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Soil Formation and Classification

Description: Test your knowledge on the process of soil formation and the various factors that influence it. Explore the different soil classification systems and their significance in agriculture and environmental studies.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: soil science soil formation soil classification pedology
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Which of the following is NOT a factor influencing soil formation?

  1. Climate

  2. Parent material

  3. Topography

  4. Human activity


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Human activity is not a natural factor that influences soil formation. It is an external factor that can modify the soil properties and characteristics.

The process of soil formation from parent material is known as:

  1. Weathering

  2. Erosion

  3. Deposition

  4. Leaching


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Weathering is the process of breaking down and altering the parent material into smaller particles and minerals, which eventually form soil.

Which soil horizon is characterized by the accumulation of organic matter and nutrients?

  1. A horizon

  2. B horizon

  3. C horizon

  4. R horizon


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The A horizon, also known as the topsoil, is the uppermost layer of the soil profile and is characterized by the accumulation of organic matter, nutrients, and microorganisms.

The process of water moving through the soil profile and carrying dissolved minerals and nutrients is called:

  1. Leaching

  2. Percolation

  3. Evaporation

  4. Transpiration


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Leaching is the process of water moving through the soil profile and carrying dissolved minerals and nutrients, which can result in the loss of essential elements from the soil.

Which soil classification system is widely used in the United States?

  1. USDA Soil Taxonomy

  2. FAO Soil Classification System

  3. World Reference Base for Soil Resources

  4. Canadian System of Soil Classification


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The USDA Soil Taxonomy is the soil classification system developed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and is widely used in the United States for soil surveys and land management.

The soil texture is primarily determined by the relative proportions of:

  1. Sand

  2. Silt

  3. Clay

  4. Organic matter


Correct Option:
Explanation:

Soil texture is determined by the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay particles in the soil. Organic matter content can also influence soil texture, but it is not a primary determinant.

Which soil structure is characterized by the formation of distinct, blocky or angular aggregates?

  1. Prismatic

  2. Columnar

  3. Granular

  4. Platy


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Prismatic soil structure is characterized by the formation of distinct, blocky or angular aggregates that are separated by vertical cracks or planes of weakness.

The process of soil erosion by wind is known as:

  1. Wind erosion

  2. Water erosion

  3. Rill erosion

  4. Gully erosion


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Wind erosion is the process of soil erosion caused by the action of wind, which can transport soil particles and cause significant land degradation.

Which soil horizon is characterized by the accumulation of clay minerals and other fine particles?

  1. A horizon

  2. B horizon

  3. C horizon

  4. R horizon


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The B horizon, also known as the subsoil, is characterized by the accumulation of clay minerals and other fine particles, which are transported from the A horizon by water movement.

The process of soil formation from organic matter is known as:

  1. Humification

  2. Mineralization

  3. Nitrification

  4. Denitrification


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Humification is the process of soil formation from organic matter, which involves the decomposition and transformation of plant and animal residues into humus, a dark, organic-rich material.

Which soil classification system is based on the concept of soil orders?

  1. USDA Soil Taxonomy

  2. FAO Soil Classification System

  3. World Reference Base for Soil Resources

  4. Canadian System of Soil Classification


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The USDA Soil Taxonomy is based on the concept of soil orders, which are the highest level of classification and are defined by the presence of diagnostic horizons or other soil characteristics.

The process of soil erosion by water is known as:

  1. Water erosion

  2. Wind erosion

  3. Rill erosion

  4. Gully erosion


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Water erosion is the process of soil erosion caused by the action of water, which can transport soil particles and cause significant land degradation.

Which soil horizon is characterized by the presence of bedrock or other hard material?

  1. A horizon

  2. B horizon

  3. C horizon

  4. R horizon


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The R horizon, also known as the bedrock horizon, is characterized by the presence of bedrock or other hard material that is resistant to weathering and soil formation.

The process of soil formation from volcanic ash is known as:

  1. Andosolization

  2. Podzolization

  3. Laterization

  4. Salinization


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Andosolization is the process of soil formation from volcanic ash, which results in the development of soils with high organic matter content, dark color, and unique physical and chemical properties.

Which soil classification system is based on the concept of soil groups?

  1. USDA Soil Taxonomy

  2. FAO Soil Classification System

  3. World Reference Base for Soil Resources

  4. Canadian System of Soil Classification


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The FAO Soil Classification System is based on the concept of soil groups, which are defined by a combination of soil properties and characteristics.

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