Week 1 And 2

Question 1

How are soils formed?

Answer 1

Weathering, additions, translocation,transformation, losses

Question 2

What is translocation

Answer 2

Particles and minerals move down within the profile (earthquakes)

Question 3

What is transformation

Answer 3

Minerals are changed (adding fertilizer)

Question 4

What is the state soil of CA

Answer 4

San Joaquin series

Question 5

What are the 4 major components of soil materials?

Answer 5

mineral matter,organic matter, water, and air

Question 6

What is mineral matter?

Answer 6

Composed of large and small particles, occupies 40-60% of soil volume

Question 7

What is organic matter ?

Answer 7

Derived from remains of dead plants and animals, it is dark brown and occurs mostly in the surface of soil. 1-5% of dry mass soil

Question 8

Soil as a medium of plant growth includes:

Answer 8

Physical support, Air regulation, water movement, temp moderation, protection from toxins,supplies essential nutrients

Question 9

How does soil help with air regulation?

Answer 9

Soil pores allow CO2 to escape and oxygen to enter the root during respiration. Good drainage also helps

Question 10

How is temperature moderated in soil?

Answer 10

The soil provides insulation and it protects deeper roots from extreme hot or cold conditions that occur at the surface

Question 11

How does the soil offer protection from toxins?

Answer 11

The soil helps in decomposing and adsorbing organic toxins and provides ventilation for toxic gases

Question 12

What is soil fertility?

Answer 12

The ability for soil to supply essential nutrients for plant growth when temp and other conditions are favorable

Question 13

What is soil productivity?

Answer 13

Ability for the soil to produce a certain amount of yield crops under management

Question 14

What is the O horizon?

Answer 14

Organic material, formed by fallen plants and animals. Undergoes varying physical and biological processes. Dark in color

Question 15

What is the A horizon?

Answer 15

Also known as the top soil, and it has a friable consistency and is the region for root activity. 20-25 cm deep

Question 16

What is the B horizon?

Answer 16

Also known as the ILLUVIAL and subsoil. It is formed below the E horizon and it is the zone for accumulation. It has the highest clay content among other horizons

Question 17

What is the C horizon?

Answer 17

Aka the Parent Material. It is less weathered, does not have soil structure, and it is likely rock material that can also contain partially disintegrated parent material transported by wind or water

Question 18

What is the E horizon?

Answer 18

Also known as the ELUVIAL horizon. It is the zone of removal and has a light color or bleached appearance. It contains dissolved minerals and clay, and it has a lot of iron

Question 19

What does physical support do for plant growth?

Answer 19

Provides physical support by anchoring the root system. Deep soil provides better support

Question 20

What does water movement do for plant growth?

Answer 20

Deep soils store enough water to allow plants to survive longer during the drought conditions

Question 21

True or false: higher organic matter in soil=more water compared to low organic matter

Answer 21

True