Soil Science and Plant Nutrition

Question 1

The unconsolidated mineral or organic matter on the immediate surface of the earth that serves as the natural medium for the growth of land plants

Answer 1

soil

Question 2

Distinct layers in a vertical arrangement soil profile. Examples include O (organic litter layer), A (topsoil), B (subsoil).

Answer 2

soil horizon

Question 3

It is determined by the relative amount (percentage) of the mineral particles of sand, silt, and clay.

Answer 3

soil texture

Question 4

The arrangement of soil particles into clusters or aggregates called peds

Answer 4

soil structure

Question 5

Elements required for proper plant growth and reproduction.

Answer 5

macronutrients and micronutrients are

Question 6

The movement of ions between charged clay and humus and the water in the soil. This forms the basis for plant uptake of nutrients and soil fertility management.

Answer 6

ion exchange

Question 7

An important component of soil that is composed of previously living plants, animals, or materials synthesized or secreted by them. It plays a key role in water and nutrient relationships between soil and plants.

Answer 7

organic matter

Question 8

The process of microbes converting the nitrogen from the atmosphere to a form usable by plants. It is often carried out by bacteria in an association with specific plants called legumes.

Answer 8

nitrogen fixation

Question 9

The area of soil immediately surrounding the root system where numerous plant-microbe interactions take place.

Answer 9

rhizosphere

Question 10

Name three common aspects of soil that will guide the discussion in this chapter.
A. Sand, silt, and clay
B. Physical, biological, chemical
C. Organic, inorganic, natural
D. Solid, liquid, gas

Answer 10

B.

Question 11

Soil texture is determined by
A. the relative amounts of sand, silt, and clay
B. landscape position, rate of replenishment, and topography
C. Crop residues, manure cover, and soil slope
D. The pH level of the soil

Answer 11

A.

Question 12

List some key characteristics of sandy textural groups

Answer 12

feels gritty, will not form a ribbon, a ball will easily fall apart when handled

Question 13

List some key characterizes of loamy textural groups

Answer 13

forms a short ribbon that breaks easily, sticky when wet, no shiny surface when smoothed

Question 14

List some key characteristics of clay textural groups

Answer 14

easily forms a ribbon, leaves a shiny surface when smoothed, very sticky when wet

Question 15

What would be a common type of soil structure found in Tennessee?

Answer 15

granular

Question 16

Would you expect soils to be deeper on a hilltop or hillside? Why?

Answer 16

Hilltop because slopes lose soil with erosion

Question 17

Would you expect more clear soil horizons on a hilltop or a floodplain? Why?

Answer 17

Hilltop because floodplain soils developed through recent stream action

Question 18

What two components of soil provide charges that support the cation exchange capacity (CEC) of soil?

Answer 18

Clay and humus

Question 19

Plants need 17 nutrient elements for optimum growth and productivity. Name the 3 that are obtained from air and water.

Answer 19

Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen

Question 20

What are the three primary nutrients required in larger amounts by plants?
A. nitrogen, phosphorus, manganese
B. nitrogen, potassium, calcium
C. nitrogen, zinc, nickel
D. nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium

Answer 20

D.

Question 21

What are some reasons why a soil might have a low (acidic) pH?

Answer 21

the soil’s parent material is acidic, exposure to acid rain, rainfall leached away soluble soil calcium

Question 22

What is the term for nitrogen that can be lost (not available for plant uptake) to the environment typically under high rainfall?
A. Leaching
B. Volatilization
C. Mineralization
D. Incorporation

Answer 22

A.

Question 23

What is one nutrient that is known to be more available to plants with mycorrhizal associations?
A. Boron
B. Potassium
C. Calcium
D. Phosphorus

Answer 23

D.

Question 24

Your plant could be deficient in what nutrient(s) if the leaves are yellowing from the bottom up? Is that nutrient mobile or immobile in plants?

Answer 24

calcium, mobile; magnesium, mobile

Question 24

Name 3 important roles of soil pores

Answer 24

affects access to water and nutrients by the roots; influences environmental factors including runoff, water infiltration, and water holding; supports living organisms in the soil

Question 24

Your plant could be deficient in what nutrient(s) if there is chlorosis (yellowing) between the veins of the young leaves? That nutrient mobile or immobile in plants?

Answer 24

iron, immobile; manganese, immobile