Natural aggregates of soil are called

Correct option is B

The correct answer is (B) Peds

Explanation:
• Soil structure refers to the arrangement of primary soil particles (sand, silt, and clay) into secondary units called aggregates.
• Natural, relatively permanent aggregates are specifically called "Peds."
• Peds are characterized by their shape (granular, blocky, prismatic, platy) and are separated from each other by planes of weakness.
• The formation of peds is influenced by physical, chemical, and biological processes in the soil over time.

Information Booster:
• Peds are the fundamental unit used to describe soil structure in a soil profile description.
• Soil structure affects aeration, water movement, and root penetration.
• Stability of peds is often maintained by organic matter, iron/aluminum oxides, and microbial gums.

Additional Knowledge:
• Clods (Option A): These are artificial aggregates formed by human activity, such as plowing or digging, especially when the soil is too wet or too dry. They lack the natural internal organization of peds.
• Clusters (Option C): A general term often used to describe groups of organisms or particles, but not a standard technical term for soil aggregates.
• Floccules (Option D): These are loose associations of soil particles (mainly clay) that form due to chemical attraction (flocculation) in a suspension. They are the microscopic precursors to peds but are not considered macroscopic structural aggregates.