Soil Science

Question 1

Soil w relatively low levels of soluble salts and a concentration of sodium high enough to adversly affect soil structure (waterlogging or crusting).

Soils>12 SAR (sodium absorption ratio)

Answer 1

Sodic soil

Question 2

Relative firmness or courseness of a soil due to particle size (sand/silt/clay)

Answer 2

Soil texture

Question 3

A vertical section through the soil and all of the soil horizons.

Answer 3

Soil profile

Question 4

The ability of a soil to absorb and hold cations. Affected by soil pH. Measures fertility, composition and engineering characteristics.

Answer 4

Cation exchange capacity (CEC)

Question 5

Water held in the capillary pores of the soil; can move in any direction and available to roots.

Answer 5

Capillary water

Question 6

1) soil particles less than .004 mm

Answer 6

Clay

Question 7

A layer of soil w/in the soil profile.

Answer 7

Horizon

Question 8

A unit of measure that desvribes the alkalinty or acidity of a soluntion. Scale of 0-14

Greater than 7 = alkaline
Less than 7 = acidic
7= neutral

Answer 8

PH

Question 9

Symbiotic association between certain fungi and the roots of a plant.

Answer 9

Mycorrhizae