Soil Science Quiz

What is the term used for fresh and recognizable organic material found at the soil surface?

• Humus

• Clay

• Litter

• Silt

Which soil particle is the largest and can be seen with the naked eye?

• Clay

• Silt

• Sand

• Loam

What is the primary characteristic of loamy soil?

• Equal mix of sand, silt, and clay

• Mostly sand

• Mostly silt

• Mostly clay

In the soil sample experiment, what is the purpose of shaking the jar with soil and water?

• To mix the soil with air

• To separate soil particles by size

• To dry the soil

• To remove organic matter

What are the empty spaces between soil particles called?

• Holes

• Voids

• Gaps

• Pores

Which type of soil is known for having large pores that allow water to enter easily but not retain it?

• Loamy soil

• Sandy soil

• Silty soil

• Clay soil

What is the term for the process by which water enters the soil?

• Percolation

• Infiltration

• Absorption

• Evaporation

Which soil layer is rich in organic matter and supports most plant growth?

• Subsoil

• Topsoil

• Surface litter

• Bedrock

What is the layer beneath the topsoil that contains mostly minerals and weathered rock?

• Surface litter

• Topsoil

• Subsoil

• Bedrock

What can be learned by examining the bedrock layer of soil?

• The soil's pH level

• The amount of organic matter

• The type of rock that was weathered

• The type of vegetation present