Soils

Which of the following is the correct order of soil particles in order of increasing particle size?

• clay-sand-silt

• sand-clay-silt

• silt-clay-sand

• clay-silt-sand

Soil sample that is 60% clay, 30% silt, and 10% sand has which texture? 

• clay

• clay loam

• sandy loam

• silt 

Which soil component has the least capacity for holding water?

• silt

• clay

• sand

• humus

The layer(s) of soil in which most of the humus and soil organisms are contained:

• only

• only

• and only

• and only

• , and

_______ is the type of soil used most often with plants and on farms. It is a mixture of clay, sand, and silt.

• loam

• humus

• soil

• dirt

Ellen grabs a topsoil sample in her hand. She rolls it into a ball. The soil feels gritty and the ball falls apart. What part of the topsoil most likely made the topsoil feel gritty?

• clay

• sand

• silt

• humus

When plants, animals, and other organisms die, they break down and become part of the soil. What is this part of the soil called?

• sand

• silt

• clay

• humus

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Soil is made of

• weathered rocks and minerals

• dead plants and animals

• air and water

• all of the above

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Which horizon is made up of partially weathered rocks?

• Horizon A

• Horizon B

• Horizon C

• Horizon D or R

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

Which horizon contains clay, silt, and minerals, and is commonly referred to as subsoil?

• Horizon A

• Horizon B

• Horizon C

• Horizon D or R