SOILS210 Soil Classification Chapter 3

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Questions and Answers

What is the definition of soil according to the Canadian System of Soil Classification?

Any mineral present at any depth in the earth.

Material at least 10 cm thick that can support plant growth. (correct)

The organic matter that does not support plant growth.

A solid rock layer beneath the earth's surface.

Which of the following best describes a pedon?

A large area of land with homogeneous soil properties.

The smallest sampling unit displaying a variety of soil properties. (correct)

A type of organic soil found in wetland regions.

The average soil profile across multiple landscapes.

How does the concept of polypedon relate to soils?

It is a larger sampling unit that includes several pedons. (correct)

It classifies soils based on their mineral composition.

It describes the surface characteristics of a single soil type.

It refers to multiple soil layers stacked on top of each other.

What do the gradual changes in soil properties across a landscape imply?

Soil properties transition smoothly from one type to another. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of soil according to the definition provided?

It should consist solely of organic material. Signup and view all the answers

Which organics soil type is characterized by having a prevailing organic matter decomposition level of 1-4 Von Post?

Fibrisol Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum total depth for mineral layers to exist between organic layers?

40 cm Signup and view all the answers

Which tier of organic soils extends from 0 to 40 cm?

Surface Tier Signup and view all the answers

What indicates the Great groups classification in organic soils when no mineral soil or rock is present in the top 160 cm?

Middle Tier and Surface Tier Signup and view all the answers

What organic soil type has a composition characterized by rubbed fiber less than 10% and a decomposition level of 7-8 Von Post?

Humisol Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a sub-group of Mesisol?

Limnic Mesisol Signup and view all the answers

Which organic soil category is defined by surface folic deposits greater than 40 cm?

Folisol Signup and view all the answers

Which test measures organic matter fiber content crucial for determining organic soil classification?

Fiber rub test Signup and view all the answers

What type of soil is characterized by containing organic materials and often occurs in disturbed layers?

Anthroposol Signup and view all the answers

In the classification of Anthroposol, what does the suffix 'w' signify?

Waste Signup and view all the answers

Which class of Anthroposols contains materials that are 10% or more by volume?

Technic Signup and view all the answers

What is the critical percentage of organic carbon that qualifies a soil as Carbic Anthroposol?

17% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about Anthroposol classification is incorrect?

Carbic Anthroposol contains less than 17% organic matter. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic distinguishes the Bt horizon in Luvisol?

Illuvial horizon enriched in phyllosilicate clay Signup and view all the answers

Which type of vegetation is commonly associated with Podzol soils?

Conifers and mixed forests Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'illuvium' refer to in the context of Luvisol?

Material deposited after leaching Signup and view all the answers

In Podzol classification, what does a Humic classification indicate?

Organic C content greater than 1% Signup and view all the answers

Which climatic conditions are typical of Podzol soils?

Cool to very cold, humid to perhumid Signup and view all the answers

What feature characterizes the texture of Podzol soils?

Silty feel when rubbed wet Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the drainage characteristics of Luvisol?

Well to imperfectly drained Signup and view all the answers

What is a common parent material associated with Luvisol?

Calcareous parent material Signup and view all the answers

What is the moisture condition typically associated with Luvisol?

Humid to perhumid Signup and view all the answers

Which classification indicates the presence of cemented layers in Podzol soils?

Placic Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Vertic Solonetz from Solonetz?

Distinct AB or BA horizon Signup and view all the answers

What type of climate do Solonetz typically develop in?

Semi-arid to subhumid Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is NOT associated with Solonetz soils?

Thick A horizon Signup and view all the answers

Which subgroup classification indicates a dark-colored Solonetz?

Black Gleyed Solonetz Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily found in Solonetz soils regarding vegetation?

Mainly grasses and forbs Signup and view all the answers

What feature is indicative of the Solodized Solonetz?

Columnar B horizon Signup and view all the answers

Solonetz soils are primarily associated with which topographical region?

Interior Plains Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following variants is NOT a recognized color for Solonetz soil?

Gleyed Light Brown Signup and view all the answers

What is a common result of solodization in Solonetz soils?

Increased soil salinity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a feature commonly found in Solonetz soils?

Uniform salinity Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Soil Classification Overview

Soil is defined as naturally occurring, unconsolidated mineral or organic material at least 10 cm thick that supports plant growth.
A pedon is the smallest sampling unit representing the full range of properties of a specific soil.
A polypedon is a group of similar pedons across a landscape.

Organic Soil Types

Fibrisols: Characterized by Fibric material, typically found in the Surface or Middle Tier.
Mesosols: Comprised mainly of Mesic material, present in the Surface or Middle Tier.
Humisols: Mainly contain Sapric material, found in the Surface or Middle Tier.
Folisols: Diagnostic horizons consist of L, F, and H layers, typically more than 40 cm deep.

Soil Horizons

Organic soil layers are categorized into three tiers:
- Surface Tier: 0 – 40 cm
- Middle Tier: 40 – 120 cm
- Bottom Tier: 120 – 160 cm

Podzol Characteristics

Found in cool, humid climates with forest vegetation.
Diagnostic horizons feature a well-developed Bt horizon with illuviated clay.
Often presents brown to black coatings on mineral grains and can have cemented layers.

Luvisol Characteristics

Diagnostic horizon is the Bt horizon, indicative of clay enrichment.
Usually found in subhumid to humid climates, often under forest cover.
Regularly has calcareous parent material and can contain a non-Chernozemic Ah horizon.

Solonetz Soil Type

Classified into Solodized Solonetz, Solonetz, and Vertic Solonetz based on the properties of the Ae horizon.
Typically found in semi-arid to sub-humid climates, mainly covered in grasses and forbs.
Uniformly salinized sites with deflocculation of Na-saturated colloids.

Anthroposols

Soils significantly modified by human activities such as mining.
Classified into categories based on material composition (e.g., Technic, Spolic, Carbic) and organic carbon content.
Disturbed layers can include various materials like waste and hydrocarbons.

General Notes

Soil characteristics such as thickness, color, and texture gradually change across landscapes.
Soil maps depict boundaries, although soil transitions are often gradual.
Control sections are essential in determining great groups and indicate soil composition and classification.

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Description

Dive into the fascinating world of soil classification in Chapter 3 of SOILS210. This quiz covers key concepts such as pedon, polypedon, and the characteristics of various soil orders. Test your understanding of soil taxonomy and enhance your knowledge in this critical subject.