Soils Quiz - Starting From the Ground Up AFNR 4.1

Why it is important for agriculturalists to understand and determine where additions and reductions of soil are occurring in today’s topography?

• a. to reduce any future chances of soil loss
• b. to know where their soil has come from before (like if it washed in from another area)
• c. both a & b
• it's not important

How can you increase porosity (air spaces) in soils?

• by adding organic matter
• it can't be done
• by adding clay to a soil
• this never needs to be done

Why is air/air spaces needed in the soil?

• for plant roots to be able to get air
• for holding spaces for water to go
• to keep the soil from being too compact/hard
• all the above

What is a soil that is 40 % clay, 40% sand and 20% silt

• loam
• clay loam
• sandy loam
• clay

What is a soil that is 17 % clay, 60% sand and 20% silt

• loam
• clay loam
• sandy loam
• clay

What term refers to the extent of voids or openings in the soil that exist between soil particles and soil peds or clods. These pores hold water and air for absorption by plant roots.

• Organic Matter
• Porosity
• Erosion
• Topography

What are the four MAJOR components that make up soil?

• mineral matter, sand, air water
• mineral matter, organic matter, air, water
• sand, silt, organic matter, air
• mineral matter, gravel, sand, organic matter

Climate is a factor in how soils form - how would you describe CLIMATE?

• Type of rock soil originated from
• Plants, animals etc that assist with the creation of soil
• hills & valleys
• rainfall and temperature affects on soil

Topography is a factor in how soils form - how would you describe TOPOGRAPHY?

• Type of rock soil originated from
• Plants, animals etc that assist with the creation of soil
• hills & valleys
• rainfall and temperature affects on soil

Organisms are a factor in how soils form - how would you describe ORGANISMS?

• Type of rock soil originated from
• Plants, animals etc that assist with the creation of soil
• hills & valleys
• rainfall and temperature affects on soil