Soil and Growing Media Quiz

What is the main function of soil in plant growth?

• Anchoring the plant

• All of the above

• Providing nutrients

• Holding water

What are the four major components of soil?

• Mineral, organic, water, air

• Frost, floods, rain, wind

• Sand, silt, clay, rocks

• Bacteria, fungi, earthworms, leaves

What is the impact of soil texture on water retention?

• All soil types retain water equally

• Clay retains more water than sand

• Sand retains more water than clay

• Silt retains more water than sand

What is the purpose of lime products in soil?

• To improve drainage

• To add nitrogen

• To raise the pH

• To lower the pH

What is the result of organic matter decomposition in the soil?

• Humus

• Sand

• Clay

• Silt

What is the best way to improve soil structure?

• Adding organic matter

• Adding sand

• Adding clay

• Adding water

What is the purpose of adding nitrogen to poorly decomposed organic matter?

• To increase fertility

• To lower the pH

• To improve drainage

• To prevent root burn

Which material is used to improve drainage in heavy clay soils?

• Sphagnum peat moss

• Composted manure

• Coarse sand

• Wood shavings

What is the primary source of nutrients in organic matter?

• Decaying leaves

• All of the above

• Fungi

• Bacteria

What is the impact of soil pH on nutrient availability?

• Nutrient availability is the same at all pH levels

• pH has no impact on nutrient availability

• Lower pH increases nutrient availability

• Higher pH increases nutrient availability