Soil Classification Quiz Chapter 4
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Questions and Answers

What is the main reason for classifying soils into class II?

  • One necessary limitation (correct)
  • High available water capacity
  • Very severe erosion hazard
  • Shallow soil depth

What management practice is essential for class III soils with erosion issues?

  • Cover cropping
  • Intensive irrigation
  • Terracing and strip-cropping (correct)
  • Moderate erosion control

Which of the following characteristics is typical of class IV soils?

  • Good for regular cultivation
  • Low water table conditions
  • Very severe limitations (correct)
  • Moderate slope (6 to 10 percent)

How does soil depth affect the classification of soils into class III?

<p>Soils with depth less than 20 inches may be less productive (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical factor for managing soils in class I?

<p>The lack of any limitations (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What slope range is generally associated with class IV soils?

<p>10 to 15 percent (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which condition indicates that drainage might be an issue for class III soils?

<p>Saturation features within 20 inches of the surface (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of soil might be included in class III due to low water capacity?

<p>Coarse-textured soils with very low capacity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of an average soil sample is typically composed of minerals?

<p>45 to 50 percent (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which soil particle size is the largest?

<p>Sand (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the small spaces between mineral particles in soil known as?

<p>Pores (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of pore allows for rapid air and water movement in soil?

<p>Macropores (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of silt particles?

<p>Feel like flour when dry (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of organic matter is typically found in an average soil sample?

<p>0 to 5 percent (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of micropores in soil?

<p>Restricting water movement to slow capillary action (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic defines clay particles?

<p>Smaller than 0.002 mm and usually sticky when wet (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact does applying lime have on soil conditions?

<p>It raises soil pH and improves microbiotic activity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the needle litter from coniferous trees affect soil decomposition?

<p>It slows down decomposition and acidifies the soil. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does organic matter play in soil structure when combined with lime?

<p>It is crucial for well-developed soil structure. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a soil survey report?

<p>To describe, classify, map, and provide information about soils. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT mentioned as affecting the decomposition of coniferous litter?

<p>Nutrient content (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where can detailed soil maps typically be found in a soil survey report?

<p>At the back of the soil survey or loose in the folder. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which section should be consulted for information about a specific soil series?

<p>Classification of the Soils section. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of more nutrient-rich hardwood litter in relation to soil fauna?

<p>It facilitates incorporation into the mineral soil by soil fauna. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of humus is formed through the mixing of organic matter from hardwood litter and mineral soil?

<p>Mull humus (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Munsell Soil Color Chart?

<p>To help identify soil color uniformly (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of general soils maps?

<p>They cannot be used for detailed management of farms or buildings. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of information do soil survey reports generally contain?

<p>Technical information on physical and chemical properties of soils. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the process of litter fall influence nutrient cycling in the soil?

<p>It enhances nutrient cycling from subsoil to vegetation and back to soil surface. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Under which lighting condition is it best to use the Munsell Soil Color Chart?

<p>Natural lighting (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true regarding the availability of soil surveys in North Carolina?

<p>Most counties have either a published soil survey or one in progress. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What adverse effect does the by-products of conifer decomposition have on soil organisms?

<p>It leads to increased acidification of the soil. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What color is typically associated with soils high in organic matter?

<p>Black or very dark brown (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which elements can actively influence the color of soil?

<p>Iron and manganese (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What information can be found at the beginning of the soil survey report?

<p>Descriptions of the county's general nature, relief, drainage, and climate. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is generally indicated by bright red soils?

<p>High amounts of iron and good drainage (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the soil legend in a detailed soil map indicate?

<p>The meanings of map symbols used in the map. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might soils in wetland areas require additional pages in the Munsell Soil Color Chart?

<p>They possess different color variations. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What specific color characteristic does manganese contribute to soil?

<p>Brown or black color (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of iron oxides in soil coloration?

<p>They contribute yellowish, brownish, or reddish colors. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of deposit is characterized by windblown silts originating from river flood plains?

<p>Loess deposits (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of organic deposit consists of identifiable portions of organic matter?

<p>Peat (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of glacial till?

<p>Material deposited when glaciers retreated (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes loess-derived soils?

<p>They can slide under stress and flow when wet. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of volcanic material is primarily carried by the wind during an eruption?

<p>Volcanic ash (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes glacial outwash?

<p>Coarse material washed away by glacial meltwater (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which areas are organic soils commonly found in North Carolina?

<p>Coastal Plain (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What main feature distinguishes volcanic deposits from other types of soil deposits?

<p>The occurrence of materials ejected during volcanic eruptions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Loess

Wind-blown deposits of silt, primarily from river floodplains, that form fertile but unstable soils.

Glacial Outwash Soils

Soils formed from glacial deposits, specifically materials transported by meltwater streams.

Glacial Till Soils

Soils formed from glacial deposits, specifically materials directly deposited by receding glaciers.

Organic Deposits

Soils formed from organic matter in swamps and marshy areas, characterized by a slow decomposition rate.

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Peat

A type of organic deposit where decomposed plant matter is partially identifiable.

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Muck

A type of organic deposit where decomposed plant matter is so decomposed it's unrecognizable.

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Volcanic Ash Soils

Soils made from volcanic deposits, primarily consisting of ash particles carried by wind.

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Lava Soils

Soils made from volcanic deposits, primarily consisting of lava flows.

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Soil Pores

The spaces between the mineral particles in soil, filled with air and water, crucial for soil organism life and plant nutrient absorption.

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Macropores

Large pores in soil that allow air and water to move through easily.

