Soil Quiz

Which properties of soil horizons can be easily observed without special tests?

• Color, texture, structure, and thickness

• Chemical and mineral content

• Consistence and reaction

• All of the above

What is the term for a vertical section of the soil extending vertically through all its horizons and into the parent material?

• Soil Horizon

• Soil Layer

• Soil Profile

• Parent Material

Which term describes a layer of soil, approximately parallel to the surface, with properties that differ from the horizons above or below it?

• Soil Horizon

• Soil Layer

• Soil Profile

• Bedrock

What is the name of the layer in the soil deposited by a geologic force (wind, water, glaciers, oceans, etc.) and not relating to soil forming process?

• Soil Horizon

• Soil Layer

• Soil Profile

• Parent Material

Which soil horizon contains lots of roots and minerals for growing plants?

• O

• E

• B

• R

What is the name of the layer where materials, minerals, organic matter, and clay exit the soil profile?

• Topsoil

• Exit Layer

• Subsoil

• Bedrock

What is the term for the layer consisting of decomposing leaves and lots of organic matter?

• Humus or Organic Layer

• Topsoil

• Subsoil

• Bedrock

Which soil horizon is known as Bedrock?

• O

• E

• B

• R

How do you use the USDA soil classification triangle?

• Look at the orientation of the percentages on the sides of the triangle.

• Compare the colors of the triangle to determine the soil type.

• Examine the texture of the soil ot determine its classification.

• Observe the shape of the triangle to identify the soil type.

What is a soil triangle?

• It is a tool used to measure the amount of water in the soil.

• It is a diagram used to identify the different types of rocks in an area.

• It is a method of measuring the fertility of soil.

• It compares the composition of particles to determine soil type.