Quiz: Soils

Soils are composed of

• minerals and inorganic matter
• air, water, life, organic materials, inorganic materials
• water, inorganic materials, inorgranic materials
• bacteria and fungi

What are the benefits of a healthy soil food web?

• Protection against disease and pests
• water purification
• carbon sequestration (sinking carbon into the ground)
• all of the above

Which of the earth systems are not a part of soils?

• Geosphere
• Atmosphere
• Hydrosphere
• Atmosphere and Biosphere
• All Earth systems are represented in soils

How do microbes help plants?

• 1. Microbes release carbon to plants
• 2. Microbes provide food (energy) to plants
• 3. Microbes break down nutrients for plants
• Only 1. and 3.

What is the first step in soil formation?

• the percolation of water into the ground pulling minerals downard
• the establishment of organic material
• the weathering of parent material
• the formation of horizons and profiles

Bottom soil is located in the:

• A horizon
• B horizon
• C Horizon
• Bottom soil is not a scientific term used in describing soil

The layer of soil with the most root growth

• O Horizon
• A Horizon
• B Horizon
• C Horizon

Exudates are:

• food distributed by roots to feed microbes in soils
• food distributed by microbes to feed roots in soils
• food distributed by roots to feed the plants above
• food distributed by microbes to protect roots

The layer of soil which is a mixture of humus and minerals

• A Horizon
• B Horizon
• C Horizon
• O Horizon

Which group of living organisms is not a part of the soil food web?

• Bacteria
• Fungi
• Algae
• Protozoa
• All are members of the soil food web