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Micropores

Small pores in soil that restrict air movement and limit water movement to slow capillary action.

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Soil Texture

The mixture of mineral particles that make up soil, classified by their size.

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Sand

The largest soil particle (2mm to 0.05mm), visible to the naked eye, and feels gritty.

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Soil Organic Matter

The living and dead organisms in soil, making up a small percentage of its composition.

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Munsell Soil Color Chart

A standardized chart used by soil scientists to identify and describe soil color.

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Value

One of the three components used to describe soil color on the Munsell Soil Color Chart, representing the lightness or darkness of the color.

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Chroma

One of the three components used to describe soil color on the Munsell Soil Color Chart, representing the purity or intensity of the color.

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Humus

A dark-colored organic matter found in soil, contributing to its color.

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Iron

A chemical element that can significantly influence soil color, especially in its oxidized form.

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Ferric Iron

A type of iron oxide that gives soils a yellowish, brownish, or reddish color depending on the type of iron mineral present.

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Manganese

A mineral that can give soil a brown or black color when present in sufficient amounts.

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Soil Survey Classification

Soil surveys are categorized based on the extent and depth of the field examination.

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What is included in a Soil Survey Report?

These reports provide a comprehensive analysis of soils within a specific area. They include detailed maps, soil descriptions, and information about soil management.

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Detailed Soil Maps - Purpose

Detailed soil maps are used for specific areas and provide information about the exact soil types and their characteristics.

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General Soil Maps - Purpose

General soil maps are suitable for broad planning purposes like comparing the suitability of large areas for land use.

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General Soil Maps - Limitations

General soil maps are not suitable for planning individual farms, fields, or selecting sites for structures because of their smaller scale.

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Detailed Soil Maps - Information

Detailed soil maps give specific information about the soil types and their properties in a particular area.

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Soil Map Legend - Purpose

The soil map legend explains the symbols used to represent different soil types on the maps.

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Classification of Soils Section

The Classification of Soils section provides detailed descriptions of specific soil series, including their characteristics and origins.

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Lime's Impact on Soil

The application of lime improves soil conditions by increasing calcium availability, reducing acidity, and raising soil pH.

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Lime and Microorganisms

Lime promotes the growth and diversity of microorganisms in the soil, leading to increased decomposition of organic matter and nutrient release.

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Conifer Needle Litter

Coniferous trees produce needles that are slow to decompose due to their low nutrient content and resistance to breakdown.

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Conifer Litter Acidity

The decomposition of conifer needles produces acidic byproducts which create an unfavorable environment for many soil organisms.

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Acidic Soil Leaching

The acidic environment produced by conifer litter accelerates the breakdown of soil minerals, leading to the leaching of nutrients and other essential elements.

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Hardwood Litter Decomposition

Hardwood litter is more easily decomposed than conifer litter due to its higher nutrient content and ability to be broken down by soil organisms.

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Hardwood Humus Formation

The decomposition of hardwood litter creates a rich humus layer, which is a mixture of organic matter and mineral material, leading to fertile soil.

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Nutrient Cycling

The cycling of nutrients from deep roots to the vegetation and back to the soil surface through leaf litter helps to counteract nutrient loss from leaching.

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Class IV Soils

These soils are the most limiting, restricting plant choices and requiring careful management. They have very severe limitations that significantly affect plant growth and require intensive conservation practices.

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Class III Soils

Soils in this class have severe limitations that restrict the choices of plants or require special conservation practices, or both.

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Class II Soils

These soils have moderate limitations, but only one needs to be present for classification. They can still produce crops but require additional practices to ensure sustainability.

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Class I Soils

These soils have few limitations and are the most productive, requiring minimal input and care.

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Permeability

This refers to how easily water moves through the soil. A slow permeability means water drains slowly, leading to potential waterlogging.

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Available Water Capacity

This refers to the amount of water the soil can hold. A low available water capacity indicates that the soil cannot retain much water, potentially leading to dryness.

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Soil Depth

This refers to the depth of soil from the surface to bedrock or a layer that restricts root growth. A shallow soil may have a limited rooting zone, potentially impacting plant growth.

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Land Slope

This refers to the slope of the land. A steeper slope increases the risk of erosion, impacting soil fertility and plant growth.

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Study Notes

Soils Resource Manual - High School

  • This manual provides information about soil for high school students.
  • It was revised in August 2023 and updated on 8/27/24.
  • It covers five key concepts: Soil Genesis, Soil Ecology, Soil Properties, Soil Classification, and Soil Conservation and Management.

Key Concept 1: Soil Genesis

  • What is Soil?
  • Soil Forming Factors
  • Soil Forming Processes

Key Concept 2: Soil Ecology

  • Nutrient Cycles
  • Energy Transfer
  • Energy Flow
  • Soil Ecosystem

Key Concept 3: Soil Properties

  • Soil Physical Properties
  • Water Movement in Soils
  • Soil Chemical Properties
  • Soil Horizons

Key Concept 4: Soil Classification

  • Soil Surveys
  • Land Capability Classification
  • Applications
  • Soil Recycling

Key Concept 5: Soil Conservation and Management

  • Erosion
  • Problems Facing Farmers
  • Best Management Practices
  • Importance of Soils

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High School Soil Study Guide PDF

Description

Test your knowledge on soil classification with this quiz focused on Class II through Class IV soils and their management practices. Explore crucial aspects like soil depth, drainage issues, and particle sizes that define these classes. Perfect for students studying soil science or environmental management.

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