Soil Composition Basics Quiz

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What is a common characteristic used for the classification of soil profiles?

Number of species in the profile

Thickness of horizons (correct)

Annual rainfall in the region

pH of the soil material

In soil science, what is a hierarchical classification?

A classification based on the chemical composition only

A classification based on the number of horizons in the profile

A classification based on soil color only

A classification where classes form other objects that can be classified further (correct)

What is a major distinction between natural and technical approaches in soil classifications?

Natural approaches focus on soil genesis, technical approaches focus on parent material

Natural approaches group soils based on intrinsic properties, technical approaches do not (correct)

Natural approaches have fewer classification criteria than technical approaches

Natural approaches reference use, technical approaches do not

What is a characteristic that is NOT used for classifying soil profiles according to the text?

Annual temperature range Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about the classification of soil series into reference soil groups?

It is part of a hierarchical classification in soil science Signup and view all the answers

Why are accessory or covarying characteristics important in the classification of objects?

To provide additional information for better categorization Signup and view all the answers

What are the four basic components that make up soil composition?

Minerals, organic matter, air, water Signup and view all the answers

What is one example of natural classification mentioned in the text?

Boreal soils Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT considered one of the five soil forming factors mentioned in the text?

Weathering Signup and view all the answers

Which principle involves organizing soil knowledge based on specific objectives?

Principle of Purpose Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the ideal soil is typically composed of minerals?

45% Signup and view all the answers

Where is the organic matter content usually much lower than 5% according to the text?

Nigeria Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of technical soil classifications?

Properties related to proposed uses Signup and view all the answers

Which classification system groups soils based on their development pathway?

Genetic soil classifications Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors can alter the volume of the pore space in soil?

Water additions through various processes Signup and view all the answers

What component of soil composition is found in the pore spaces between solid soil particles?

Air and water Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of the Principle of Certainty?

Objectivity through diagnostics Signup and view all the answers

Which classification system is specifically mentioned in the text as related to suitability classes?

Land Use Capability Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic composition of silicate minerals in soils?

Si, Al, O2 Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the charge on particles under moderately acid conditions?

Little or no charge Signup and view all the answers

How does the pH affect the charge on colloidal particles?

As pH increases, the negative charge increases Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common element found in the Earth's crust after oxygen?

Silicon Signup and view all the answers

Which process involves the attachment of H+ ions to surface OH groups under more acidic soil conditions?

Protonation Signup and view all the answers

What type of bonding holds Si and Al atoms together with O2 atoms in clays?

Ionic bonding Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of fungi in the soil ecosystem?

Breaking down complex dead organisms and improving water retention Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following microfungi are mentioned as helpful in the preservation of organic materials in the soil?

Cladosporium and Dematium Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic smell associated with actinomycetes in a freshly ploughed field?

Musty or earthy Signup and view all the answers

Which microorganism is particularly abundant in soils rich in decomposed organic materials?

Actinomycetes Signup and view all the answers

How do algae contribute to soil conservation?

Improving soil structure Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following microfungi thrive by having a mutual relationship with plants?

Aspergillus and Penicillium Signup and view all the answers