Soils

Question 1

This is the medium in which plants grow

Answer 1

soil

Question 2

What does soil provide for plants?

Answer 2

physical support, air, nutrients, water, moderates temperature, and protects from toxins

Question 3

This anchors the plant and provides support

Answer 3

roots

Question 4

How is soil normally made?

Answer 4

the breakdown of the bedrock

Question 5

Where is bedrock found?

Answer 5

beneath the soil

Question 6

When water freezes between rocks it does what?

Answer 6

expands, breaking the rock down

Question 7

This is when organic materials breakdown and provide nutrients for the soil

Answer 7

decomposition

Question 8

How many years can it take to develop a soil that is capable for supporting plant and animal communities?

Answer 8

thousands

Question 9

A soil rich in organic matter is what color?

Answer 9

very dark

Question 10

Reddish and brown soils indicate what?

Answer 10

high in iron oxides or rust

Question 11

What minerals make soils appear white?

Answer 11

quartz, gypsum and calcium carbonates

Question 12

What are four classifications of soil?

Answer 12

gravel, sand, silt, and clay

Question 13

What classifications of soils are better at holding water?

Answer 13

silt and clay

Question 14

The vertical layering of soil is known as what?

Answer 14

soil profile

Question 15

Each layer of a soil profile is known as what?

Answer 15

horizon

Question 16

Surface layer- Organic Materials- needles, twigs, and leaves

Answer 16

O horizon

Question 17

Known as topsoil-Rich in organic materials

Answer 17

A Horizon

Question 18

Called subsoil-Limited organic matter

Answer 18

B Horizon

Question 19

Lies beneath subsoil-Low biological diversity

Answer 19

C Horizon

Question 20

Known as bedrock or parent material

Answer 20

R Horizon