Soil Indicators and Soil Health

Which of the following is NOT a physical indicator of soil health?

Infiltration rate
Microbial biomass C
pH (correct)
Soil structure

What is the primary purpose of managing soil quality?

To increase crop yields
To reduce soil erosion
To protect and improve long-term productivity, water quality, and habitats (correct)
To increase soil water holding capacity

Which of the following is an indicator of soil biological health?

Bulk density
Water holding capacity
Microbial biomass C (correct)
Electrical conductivity

What is the result of regular additions of organic matter on soil quality?

Linked to many aspects of soil quality (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a chemical indicator of soil health?

Soil structure (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between soil quality and crop productivity?

Soil quality is an estimate of crop productivity potential (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of assessing the effect of existing land management practices?

To identify areas for improvement (A) Signup and view all the answers

How many components of soil quality management are recommended for agricultural land?

6 (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of managing soil quality?

To ensure sustainability for future generations (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of soil that supports plant growth?

Its loose and transformed mineral composition (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor influencing the development of soil properties over time?

Interactions between all of the above (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of evaluating soil quality parameters?

To monitor changes in soil quality over time (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of sustained biological productivity?

Reduced soil organic matter (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consideration for consumers when evaluating soil quality?

Plentiful and inexpensive food (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of soil quality assessment?

To manage soil so that it functions optimally now and in the future (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of soil?

Liquid composition (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a major benefit of organic matter in soil, in addition to improving nutrient availability?

Increasing water holding capacity (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential negative consequence of excessive tillage on soil?

Triggering excessive organic matter degradation (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential environmental consequence of mismanaged fertilizer use?

Pollution of water and air (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of increasing ground cover on soil?

Protecting soil from erosion and crusting (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of increasing plant diversity in soil?

Controlling pest populations (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of soil compaction caused by excessive tillage?

Reduced soil water holding capacity (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of using cover crops and surface residue on soil?

Improving soil water availability (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of misapplied or overapplied manure and other organic matter on soil?