1: The Soils Around Us

Question 1

4 Components of the Pedosphere

Answer 1

Atmosphere, Biosphere, Lithosphere, Hydrosphere

Question 2

6 Master Horizons (in order)

Answer 2

O, A, E, B, C, R

Question 3

The pH of soil is determined by the concentration of which two ions?

Answer 3

H(+) and OH(-)

Question 4

Leaching:

Answer 4

the process of draining away from soil by the action of percolating liquid; such as rainwater.

Question 5

4 Soil Components

Answer 5

Air, Water, Minerals, Organic Matter

Question 6

What measures soil charge?

Answer 6

Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC)

Question 7

Roles of Soils

Answer 7

• Medium for plant growth
• Recycling for nutrients/organic wastes
• Atmosphere modifier
• Habitat
• Engineering medium
• Water supply and purification system

Question 8

Solids in soil:

Answer 8

Primary and secondary minerals; organic matter

Question 9

Liquids in soil:

Answer 9

Water with soluble/available elements

Question 10

Air in soil:

Answer 10

Mix of gases; more CO2 and less O2

Question 11

What is the largest soil component?

Answer 11

Minerals

Question 12

What is the smallest soil component?

Answer 12

Organic matter

Question 13

Mineral Constituents (smallest to largest)

Answer 13

clay, silt, sand

Question 14

Is soil water acidic or basic with a higher concentration of H(+)?

Answer 14

Acidic ( < 7.0 pH)

Question 15

Macronutrients from air and water:

Answer 15

Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen

Question 16

Macronutrients from solids (cations):

Answer 16

Calcium, Magnesium, Nitrogen, Potassium

Question 17

Macronutrients from solids (anions):

Answer 17

Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Sulfur, Silicon

Question 18

Cation Micronutrients (7):

Answer 18

Copper, Cobalt, Iron, Manganese, Nickel, Sodium, Zinc

Question 19

Anion Micronutrients (3):

Answer 19

Boron, Chlorine, Molybdenum

Question 20

True/False: Humus is highly charged.

Answer 20

True