Soil Science and Land Use

Description: This quiz covers the fundamental concepts of Soil Science and Land Use, including soil properties, soil classification, soil management practices, and the impact of land use on soil health.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: soil science land use soil properties soil classification soil management
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Which of the following is NOT a primary soil texture class?

  1. Sand

  2. Silt

  3. Clay

  4. Loam


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Loam is a textural class that contains a mixture of sand, silt, and clay in relatively equal proportions. The primary soil texture classes are sand, silt, and clay.

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

  1. Weathering

  2. Erosion

  3. Deposition

  4. Humification


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Weathering is the process by which rocks and minerals are broken down into smaller particles, creating the parent material for soil formation.

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

  1. O Horizon

  2. A Horizon

  3. B Horizon

  4. C Horizon


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The A Horizon, also known as the topsoil, is the uppermost layer of soil and is characterized by the accumulation of organic matter and nutrients, giving it a dark color and fertile texture.

The USDA soil classification system is based on:

  1. Soil texture

  2. Soil structure

  3. Soil color

  4. Soil pH


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The USDA soil classification system primarily uses soil texture, which refers to the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay in the soil, to categorize soils into different classes.

What is the primary role of organic matter in soil?

  1. Nutrient retention

  2. Water holding capacity

  3. Soil structure improvement

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Organic matter plays a crucial role in soil by enhancing nutrient retention, increasing water holding capacity, and improving soil structure, leading to better soil health and productivity.

Which land use practice is most likely to cause soil erosion?

  1. Contour farming

  2. No-till farming

  3. Terracing

  4. Clear-cutting


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Clear-cutting, the practice of removing all trees from a forest area, leaves the soil exposed and vulnerable to erosion by wind and water.

The process of converting forest land to agricultural land is known as:

  1. Deforestation

  2. Reforestation

  3. Afforestation

  4. Agroforestry


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Deforestation refers to the conversion of forest land to non-forest uses, such as agriculture, urbanization, or mining, resulting in the loss of forest cover.

Which soil management practice is effective in reducing soil compaction?

  1. Deep plowing

  2. Crop rotation

  3. Cover cropping

  4. Subsoiling


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Subsoiling is a soil management practice that involves breaking up compacted layers in the subsoil, allowing for better root penetration and water infiltration.

What is the primary cause of soil salinization?

  1. Excessive irrigation

  2. Poor drainage

  3. Deforestation

  4. Overgrazing


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Excessive irrigation, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions, can lead to the accumulation of salts in the soil, resulting in soil salinization and reduced soil productivity.

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of crop rotation in soil management?

  1. Disease and pest control

  2. Nutrient replenishment

  3. Soil erosion reduction

  4. Increased soil acidity


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Crop rotation is a soil management practice that involves growing different crops in a sequence on the same land, providing various benefits such as disease and pest control, nutrient replenishment, and soil erosion reduction. It does not typically lead to increased soil acidity.

What is the term for the process of converting non-agricultural land into agricultural land?

  1. Deforestation

  2. Reforestation

  3. Afforestation

  4. Land reclamation


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Land reclamation refers to the process of converting non-agricultural land, such as deserts, wetlands, or degraded land, into productive agricultural land.

Which of the following is NOT a type of soil structure?

  1. Granular

  2. Prismatic

  3. Platy

  4. Amorphous


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Soil structure refers to the arrangement of soil particles into aggregates. Granular, prismatic, and platy are all types of soil structure, while amorphous is not a recognized soil structure type.

What is the term for the layer of soil that is formed by the accumulation of weathered rock fragments?

  1. O Horizon

  2. A Horizon

  3. B Horizon

  4. C Horizon


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The C Horizon, also known as the subsoil, is the layer of soil that is formed by the accumulation of weathered rock fragments and is located beneath the A and B horizons.

Which of the following is NOT a macronutrient required by plants?

  1. Nitrogen

  2. Phosphorus

  3. Potassium

  4. Calcium


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are macronutrients required by plants in large quantities for growth and development. Calcium is a secondary nutrient required in smaller amounts.

What is the primary purpose of contour farming?

  1. Soil erosion control

  2. Water conservation

  3. Nutrient management

  4. Pest control


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Contour farming is an agricultural practice that involves farming along the contours of the land, rather than up and down slopes. Its primary purpose is to reduce soil erosion by slowing down the flow of water and preventing the formation of gullies.

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