Soil Stewardship Quiz

The following elements are examples of ways in which soil can help recycle wastes. Which is not?

• Increases the amount of nitrogenous into the upper biosphere

• Return the carbon into the atmosphere in the form of CO2

• Convert the mineral nutrients in the wastes into forms that can be utilized by plants and animals

• Incorporate great quantities of organic waste, turning it into beneficial humus

Answer explanation

The correct choice, 'Increases the amount of nitrogenous into the upper biosphere', is not a way soil recycles waste. Soil typically helps recycle nutrients, but it does not increase nitrogen in the biosphere directly.

Soil is a habitat for plant soil organisms.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

True. Soil provides essential nutrients and a habitat for various organisms, including bacteria, fungi, and insects, which play crucial roles in plant growth and ecosystem health.

Which of the following does not best describe the function of gravel, sand and silt?

• Cannot retain water for long period of time.

• They are electrically charged hence can hold and exchange nutrients.

• Have large air spaces that facilitate aeration.

• Have more space is available for movement of water.

Answer explanation

The correct choice states that gravel, sand, and silt are electrically charged and can hold and exchange nutrients, which is not true. These materials primarily facilitate drainage and aeration, rather than nutrient retention.

Which of the soil properties change over short duration of time like minutes or hours?

• Soil structure

• Soil texture

• Soil moisture content

• Soil colour

Answer explanation

Soil moisture content can change rapidly due to factors like precipitation or evaporation, making it the only property among the options that can vary significantly over short durations like minutes or hours.

Which of the soil properties/characteristics cannot vary significantly down the soil profile?

• Soil biological properties

• Soil formation time

• Soil chemical properties

• Soil physical properties

Answer explanation

Soil formation time is a constant factor that reflects the duration of soil development, while biological, chemical, and physical properties can change significantly with depth due to various environmental influences.

Basalt rocks with large quantities of materials available for clay formation and tend to form clay soils.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

True. Basalt rocks contain minerals that weather into clay, providing the necessary materials for clay soil formation. Therefore, basalt rocks are indeed associated with the development of clay soils.

The position in the landscape will not influence the depth of the soil and the drainage capacity

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The position in the landscape affects both soil depth and drainage capacity. For example, slopes may lead to thinner soils and better drainage, while low-lying areas can retain more water and have deeper soils. Therefore, the statement is false.

Humus is electrically charged hence able to store and release nutrients.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

True. Humus is negatively charged, allowing it to attract and hold positively charged nutrients, making it essential for soil fertility and nutrient availability.

Which of the following is true of horizon A1

• Is a zone of maximum biological activities

• Is a zone of eluviation

• Is a zone of illuviation

• Is a zone of minumum biological activities

Answer explanation

Horizon A1 is known as the topsoil layer, characterized by high biological activity, including the presence of microorganisms and organic matter, making it a zone of maximum biological activities.

Soil is unable to filters and cannot regulates the water supply by storing water after a precipitation event.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The statement is false because soil does filter and regulate water supply by storing water after precipitation, allowing for groundwater recharge and maintaining ecosystem balance.