Soil and Erosion Quiz

Properties of __________ include color, size of particles, amount of nutrients, and the ability to retain water.

• rock

• sediment

• soil

• organism

The process of rocks being broken up by growing plants is an example of ______.

• weathering

• erosion

• humus

• fertile

Movement of rock pieces to new places is called ______.

• weathering

• erosion

• humus

• fertile

Rotting plant and animal materials that are part of topsoil are called ______.

• weathering

• erosion

• humus

• fertile

Soil that is rich in nutrients is ______ if it has the right conditions for plants to grow.

• weathering

• erosion

• humus

• fertile

The best soil for growing most plants contains ______.

• a lot of clay

• a lot of water

• a mixture of ingredients

• a lot of sand

All of the following are properties that describe sand EXCEPT...

• gritty and coarse

• does not retain (hold) water well

• is made up of small rocks

• fertile (good for gardening)

Why is humus important for soil to grow crops?

• It is lighter in color and can absorb more sunlight.

• It has more fresh water.

• It has more soil water.

• It is rich with minerals and matter from decayed organisms.

Erosion can be caused by which of the following? Choose ALL that apply.

• wind

• water

• ice

• gravity

• soil

Rocks that are broken into tiny particles are called ______.

• gravel

• ice

• boulders

• sediment