Soil Test Review

How would you describe the texture of "sandy" soil?

• sticky
• gritty
• smooth
• slimy

Which 3 LAYERS form the soil profile?

• air, water & soil
• clay, silt, and sand
• minerals, organic matter and living organisms
• topsoil, subsoil, and bedrock

Why is organic matter (humus) an important part of soil?

• It helps to improve water infiltration.
• It can break down organic pollutants.
• It converts nitrogen in the air into nitrates used by plants.
• It is rich in nutrients, which is important for fertility.

What is soil erosion?

• the process by which soil is formed
• a harmful process that involves the removal and transport of soil by wind and water
• a natural method of filtering harmful pollutants
• a process often referred to as the 'greenhouse' effect

A soil's composition is dependent on weathering because _.

• it makes the soil more fertile
• it contributes sediments to the soil
• it keeps the soil moist
• it moves the topsoil to other areas where it is more needed

Soil is a mixture of __.

• weathered rock & water
• decayed organic matter & oxygen
• mineral fragments
• all of these

Decayed organic material turns into dark colored material called __.

• litter
• clay
• humus
• soil

Which of the following is NOT one of the three types of soil?

• clay
• sand
• silt
• mud

In an area next to a river, there are many trees. In this area, very little erosion occurs. Which of the following best explains this?

• the tree roots help hold the soil in place
• the trees contain many bacteria
• the trees provide the soil with shade
• the tree roots absorb water in the soil

Brandon dug a hole in his backyard. He found soil that was smooth, red, and has very small grains. Brandon's soil probably contained a large amount of _.

• bedrock
• sand
• humus
• clay