be rolled into a ribbon.

Soil texture & structure, 3 marks

Why is a crumb structure good for crops?

  1. It has good air spaces and drainage
  2. It stops roots from growing too deep
  3. It holds no water at all for the crop
Show the answer

It has good air spaces and drainage

Crumbs are small rounded clumps held together by humus and earthworm activity. Gaps between them let air, water and roots move freely.

Other Agricultural Science topics

All of Leaving Cert Agricultural Science