Plant, Soil and Water Relationships Quiz

What are the components of soil?

• Sand, silt, clay, water, and air

• Rocks, minerals, water, air, and living organisms

• Inorganic material, organic matter, water, air, and living organisms

• Plants, animals, water, air, and living organisms

What is the process by which rocks are broken down into finer particles?

• All of the above

• Biological weathering

• Chemical alteration

• Freezing and thawing

What is the primary natural gas found in the space between soil components?

• Carbon dioxide

• Nitrogen

• Methane

• Oxygen

What is the smallest soil particle with plate-shaped structure?

• Loam

• Silt

• Clay

• Sand

What is the ideal proportion of inorganic material, organic matter, air, and water in soil?

• 50% inorganic, 15% organic, 20% air, 15% water

• 45% inorganic, 5% organic, 25% air, 25% water

• 30% inorganic, 20% organic, 30% air, 20% water

• 40% inorganic, 10% organic, 25% air, 25% water

What is the primary influence on soil behavior that affects the permeability of subsoil?

• Soil texture

• Zone of saturation

• Cementation

• Soil amendments

What is the term used for soil composed of plant and animal remains in varying stages of decomposition?

• Muck

• Loam

• Clay

• Silt

What is the most important soil amendment often considered for improving soil characteristics?

• Clay

• Silt

• Sand

• Organic matter

What is the recommended rate of adding organic soil amendments per 1,000 square feet of area?

• 9 to 12 cubic yards

• 6 to 9 cubic yards

• 3 to 6 cubic yards

• 1 to 3 cubic yards

What is the purpose of mulch in soil?

• To decrease water holding capacity

• To reduce soil pH

• To inhibit weed growth

• To increase soil porosity