The correct answer is (a), (b), (c) and (d) Explanation & Key Takeaways: • Soil, often known as earth or soil, is a mixture of organic matter, minerals, gases, liquids, and creatures that support life. • Sand is mostly composed of unconsolidated granular components such as rock fragments, mineral particles, or oceanic debris. It is mostly composed of silicate minerals and granular silicate rock particles. • The textural components of soil, such as stones, sand, silt, and clay, may cluster and form aggregates. The aggregates further clump together to form peds. Hence (a) is correct. • The component of Soil: • Mineral - It is the most abundant component of soil, accounting for 45 to 49 per cent of its volume. Magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium, and other minerals are widespread in soil. • Water - Water is the second most important component of soil. Water can account for 2% to 50% of the soil volume. In terms of plant growth, soil water is the most important component of the soil. The water is held within the pores of the soil. Plants may rapidly absorb soil water if the moisture content of the soil is optimal for plant growth. • Organic matter - It is the next fundamental component found in soils at amounts ranging from 1 to 5%. It is made from the decomposition of dead animals and plants. Hence (b) is correct. • Gases - The next essential component of soil is gases or air. Because air can fill the same areas as water, it can account for 2% to 50% of soil volume. • Microorganism - It is the final fundamental ingredient of soil; they are abundant in soil, but only account for roughly 1% of soil volume. Protozoa, bacteria, actinomycetes, nematodes, and fungi are among the microorganisms found in soil.