One of the following is an effect of clay soil on vegetation

Analyze the question: The question asks about the effect of clay soil on vegetation, so we need to recall the properties of clay soil.

Concept: Clay soil has very fine particles (less than 0.002 mm). This gives it:

• High water retention (it holds water for a long time)
• High nutrient retention (rich in mineral nutrients)
• Poor drainage and poor aeration, but still fertile

Because it holds water and nutrients, clay soil supports dense, lush plant growth. Sandy soil, by contrast, drains quickly, holds little water or nutrients, and supports scanty or arid-type vegetation.

Solution, option by option:

• A. Supports luxuriant vegetation such as forest: Fits. Water and nutrient retention favour thick, rich vegetation. Correct.
• B. Supports scanty vegetation: This describes sandy soil, which drains too fast and is poor in nutrients.
• C. Does not support light vegetation: Wrong. Clay can support all kinds of vegetation, including light ones such as grasses.
• D. Supports arid vegetation: Arid vegetation (cacti, xerophytes) grows in dry, sandy conditions, not in water-retentive clay.

Answer: The correct option is A.

Tip: Remember the contrast:

• Clay = Close particles = holds water and nutrients = lush vegetation
• Sand = Sparse retention = drains fast = scanty or arid vegetation

In JAMB, when you see "luxuriant" or "scanty" in the options, match them to the water-holding ability of the soil.