ESC/BIO 334-SOIL SCIENCE

Soil Test Review

Test 1 Review.

Procedure:

  1. Use the book or notes to answer your assigned question, if you finish early help a neighbor answer their question.
  2. Count off by one's and two's.
  3. If you are a "one," sit down in the sixth, fourth, or second row.
  4. If you are a "two," stand next to a seated "one."
  5. Upon the prompt, exchange questions.

Chapter 1

  1. Name the five most common chemical elements in soils?
  2. What is a mineral?
     
  3. How is an organic soil different from a mineral soil?
     
  4. What is the law of the minimum?
     
  5. Give two examples of primary and secondary minerals.
  6. Three of twelve ways soil quality can be reduced.

Chapter 2

  1. Use the texture triangle to determine a soil with a texture of 10% sand, 15% clay, and 75% silt
  2. When clay content increases what happens to water infiltration? Why?
     
  3. When clay content increases what happens to pore size? Why?
     
  4. When clay content increases what happens to total pore space? Why?
     
  5. When clay content increases what happens to bulk density? Why?
     
  6. How does soil air differ from atmospheric air?
  7. What is measured to indicate soil strength?
  8. Of these colors, 5YR 2/3, 5YR 6/4, 5YR 3/6, 5Y 6/2 which is blackest, the least red, and the least brilliant?
     
  9. What information can be derived from a soil colored black or white?
     
  10. What information can be derived from a soil colored brown, red, or grey?
     
  11. Why is pore size more important than total pore space for a growing plant?
     
  12. How do large water bodies after nearby land temperatures in the summer and then late fall/early winter?
     
  13. How is bulk density computed?
     
  14. How is total pore space in a soil computed?

Chapter 3

  1. As the soil develops, what happens to the soil profile?
     
  2. What is the likely soil texture for soils developed from loess?
  3. Define soil horizon.
  4. In simple terms define an A and B horizon
     
  5. In simple terms define an R and E horizon
     
  6. What types of cements hold mineral particles in soils together?
  7. Define a mollic horizon.
     
  8. Define an albic horizon.
     
  9. Define an argillic horizon.
     
  10. Write the symbol for a B horizon with lots of sesquioxide accumulation.
  11. Write the symbol for a C horizon with lots of gleying (grey soil caused by anaerobic conditions).
  12. Write the symbol for a B horizon with lots of carbonate accumulation.
  13. What is meant by EB or BA when referring to horizons?
     
  14. Name 2 ways climate impacts soil development.
     
  15. Name 2 ways organic matter  impacts soil development.
     
  16. Name 2 ways parent material  impacts soil development. |
     
  17. Name 2 ways relief impacts soil development.
     
  18. Name 2 ways time impacts soil development.

 

 

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