4
QuizMultiple Choice

The Earth's Surface — Test

Question 4 • Earth and Space Science

Construction has removed the top 25 cm of soil from a site. What impact will this have on plant growth?

Answer
A
Plant growth may be reduced due to the loss of the nutrient-rich A horizon.
B
Plants will thrive, as they now have direct access to clay-rich soil.
C
Root growth will increase because the B horizon has been exposed.
D
There will be minimal impact, since the B horizon provides all the needed nutrients.

Explanation

The topsoil is usually the A horizon, which contains much of the soil’s organic matter and nutrients that support plant growth. Removing the top 25 cm can therefore leave plants with less fertile soil and make growth harder. The B horizon below it is not a substitute for the nutrient-rich topsoil, so D is correct.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

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