Topic Test Answers

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1
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Why might soils rich in organic matter not be fertile?

A
Soil fertility comes from a balance of organic matter and other mineral nutrients.
B
Large amounts of organic material make soil retain too little water.
C
Soil fertility is a result of the inorganic minerals present.
D
Soils rich in organic material are always highly fertile.
2
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Why is volcanic soil (andisol) very fertile?

A
It is rich in minerals from volcanic deposits.
B
It is a young soil with low water retention.
C
It has been leached of mineral nutrients.
D
Volcanic activity warms the soil.
3

Which of the following is the most damaging method of soil remediation?

A
soil excavation and disposal
B
soil aeration
C
heating and vapor extraction
D
microbial digestion
4

Which layer of soil is least likely to be penetrated by plant roots?

A
O (organic matter)
B
A (topsoil)
C
B (subsoil)
D
C (parent rock)
6

Which of the following is not a component of soil?

A
organic material
B
minerals
C
gases
D
none of the above
9

How do organic farming practices relate to soil health?

A
Organic farmers rely on soil health for good crop production.
B
Organic farmers rely on the interaction between soil microbes and organic matter.
C
Organic farmers avoid the use of pesticides and chemicals.
D
all of the above
12

Which of the following is a way that climate affects soil formation?

A
increased precipitation
B
warmer temperatures
C
increased winds
D
all of the above
13

Explain how plant life is benefited when microorganisms release carbon dioxide into the soil.

Answer:

When microorganisms release carbon dioxide into the soil, the acidity of water surrounding soil particles is increased. This increase in acidity allows for rock present in soil to be broken down, releasing minerals into the soil. These minerals are then available for use by plant life.

14

Explain how the rate of soil formation can be accelerated.

Answer:

The rate of soil formation can be accelerated by an increase in the weathering of rocks that contribute to the mineral makeup of soil. Topsoil can be increased through the increase of available organic material. Erosion can also lead to an increase in available parent material for soil formation. Even though soil formation can be accelerated, it still takes time for soil to form.

15

Which of the following is not true concerning crop rotation?

A
It reduces soil compaction by turning the soil.
B
It grows different, dissimilar crops in series.
C
It prevents the depletion of nutrients by any single crop variety.
D
It improves soil structure and fertility.
16

Salinization increases the concentration of _______ in soil.

A
plants
B
nutrients
C
salt
D
water
17

Which of the following properties of soil has the greatest effect on plant and microorganism growth?

A
soil texture
B
soil color
C
soil reaction
D
soil consistency
18

Where would contour farming and terraces be most likely to be found?

A
on flat, expansive grasslands
B
in wetlands
C
on hilly, mountainous farm land
D
near the coast
19

Which of the following is the most damaging method of soil remediation?

A
soil excavation and disposal
B
soil aeration
C
heating and vapor extraction
D
microbial digestion
20

Explain how microorganisms, humus, and soil health are related.

Answer not available

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