Yr 10 Soils Unit Test 2023 PDF

Identify two physical characteristics that soil testing can determine. 2. Identify two chemical characteristics that soil testing can determine. 3. Explain what soil pH is a measure of. 4. Identify what a neutral soil pH is. 5. Discuss the implications of high or low pH levels in the soi...

Identify two physical characteristics that soil testing can determine. 2. Identify two chemical characteristics that soil testing can determine. 3. Explain what soil pH is a measure of. 4. Identify what a neutral soil pH is. 5. Discuss the implications of high or low pH levels in the soil. 6. Describe how to test soil pH using a pH test kit. 7. Choose one of the following soil tests and describe the ***Reason*** it is tested and How you can undertake the test: Organic Matter, Water Holding Capacity, Salinity. 8. Texture is determined by the relative proportions of the........................ ,........................ 9. Describe what a ribbon test is and what it is a test of. 10. Explain what soil salinity is. 11. Describe the effect soil salinity has on pasture and crop growth?. 12. Explain how soil salinity develops. 13. Rank the following in order of size (1-4): (2 marks) **Mineral Particle** ---------------------- -- Clay Course Sand Fine Sand Silt 14. Use the texture triangle to identify the proportions 15. of sand, silt and clay in a: (4 marks) a. medium loam b. silty clay loam.................................................................. 16. What texture would a soil with the following be: a. 20% Silt, 50% Sand and 30% Clay b. 40% Sand, 10% Silt and 50% Clay.................................................................. *This following question is what we call "unfamiliar context". There is information that is brand new to you and it requires you to apply your soils knowledge in this new contest. This is why it is a 5 mark question. Take your time. There is no "Right" answer. It's about you showing your soils knowledge by articulating your response to this new context. The more depth the better.* 17. Our Sturt Grove Farm soil has a moderate to good water holding capacity given organic matter content and appropriate clay presence. A recent environmental survey on some of the outer banks of the Gawler River on the Virginia plains in South Australia has revealed a significant increase in soil erosion leading all the way to the banks, largely attributed to recent changes in land use. The original land was grazed pastures and native vegetation. It has developed to more industrialized agriculture from built up hothouses/greenhouses, urban developments and housing complexes. Given the following data about the soil and environmental conditions in the area, assess the potential impacts of this increased soil erosion on overall topsoil health and comment on potential broader environmental health: Soil Composition: Sand: 65% Silt: 20% Clay: 15% Organic Matter: 3% Soil pH: 5.8 Chemical Characteristics: Low Nitrogen Levels Low Phosphorus Moderate Potassium Physical Characteristics: High Water Runoff Potential Mainly bare ground -- no to little vegetative growth. So, analyze how the shift in land use, coupled with the soil\'s physical and chemical properties, could affect the long term topsoil condition, especially in the context of increased soil erosion. Consider not only the impact on the soil but potentially where this soil is running off into the Gawler river. Can you discuss potential long-term environmental consequences? Could you propose any ways to improve the soil health in the area? Is it achievable to keep the industialised ag enterprises and urban developments AND improve the soil? (5 Marks)